THE PROGRESS OF FORESTRY IN NEW ENGLAND 389 



ties have been imported in vast numbers from Japan and from 

 Europe. These varieties include the Calosoma beetle, a small 

 green beetle, several species of flies, and smaller insects. It is 

 confidently hoped by the experts that in a few years these para- 

 sites will multiply and keep the gipsy and brown-tail moths in 

 check, as has been the case in their native habitat. 



Another form of natural enemy which is giving much encour- 

 agement to those engaged in the work is a fungous disease, 

 Entomophthora, which affects the caterpillar of the brown tail, 

 and in a few days results in its death. Spores are given off from 

 these dead caterpillars, which are blown about by the wind, and 

 infect others so that the disease spreads easily. In May, 1909, 

 another species of Entomophthora, which attacks the gipsy moth, 

 was successfully imported from Japan. There is also a so- 

 called " wilt disease," which attacks the larvae of the gipsy moth. 

 Altogether there certainly seems to be abundant reason to hope 

 that these two insects, the worst forest insects so far imported 

 into America, may be soon controlled, although probably not 

 exterminated, by natural enemies. 



Rhode Island. 



Administration. 



A. — The ofhce of Commissioner of Forestry was created in 

 1906 by Rhode Island, which was the third state in New England 

 to establish such an office. The commissioner ^ is appointed by 

 the governor for a period of three years. The appropriation 

 available is $1500 for salary and expenses. 



Fire Service. 



B. — The town council of every town appoints a town forest 

 fire warden, and in towns having over 4000 acres of woodland 

 two or more district wardens are appointed in the same way. 

 The town and district wardens are paid thirty cents an hour, and 

 employees at fires eighteen cents an hour, and a minimum of five 



^ The commissioner of forestry is J. B. Mowry of Chepachet, R. I. 



