46 



THE GYPSY MOTH. 



Bradley met with the commissioners. They gave the com- 

 mission such information as they possessed in regard to the 

 habits of the moth, the methods used in controlling it and 

 preventing its spread, its distribution and the extent of terri- 

 tory infested by it. They also outlined on a map the territory 

 known by them to be infested by the moth. (See map.) 

 The director of field work" who was appointed on that day 

 was present and consulted with the commissioners in regard 

 to taking immediate stejos for the eradication of the moth. 



In view of the conflicting opinions expressed in regard to 

 the efiectiveness of spraying as a means of extermination, 

 it was decided to organize at once a force of men, and to 

 destroy as many of the eggs of the gypsy moth as possible 

 before the time for hatchino^ arrived. The director took the 

 train at once for Amherst, and visited the Hatch Experiment 

 Station, where two days were spent in consultation with the 

 entomologist, Prof. C. H. Fernald, and in examining insecti- 

 cide appliances and the literature germane to the subject. 



It had been proposed by the commissioners that the di- 

 rector secure the services of some of the students or gradu- 

 ates of the Massachusetts Agricultural College as assistants. 

 Through the good offices of Professor Fernald and Dr. H. 

 H. Goodell, president of the college, in advising the students, 

 several young men were induced to engage in the work 

 of extermination. Some of these students had studied eco- 

 nomic entomology under the guidance of the entomologist, 

 and were especially fitted for the work in hand. From that 

 time Professor Fernald's advice and assistance were always 

 freely sought by the committee and director, and as freely 

 given. All plans made were submitted to him for approval, 

 and were only perfected after a careful consideration of his 

 recommendations. The students who had been engaged were 

 released in a few days from their college engagements, and 

 on March 19 nine of them reported at the office of the State 

 Board of Agriculture and received instructions. In the 

 mean time the office and storehouse, which had been used by 

 the first commission, had been opened, an inventory of prop- 

 erty taken, and a hasty inspection made of the infested region 

 by the director, in company with Ex-Commissioner Bradley. 

 A few experienced men had also been employed. 



