No. 4.] THE GYPSY MOTH. 367 



have thought themselves the wiser, aud, because of their policy, 

 extermination has had to partially give way to temporary expe- 

 dients for holding in check. That was not our fault, and we are 

 not at all responsible for it. No men could have done better 

 work, no methods could have produced so good a result. We 

 are proud of the record, and, under these conditions, more than 

 satisfied with the measure of success. This old Board took the 

 burden unwillingly, and has labored diligently and with self-sacri- 

 fice for the good of agriculture, aud therefore of the Common- 

 wealth. If others can do this work better, give it into their 

 hands at once, and I pledge the support of this Board to aid their 

 every effort to the extent of our ability. We onbj plead for the 

 extermination of this fearful pest ^ for the carrying out of this work 

 to the end. Suppression is gradual exjjansion, — nothing less and 

 nothing more. It may delay for a few years, but its result is as 

 certain as that night follows day. As I have said, this is the 

 broadest, the most far-reaching, the most momentous question 

 before any State Legislature in this country. It is not a question 

 of politics and finance, it is a question of statesmanship and the 

 future welfare of our country. We shall not live to see the blight 

 of this insect stretching through our forest areas from east to west ; 

 but it will come if you decide to abandon the policy of extermination, 

 and nothing can stay its destructive course, once escaped from its 

 present limitations. You do not realize the danger from what 

 you have seen, for our work has been so well done that you must 

 turn back to Medford in 1890 or to the small colony in George- 

 town to appreciate its destructive power. The farmers cannot and 

 will not stay or control this pest. There is only one of two things, 

 — exterminate, or let alone. We have proved to you by intelligent 

 testimony that extermination is possible and assured, if the Legis- 

 lature will not hamper the work. We have shown you that our 

 methods are the only practical methods, and that they will accom- 

 plish the result. We have brought the most intelligent witnesses, 

 from Berkshire to the Cape, to bring to your notice the strong sen- 

 timent of the State, — not farmers alone, but men in other callings 

 with views broad enough to grasp this great question. We realize 

 the importance that will attach to your verdict. We have estab- 

 lished every point. We have confounded every statement of political 

 intrigue. We await your verdict without anxiety. We have done 

 our duty without fear and without reproach, and if you call upon 

 us to lay it down, we shall relinquish it with pleasure ; only, as 



