246 BOAIU) OF AGRICULTURE. [Pul). l)„c. 



prevalent even at present, it only remains for the casual observer 

 to predict what we may be able to accomplish in Massachusetts. 



The various lines of work in this department have been ex- 

 plained quite fully in past reports, and it is necessary only to state 

 that the work throughout the year has even surpassed any other. 

 The requests for examinations and advice have been far in excess 

 of our ability to meet them with our present force. Forestry 

 literature has been in great demand, and several bulletins have 

 been revised and reprinted, besides much new material sent out. 

 Lectures and demonstrations have been constantly requested, and 

 as many given as conditions would permit. Forest laws and fire- 

 warning posters have been posted fully by our wardens throughout 

 the State. 



Towns generally are awakening to the necessity of being equipped 

 with modern fire-fighting apparatus if they are to encourage 

 forestry in their midst. The towns with a valuation of $1,500,000 

 or less are taking advantage of the State's offer of assistance, and 

 it is predicted that the usual appropriation by the State of $5,000 

 will be utilized immediately following the spring town meetings. 

 As usual, those towns with equipment and organization have kept 

 forest fires under control, while other towns have suffered. 



The work of reforestation continues as popular as ever, and 

 I am convinced that if the Legislature could see its way clearly 

 to enlarge greatly the present appropriation for this work, we 

 could readily plant many times our present annual acreage. Our 

 reforestation act is unique and is proving a success. The work in 

 this line wull be far better appreciated in a few years, when the 

 young trees have grown to a more desirable size. 



The gypsy and brown-tail moth work, while still a very perplexing 

 problem, is better understood and more intelligently combated 

 than ever. Our people are finding out that the best way to fight 

 these pests is to take advantage of the advice and assistance that 

 experience has taught us. This office is in a position to advise 

 and assist in this work throughout the infested territory. The 

 division superintendents are men of ripe experience, and the local 

 superintendents are more efficient and in better control of their 

 conditions than ever before. 



If, as we now have reason to believe, it is soon to come to pass 

 that the United States government will take over the parasitic 



