USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1906-1910 > Part 23
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Waltham Coal Co., coal, 167 59
Waltham Coal Co., 60-ft. pipe,
3 60
F. E. Cousins & Co., coal, 397 40
S. R. Snelling, coal and wood, 421 55
Lincoln Press, printing, 2 25
M. H. Doherty, teaming, etc., 70 00
A. De Marco, 10% reserve on Dr. Herman ext., 80 33
Davis & Farnham Mfg. Co., supplies, 37 88
B. W. Brown, supplies, 17 35
Hart Packing Co., supplies,
31 35
Waldo Bros., supplies,
11 52
Walworth Mfg. Co., supplies,
28 75
W. C. Pierce, storing pipe,
5 00
Builders' Iron Foundry, supplies,
770 35
I. N. MacRae, labor and supplies,
158 23
Robert D. Donaldson, labor and supplies,
142 02
Lynchburg Foundry Co., supplies,
14 92
A. G. Davis, moving ashes,
10 50
Chadwick Lead Co., supplies,
14 85
Whitman & Howard, services,
441 31
95
Sinking Fund Comm., Sinking Fund, 2,173 37
Broad Gauge Iron Works, supplies, 1 58
D. Russell Boiler Works, supplies, 30 00
R. Warren & Son, rubber boots, 3 75
M. T. Clark, supplies, 36 00
Edson Mfg. Co:, supplies,
20 40
Deane Steam Pipe Co., supplies and repairs, 10 45
Hodge Boiler Works, labor and supplies,
21 08
Waltham Pub. Co., printing,
1 75
G. E. Crosby Co., printing,
4 75
J. A. Burgess, repairing, 4 05
Chester H. Sherman, reading meters,
3 50
Lossie E. Laird, reading meters,
3 00
H. S. Cousens & Co., supplies,
29
James L. Chapin & Son, supplies,
12 09
H. S. Howe, repairs,
2 50
Sam Mariano, labor, 10 23
A. De Marco, reserve 10%,
363 25
A. De Marco, labor,
23 00
J. F. Farrar & Son, labor and wood,
287 84
Frank Cunningham, services as fireman,
120 00
Frank Cunningham, labor with men, etc.,
24 00
Roger Sherman, labor, 49 30
A. J. Dougherty, labor with horse, etc.,
54 36
P. J. Whelan, mason work,
5 80
R. B. Laird, labor, 15 96
Sumner Smith, labor and horse, 1 50
M. J. Rooney, labor, 2 67
D. Holman, labor, 1 25
C. S. Wheeler, services as Water Comm. and Postage, 51 10
C. F. Eveleth, services as Water Comm. and Postage, 51 20
C. S. Smith, services as Water Comm.,
50 00
Geo. L. Chapin, services as Water Comm. and Collector, 175 00
Dr. Jos. S. Hart, services as Water Comm., 50 00
$13,151 53
Total,
PROFIT AND LOSS Year ending Feb. 1, 1909.
DR.
By Water,
$10,376 63
To Expense,
$ 84 09
Salaries,
1,518 25
Interest,
3,295 00
Repairs and renewals,
844 56
Fuel,
1,019 88
Net gains for year,
3,614 85
96
$10,376 63
$10,376 36
ASSETS.
LIABILITIES.
Construction,
$163,006 20
$85,500 00
Cash,
3,495 32
Fuel on hand,
205 00
Sinking Fund,
2,173 37
Bonds outstanding, Surplus, 83,379 89
$168,879 89
$168,878 89
.
97
OUTSTANDING WATER BONDS.
Issue of 1894, due one each year,
$6,000 00
Issue of 1897, due 1917,
10,000 00
Issue of 1900, due 1930,
23,000 00
Issue of 1902, due 1932,
9,000 00
Issue of 1903, due 1933,
5,000 00
Issue of 1904, due 1934,
5,000 00
Issue of 1906, due 1936,
14,000 00
Issue of 1907, due 1937,
4,000 00
Issue of 1907, due $500 each year,
9,500 00
$85,500 00
E. & O. E CHARLES S. WHEELER, Treasurer.
1
98
STOCK ON HAND AT THE PUMPING STATION, FEB. 1, 1909.
25 tons hard coal.
5 tons soft coal.
2 cords wood.
1 diaphragm No. 3 pump.
12 feet hose for No. 3 pump.
1 lead furnace.
100 lbs. lead.
Corking tools.
2 24-inch Stillson wrenches.
1 16-inch Stillson wrench.
1 12-inch Stillson wrench.
1 10-inch Stillson wrench.
1 8-inch Stillson wrench.
1 6-inch Stillson wrench.
1 20-inch monkey wrench.
1 18-inch monkey wrench.
1 12-inch monkey wrench.
1 8-inch monkey wrench.
3 fork wrenches.
1 3-inch die stock with dies.
1 2-inch die stock with dies.
1 1-inch die stock with dies.
