THE GIPSY MOTH IN AMERICA. 
INTRODUCTION: REASONS FOR TIIIS PUBLICATION. 
As almost everyone has learned through the publications of the 
State Board of Agriculture of Massachusetts and through the news 
paper press, the Gipsy Moth of Europe was some years since acci- 
dentally introduced into the State of Massachusetts, nourished there 
to an alarming extent, and became as early as 1890 the subject of State 
investigation. Since 1890 large sums of money have been expended 
in the effort to exterminate the insect. All of the work has been done 
under State authority and with State funds. Outside entomologists of 
standing have occasionally been called in to advise the persons charged 
with the work, and in the 
winter of 1894-95 an un- 
successful attempt was 
made to secure aid from 
the National Government. 
In fact the United States 
Sen ate inserted an amend- 
ment to the appropriation 
bill for the Department 
of Agriculture allotting 
$40,000 for the purpose, 
but this amendment was 
not accepted by the! louse 
of Representatives and was eliminated in conference committee. In 
the session of Congress of 1896-97, however, a clause was added to 
the section making appropriations for entomological investigations 
under the Department, providing for u an investigation into the ravages 
of the Gipsy Moth." In conformity with this provision an investigation 
was duly undertaken in this division. This investigation lias included 
a study of the extent and character of the ravages of this pest and of 
the remedial measures used by tin 4 State officials of Massachusetts, 
with the object in view of deciding upon the best course to pursue in 
the future. The insect is at present confined to eastern Massachusetts, 
and it is highly desirable not only to limit its spread, but also to 
exterminate it. if possible, in the territory already occupied. 
Fig. 1.— Female Gipsy Moth— natural siie (from Tnatet Lin). 
