246 
PARK AND CEME-TE-RT 
The trunk of every tree, whether young or old, 
newly planted or of full growth, should be enclosed 
to a proper height in wire netting of a small mesh. Un- 
less this is done, or some similar precaution taken, it is 
not worth while to plant. The necessity for some such 
protection is readily apparent on examining trees from 
the curbstone side, and observing the large number on 
which the bark has been gnawed by horses. There is a 
feeling akin to pity when one notes the patient, re- 
peated efforts of the tree to repair the injury— how it 
tries each year to cover the wound with new wood and 
bark, only to have it torn and widened by some fresh 
attack. 
Protection from insects requires constant care and 
watchfulness. As a householder, generally, has only a 
few trees to look after, he can, with proper care and 
diligence, effectually check any insect pest before se- 
rious damage is inflicted. But neglect and carelessness 
on his part may result in the loss of 
his trees. At the first sign of dan- 
ger expert advice should be sought 
for as to the proper remedies and 
methods to be employed. 
The insects which kill or injure 
shade trees may be divided into 
three general classes : ( i ) the leaf- 
devouring or masticating species ; 
(2) the leaf-piercing, non-masticat- 
ing or sucking insects; (3) the 
borers. Then there are the follow- 
ing: the tussock moth, the forest 
tent caterpillar, leopard moth, maple 
borer, maple tree pruner, cottony 
scale insect, elm leaf beetle, bag 
worm, fall web worm, spiny elm 
caterpillar, elm borer, elm bark 
louse, elm snout beetle, gypsy and 
brown tail moths. At the present time we are menaced 
with the brown tail moth. This pest first came into 
prominence in Massachusetts in May, 1897, when it 
was found committing severe depredations on pear 
trees in Somerville. It seems probable that the insect 
was brought to this locality on rose bushes imported 
from Holland or France. 
These insects have an unique life history, in that its 
caterpillars successfully hibernate in a half-grown con- 
dition in conspicuous webs at the ends of the infested 
twigs. Leaving these webs as soon as the buds swell 
in the Spring, the tiny caterpillars first consume the 
buds and later devastate the foliage. By the last of 
June they have reached their full development, and spin 
up in loose cocoons on the smaller branches, on houses, 
walls, and in other sheltered localities. From these, 
cocoons in about three weeks’ time the white, brown- 
tailed moths emerge and fly vigorously by night in 
search of suitable places in which to deposit their 
eggs. The eggs are laid in compact, hair-covered 
masses, on the under surface of pear and other leaves, 
and hatch in about three weeks from the date of lay- 
ing. From 200 to 400 eggs are deposited by each 
female moth ; the menu of the brown-tail moth includes 
a wide range of ornamental trees, although primarily it 
must be considered to be a pest of the pear tree. Wher- 
ever it is, numerous maples, willows, and elms are de- 
foliated to a serious extent. 
The Legislature of Massachusetts last year passed 
an act transferring all control of trees and shrubs on 
the highways of Lowell to the park commissioners, and 
the commissioners have passed the following rules and 
regulations for the care and preservation of the street 
and park trees : 
I. No root or branch of any tree shall be cut, broken or 
otherwise disturbed or interfered with in any way by any 
individual or any officer or employe of a public or private 
corporation until the same shall have been examined and a 
permit issued from this Board. 
2. It shall not be lawful to attach any guy rope, cross-bar, 
cable or other contrivance to any tree, or to use the same in 
connection with any banner, transparency or any business 
purpose whatever, except under a permit from this Board. 
3. Requests for removal or trimming of trees must be 
made upon blanks furnished by the Board of Park Commis- 
sioners, and must state -the size of the lot in front of which 
the work is to be done, the kind of trees to be trimmed or 
removed, and the kind and condition of the nearest tree upon 
the adjoining property. 
4. Trees planted in the streets of the City of Lowell shall 
not be less than 35 feet apart :and as much farther apart as 
may be directed by the Superintendent of Parks, for the 
different varieties of trees. 
5. No person shall put up or affix in any manner any 
placard, notice or bill, either written or printed, upon any 
tree in any street or public place without the consent of this 
Board. 
6. No person shall fasten any horse or other animal to any 
tree or tree guard in any street or public place. 
STREET TREES CUT BY LINEMEN. 
