No. 4.] REPORT OF STATE FORESTER. 543 



our best assistants in devouring them. These birds should be 

 encouraged as much as possible. 



There has been much concern in the past about the effect of 

 spraying with arsenate of lead upon bird life, but after a careful 

 study of the subject by Mr. Forbush, the State Ornithologist, 

 he became convinced, as published in his report of 1909, that 

 spraying was a benefit rather than a hindrance to bird life. 

 Where the trees are not sprayed, and defoliation takes place, 

 the birds are the first to leave. Where the foliage is retained 

 by spraying, thus giving shade and protection, here birds are 

 found in large numbers. 



For further information on bird-house construction the 

 reader is referred to Farmers' Bulletin No. 609, United States 

 Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. This bulletin 

 is sent free upon application and is very valuable. 



A new handbook, "The Conservation of our Wild Life," 

 published by the Massachusetts Fish and Game Protective 

 Association, price 35 cents, treats on methods of attracting and 

 increasing our useful birds and the establishment of sanctuaries. 



For detailed information on birds in general, of course the 

 reader is referred to Mr. E. H. F'orbush, the Massachusetts 

 State Ornithologist, Room 136, State House, Boston, Mass. 



The Army Worm Outbreak. 



One of our native insects which at times appears so abun- 

 dantly as to be regarded by the farmer and agriculturist as an 

 extremely dangerous pest, and one against the ravages of 

 which prompt and vigorous action should be taken, is the 

 army worm, Heliophila unipuncta. This insect is found from 

 the Atlantic Ocean to the Rocky Mountains and from Canada 

 to Texas. Fortunately, serious outbreaks of this species are 

 not frec^uent in INIassachusetts. 



Beginning about the middle of July, 1914, the State Fores- 

 ter's office began to receive, through the mail and otherwise, 

 many specimens of this insect sent in by citizens from several 

 sections of the State for identification. The large number of 

 insects thus received, together with the receipt of many letters 

 describing it, made it obvious that the State was suffering from 

 an invasion of the dreaded armv worm. 



