THE GYPSY MOTH IN MASSACHUSETTS. 



179 



izing sense of the gypsy moth's power for 

 harm. Shade trees, orchards and wood- 

 lands were defoliated, often in a night. 

 The caterpillars swarmed along the fences 



plies were polluted by the caterpillars, and 

 the value of real estate in the infested dis- 

 trict depreciated to a noticeable degree. 

 Finding themselves unable to cope with the 



EMPLOYEES OF THE MASSACHUSETTS BOARD OF AGRICULTURE DESTROYING THE GYPSY 



MOTH, ON -THE DEXTER ELM. 



At Maiden, Mass., July n, 1899. 



and even into houses. People going to 

 take the early trains were obliged to carry 

 umbrellas to shield themselves from the 

 multitudes of falling insects. Water sup- 



pest, and learning its identity, the citizens 

 of Medford appealed to the town for aid. 

 At a special town meeting, held July 15, 

 1889, an appropriation of $300 was made 



