382 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



of the adverse criticism so common at that time. It has not 

 been a pleasant duty to be compelled to differ with town 

 authorities now and then, but it is fair to say that these differ- 

 ences are in these later days amicably adjusted, as there is a 

 better and more wholesome understanding of the aims and pur- 

 poses of the work. 



It was due to the confidence in and ability of the local moth 

 superintendents in our various cities and towns that it was 

 possible to dispense with the office of inspector in this depart- 

 ment during the present year. A few years ago it was necessary 

 to have a force of 54 men in the general supervision of the 

 moth work; this same work is now carried on by 15 men. 

 Better equipment and modern transportation facilities, together 

 with experienced superintendents already alluded to, have made 

 this possible. 



Fifty more high-power sprayers were purchased by cities, 

 towns and private parties last spring. These, together with 

 the equipment already on hand, have increased our efficiency 

 very much. As has been emphasized heretofore it is necessary 

 to have tools to work with to get work done. Occasionally a 

 town finds it easier to contract its work out rather than go to 

 the expense of equipment of its own, but invariably it pays out 

 more and gets less done. A local superintendent who has a 

 power sprayer feels it incumbent upon him to properly care 

 for the public trees, while invariably citizens apply to him to 

 have their private estates sprayed. This private work pays for 

 itself and indirectly is of equal benefit to the town or city, 

 besides giving employment to labor for a longer period, which 

 guarantees a better quality. 



It is estimated that full}' 500 tons of arsenate of lead were 

 used during the season. 



At stripping time each of the division men made a careful 

 survey of the forest lands thus infested, and submitted a list 

 to the office, — the number of acres stripped, their location, 

 together with the owner's address. Later printed notices 

 were sent to each of the property holders offering advice. This 

 information has resulted in splendid co-operation, and much 

 practical work is now under way. 



The division men are endeavoring to get some real object- 



