76 



THE GYPSY MOTH. 



still infested. We estimate the nmuber of estates still infested at 

 eight thousand. Our records show that the average cost of exter- 

 mination, per estate, in the towns cleared has been $41.10. At 

 the same rate, the cost of exterminating the moth from eight 

 thousand estates would be $328,800. This statement is made on 

 the assumption that the estates yet infested are now in no worse 

 condition than were those which had been cleared. This computa- 

 tion does not include the large sum which must necessarily be 

 expended in inspecting territory already cleared, that outside which 

 must be watched, and the cost of reinspection for several years of 

 these eight thousand estates after extermination is believed to 

 have been accomplished. 



In the opinion of the committee the above-mentioned estimates 

 afford the closest approximation to a forecast that can well be 

 made. It is proper, however, to state that the questions asked 

 by the Legislature cannot be answered with certainty. 

 Respectfully submitted. 

 Per order of the Gypsy Moth Committee 



of the State Board of Agriculture, 



"Wm. R. Sessions, Chairman. 



Jan. 29, 1894. 



At the annual meeting of the Board of Agriculture on 

 February 8, new by-laW'S were adopted, affecting a reorgan- 

 ization of the Board. The committee in charge of the g^^sy- 

 moth work was thereafter known as the *' committee on the 

 gypsy moth, insects and birds," and its number was increased 

 to six. 



The following is the article under which this committee 

 acts : — 



It shall be charged with the duties of the gypsy moth committee, 

 as provided for in chapter 210 of the Acts of 1891. All matters 

 relating to birds and insects shall be referred to this committee, 

 who shall report to the Board from time to time. 



The following members of the Board were elected to serve 

 upon this committee : E. W. Wood of Newton, Chairman, 

 Wm. R. Sessions of Hampden, Francis H. Appleton of Pea- 

 body, Wm. H. Bowker of Boston, F. W. Sargent of Ames- 

 bury, and Augustus Pratt of North Middleborough. 



