No. 4.] THE GYPSY MOTH. 849 



exterminate all these colonies simultaneously. In the fall 

 of 1897, as in previous years, much work had to be left un- 

 done, in order that the most dangerous colonies might be 

 looked to. To do the required work in the Middlesex Fells, 

 it was necessary to neglect for two months all the outer and 

 intermediate colonies in two-thirds of the infested region. 

 It will require a large sum of money to thoroughly inspect 

 these colonies, and destroy, before hatching time, the few 

 egg-clusters still remaining there. To do the required work 

 in the generally infested central woodland and residential 

 territory in Medford, Melrose, Maiden, Everett and Saugus, 

 with portions of contiguous towns, will cost a larger sum 

 than has hitherto been used in any year in the entire infested 

 territory. 



7. The moth, within the last three years, has shown 

 alarming evidence of increased vigor and fertility, and has 

 suffered little perceptible check from its parasitic or other 

 natural enemies. Unless the moth is stamped out promptly, 

 circumstances favorable to its still further increase may arise. 



8. The discovery within the last two years of three colo- 

 nies of the moth outside of what has been known as the in- 

 fested region, emphasizes the necessity of another and more 

 thorough examination of all the towns bordering upon it. 

 If an undiscovered extra limital colony has already become 

 established near the infested region, a thorough examination 

 of a belt, two towns wide, outside the boundary of known 

 infestation, would bring it to light. Such an inspection, 

 covering the greater part of 1898 and the two following 

 years, ought to be made. Its cost would be heavy. 



Conclusion. 

 If, through further reduced and delayed appropriations, 

 the moths in the central woodlands should be allowed to 

 increase in numbers and spread over more territory, even 

 though they might be so well held in check there as for a time 

 to do no appreciable injury, it would be but a few years 

 before the annual cost of exterminative work in the woods 

 alone would be greater than all the money heretofore ex- 

 pended in the entire region. It must be borne in mind, too, 

 that, if the central woods are now to be cleared, the residen- 

 tial parts of the towns and cities immediately adjoining these 



