3G4 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



during the time these insects are in the caterpilhir stage, all 

 the trees burlapped during the same time and the caterpillars 

 gathered under them destroyed daily, we can see at once, 

 without making a closer estimate, that the annual expense to 

 cities and towns in the metropolitan district, one-half of 

 which would have to be paid by the city of Boston alone, 

 would be far greater than would be the case if the policy of 

 extermination should be pursued. 



From the facts and figures given above it will be readily 

 seen that the policy of extermination, with tlie full amounts 

 called for each year by the committee, is the wisest and most 

 economical course that can possibly be pursued ; and that 

 the policy of merely holding the insect in check will inevi- 

 tably end in the abandonment of the work by the State, and 

 the expense of destroying this insect will fall upon every 

 land owner, every householder, if he has any trees or shrulis 

 on his premises, and even on every tax payer, who will have 

 to pay his part towards the expense of fighting this insect in 

 the public parks and gi'ounc\s of the city or town in which 

 he resides. 



Respectfully submitted, 



C. H. FERNALD. 



