THE GYPSY MOTH. 



I first inspected the work in progress at the insectary at Am- 

 herst, and found that a series of experiments with remedies was 

 being conducted under the most careful conditions ; in fact, I have 

 never seen a series of similar experiments carried on in so large a 

 scale in so thoroughly scientific a manner. They ought certainly 

 to furnish reliable results, which will be of great value outside of 

 the gypsy-moth work. 



I next went to Maiden, and in company with the other visitors. 

 Professor Fernald, Mr. Forbush and Mr. Reid, looked over the 

 ground carefully. The general impression received was very 

 favorable as to the amount and methods of work. The results 

 already reached seem to be remarkable, and I was greatly surprised 

 at the scarcity of gypsy caterpillars. The methods of fighting the 

 pest have evidently been developed along with the knowledge con- 

 cerning it, and are well adapted to the end in view. 



The only suggestion I have to make concerns the lack of ade- 

 quate facilities for studying the life history of the pest at head- 

 quarters. It seems to me that if a room adapted to the purpose 

 could be set apart, and a man of entomological training be detailed 

 to make out the biological points yet in doubt, valuable results might 

 be reached. I should suppose that it would hardly be necessary to 

 call in an entomologist of note if Professor Fernald is willing to 

 supervise the work of the one detailed to carry on such observations 

 and experiments. In fact, the results would have an added value 

 if carried on both at Maiden and Amherst under one direction. 



I was especially interested to learn of the results that have been 

 reached with the arsenate of lead. Even if it does not kill gypsy 

 caterpillars as quickly as does Paris green, it seems probable that 

 it will make a valuable insecticide for many other purposes. 



Thanking you for the opportunity you afforded, and assuring 

 you of whatever support I may be able to render, I am, 

 Yours respectfully, 



Clarence M. Weed. 



Report of Dr. H. T. Fernald, of the Pennsylvania State 



College. 



State College, Centre County, Pa., June 19, 1893. 



To the Oypsy Moth Commission. 



Gentlemen : — In accordance with your request, extended to 

 me by Prof. C. H. Fernald, I have examined the work in progress 

 at Maiden and Amherst, and am both interested and pleased with 

 what I have seen. 



