88 



THE GYPSY MOTH. 



also the large number of men employed later, the results 

 of the season's work will show a greater number of the dif- 

 ferent forms of the moth destroyed than at any time since 

 1891. 



We have long feared that unless appropriations suffi- 

 cient for complete eradication were granted, some favorable 

 season might give the moths a sudden impetus which would 

 cause them to increase beyond immediate control. Such an 

 emergency has arisen, and in the centres of population, in 

 cultivated lands and along the highways, it has been fully met. 

 It is true that in the woodland where the greatest infestation 

 occurred some injury was done for a time by the moths, but, 

 in such places, they are now under control, and with vigor- 

 ous measures they may be entirely exterminated from these 

 localities within two or three years. Yet there is a large 

 wooded region in the north-central towns which never has 

 been thoroughly cared for and never can be unless larger 

 appropriations are made. In many portions of this wood- 

 land the moths are doubtless steadily increasing in numbers, 

 and all that has been done or can be done there, with the 

 means thus far furnished by the Commonwealth, is to check 

 them whenever they appear in such numbers as to threaten 

 serious injury to the trees. 



The results of the work of 1895 will be presented in the 

 next annual report to the Legislature. 



