MCKENZIE: STORM DAMAGE IN MASSACHUSETTS 
29 
must we expect that they have been starting over again following the 
cold winter with a new build-up process and that they are bound to con¬ 
tinue on through an outbreak stage willy-nilly? If so, we must look for 
a period of several years stripping yet to come in these northern areas. 
And here is where the hurricane results have their most serious impli¬ 
cations. It appears reasonable to suppose that the larvae hatching 
from egg masses on the branches of the fallen trees, whether or not 
these trees put out foliage, will find sufficient food to get them into the 
third or fourth instars and that they will then move to trees which are 
standing, after doing much damage to the maple seedlings and other 
young trees in the food plant group. Considerable is being done by pub¬ 
lic agencies toward timber salvage, but it is probable that many trees 
will remain where they have fallen through the next year, at any rate— 
perhaps till they decay away. The effect of this on shade trees may or 
may not be serious depending on location. Not many larvae would 
find their way from the debris areas to shade trees except in some rural 
communities. But if highly concentrated infestations are built up in 
these areas, it would appear likely that shade trees in nearby cities and 
towns would get an over-supply of moths at egg depositing time next 
summer. And the brush from fallen trees, not only in Vermont but 
anywhere in the caterpillar area stands as somewhat of a menace in this 
respect. 
What may be done about it? First, I should say, increased vigilance 
in watching the caterpillar, especially in noting the egg deposition on 
shade trees next summer. 
Second, spray wherever any considerable number of the caterpillars 
have hatched in the spring. 
Urge the burning of all brush from fallen trees to destroy the egg 
masses. 
And in selecting replacements consider immunity from this serious 
pest. If maples are desired, I suggest the soft varieties. 
DEALING WITH STORM DAMAGE IN CENTRAL 
MASSACHUSETTS 1 
By Malcolm A. McKenzie, Pathologist , Massachusetts State College , Amherst 
Surveys of the effects of the recent hurricane on shade and ornamental 
trees in New England have aroused considerable speculation concerning 
Contribution No. 328 of the Massachusetts Agricultural Experiment Station. 
