No. 4.] REPORT OF STATE FORESTER. 383 



lessons established in their respective territories which, once 

 accomplished, will serve an excellent purpose by way of in- 

 struction. 



The parasites and the two diseases used in suppression work 

 are certainly pleasing factors and give great encouragement. 

 (See Dr. L. O. Howard's report on parasites and their work 

 which is printed elsewhere.) The diseases are thoroughly 

 established and are extremely effective. 



The United States government is concentrating its energies 

 on holding the spread, and therefore this perplexing problem is 

 in good hands. A belt across the State, three towns' wide, has 

 been taken over by them, and every precaution is being exer- 

 cised to hold the ground from further advance. This depart- 

 ment is increasing its work in the towns next to those the 

 government is caring for. Most of these towns have relatively 

 low valuations and are largely wooded, and hence are unable 

 to cope with the situation alone. Our strategic points now are 

 to maintain our present ground and, through better methods 

 and the assistance of diseases, parasites and forestry practices, 

 eventually to hold them under subjection. It is no time, how- 

 ever, for us to lessen our earnestness. The government. State 

 and town forces are all working harmoniously together, and it 

 is believed each year will show improved conditions. 



Private Property Work and the Moth Superintendent. 



The effective work accomplished by local moth superintend- 

 ents last year on private property which is self-supporting has 

 continued in increasing interest and public approval. The ideal 

 town is one with a hustling, broad-minded moth superintendent, 

 who is given full charge of the care of the trees and in whom 

 everybody has confidence. Such an official should be employed 

 by the year and his whole time given to the work. If the 

 oflBce of tree warden were an appointive one, the combination 

 of the two positions would be ideal; here is one of our present 

 difficulties, but in time this problem will settle itself. The 

 position of city forester solves the question for the cities. 



The moth superintendent, through the opportunities offered 

 on private property, can plan his work accordingly and enlarge 

 his usefulness to the town. The more private work there is 



