xxxiv 



THE GYPSY MOTH. 



reduced to entire harmlessness, and in position never again to 

 develop in injurious numbers or to invade other States. 



I have been asked to offer such criticisms or suggestions as I 

 might deem it proper to make. I have found nothing to criticise, 

 but, on the contrary, have received instruction from what I saw. 



Under the permission given, I will offer two suggestions : — 



1. As what may be called the mechanical details of field work, 

 as burlapping, liming, spraying, egg collecting, etc., are steadily 

 diminishing, there will be the greater need (as well as the oppor- 

 tunity) of scientific work, to round up, as it were, the labors of 

 the committee, to aid in its completion, to render it available for 

 future use wherever the necessity may arise in this or similar 

 insect invasions, and to make such a contribution to science as 

 Massachusetts has ever been ready to do when the occasion has 

 offered. 



I would, therefore, suggest (and recommend, if I dare venture 

 to do so) that the committee, if possible, avail themselves of more 

 of your time and service. Your habits of thought, observation 

 and study seem specially fitted to the work that you are now con- 

 ducting for the committee. Further, the experience that you have 

 gained is of so great value that it should not be lost to them. I 

 do not, however, see how this could be brought about under your 

 existing relations with the college and agricultural station. I am 

 sure that there is an ample field for your entire service. If the 

 committee could offer you a sufficient inducement, is it not pos- 

 sible that, while retaining your connection with the college and 

 station, you could be released from the discharge of the duties, 

 say for two or three years, and devote yourself wholly to the 

 gypsy moth ? So positive am I of the utility of such an arrange- 

 ment, that I sincerely hope that it may be accomplished. 



2. Just at this stage of the committee's work I would sug- 

 gest that the cultivation of the parasites of the gypsy moth be 

 entered upon and conducted with all the knowledge and skill that 

 can be brought to bear upon it. Far more is to be hoped from 

 this than from the costly and problematical search for and impor- 

 tation of its European insect enemies. Nearly a score of native 

 parasites are already known to prey upon it, and we may expect 

 this number to be materially increased. Something like the fol- 

 lowing method of cultivation might be pursued : — 



Collect the pupae as soon as they are to be found, so as not to 

 give opportunity for the escape of the earlier maturing parasites. 

 None should be destroyed, but carry all carefully to headquarters 

 at Maiden, suitable provisions having been previously made for 

 their reception and care. 



