No. 123.] REPORT OF COMMISSIONER. 11 



The Division of Fairs is bringing about a much greater 

 efficiency in the conduct of agricultural fairs and greater en- 

 couragement to agriculture as a result of it. 



The Division of Animal Husbandry is assisting in many 

 ways to improve the large number of pure-bred dairy animals, 

 of which the State has many outstanding herds. 



European Corn Borer. 

 The European corn borer has increased in numbers and 

 damage in the State to an alarming extent. It appears to 

 become a menace to our farming, which may result in enor- 

 mous financial loss. The presence of this insect in great num- 

 bers on the eastern border of the United States also presents a 

 possible national menace. If this dangerous insect should 

 spread from this State to the great corn and cotton belts it 

 will be difficult for one's imagination to estimate the amount 

 of damage which will result. This is a serious State and 

 National problem. I recommend legislation which will assist to 

 keep it down by means of requiring all corn growers in the 

 quarantine area to plow their fields properly in the fall or to 

 rake and burn the corn stubble. It is expected that this will 

 help materially in keeping this pest in check. I do not believe 

 that we can expect to eradicate it — at least, not until its 

 parasites have been developed in sufficient quantities to do this. 

 It may be necessary for the Commonwealth to make large 

 appropriations to assist in cleaning up areas badly infested, 

 to save the market-garden and farming industry from very 

 serious damage. We are aware, also, of its national danger, 

 and have called attention to the members of Congress, Gov- 

 ernors and commissioners of agriculture in other States, with 

 the urgent request that Federal appropriations and assistance 

 be made available to keep this insect in what is now a relatively 

 small territory. 



Respectfully submitted, 



A. W. GILBERT, 



Cotmnissioner. 