1 Philip racket.
1 Hall tapping machine.
1 Hall pipe cutter, cutting 12, 8, 6, 4 inches.
1 3-inch pipe cutter.
1 2-inch pipe cutter.
1 12-inch pipe cutter.
1 four-wheel iron truck.
1 wheel-barrow. 1 rolltop desk.
2 chairs.
12 ash barrels.
99
1 tripod and Weston blocks.
12 feet 8-inch cast-iron pipe.
180 feet 6-inch cast-iron pipe.
160 feet 4-inch cast-iron pipe. 7 6-inch sleeves.
6 4-inch sleeves.
5 8-inch sleeves.
2 4-inch tees.
2 road boxes.
3 service boxes.
1 Chapman hydrant.
110 feet &-inch galvanized pipe.
40 feet 1-inch galvanized pipe.
18 feet 14-inch galvanized pipe.
4 picks.
4 shovels.
1 crowbar.
JAMES T. LAIRD, Superintendent Water Works.
101
Report of Tree Warden
The Tree Warden submits the following annual report of money spent and work done during the year ending January 31, 1909:
The results of the year in the warfare against insect pests were not encouraging in Lincoln, nor, so far as the Tree Warden has been able to ascertain, in any of the neighboring towns. Much effort has been put forth, at a heavy cost both for labor and material, with no wholly satisfactory results in any quarter; and the inroads of the pests, especially of the gypsy moth, are continually becom- ing more apparent and more difficult to resist. The reason for this is obvious, and should at the outset be clearly set forth to the Town; for the existing conditions will prob- ably continue for a considerable time to come.
In its present phase, the war on these pests is necessar- ily defensive in character, and, to a large extent, carried on experimentally and in unscientific and, consequently, costly fashion. This fact explains the difficulty in the situation throughout the Commonwealth, as well as in Lincoln. That the struggle is now defensive is also un- avoidable; nor can it become aggressive and, consequently, effective, until the natural enemies, or deadly parasites of the pests have been discovered, domesticated and de- veloped, and put generally to work. Then, and not until then, will the scourge be brought under effective control. This it can with confidence be anticipated, will be brought about at a time not now remote; but, meanwhile, it ap- parently only remains to continue the defensive warfare, and hold the enemy in check,-to keep him down and within bounds to the greatest extent possible,-until some meas- ure of radical relief is devised.
102
Of 'such an outcome, what is the present prospect? On this point the Tree Warden has sought to inform himself, and, attached to this report, submits letters from the officials of the Gypsy and Browntail Moth Commission, bearing date of the 9th, 16th and 26th January of the cur- rent year. From these letters it would appear that the aggressive and scientific side of the work is now being prosecuted with energy, and with that skill which comes only from experience; and, moreover, that there is ground for hope, if not yet for assurance, that a measure of sensible relief is in sight. During the past year, as the letters above referred to show, colonies of beetles of a devouring, or moth-predatory, character, have been established in Lincoln; and other similar colonies will be planted during the coming Spring. Specimens of another description,- true parasites,-originally liberated at least as far off as Melrose, have been found in the woods of Concord, indi- cating, as the letter subjoined states, "a marvellous spread for the first two years," and offering much encouragement for the future.
The Tree Warden has endeavored to keep in close touch in every way with the Commission in this important branch of its work, and proposes during the year now beginning to utilize, in behalf of Lincoln, to the largest possible extent, the results reached by it. In this connec- tion he wishes to express his sense of the heavy set-back sustained through the resignation of Professor Kirkland as head of the State Board. There is, however, no ground to apprehend either a discontinuance, or a falling off, of the work initiated by him.
So much as to the prospect of final and effective relief. It remains to report on what has been done during the past year to hold the pest in check until such final and effective relief comes, and the cost of the work incident to this effort. Under existing conditions, and in a sparsely set- tled and heavily wooded region like Lincoln, the work done has necessarily been both difficult and expensive.
103
To a large degree tentative and experimental, its prosecu- tion was in nearly every stage perplexing, and called for the constant exercise by the Tree Warden of judgment based on study and close observation. The work, also, has naturally and unavoidably been of a most exacting and, at times, dangerous character. It called for the em- ployment of skilled workmen, and daring climbers of trees.
Until better methods are found it seemed best to pro- ceed on the general plan pursued in previous years.
In the Spring the browntail moth nests were removed from the roadsides and open borders, and from the or- chards where the owners had neglected to attend to them. A few days were, also, expended in the woods, where the most nests for the time spent could be destroyed. The creosoting the gypsy moth nests, as long as the season would permit, was attended to; then one burning outfit was worked in the north district of the Town, and one in the south, burning out the walls where nests were thickest.
The new burlap was in most cases put on the roadsides. Tanglefoot was used on a few trees, where it seemed espe- cially needed.
Work with a barrel-sprayer was started in the north, and with one in the south, as soon as the foliage was suffi- ciently developed.
The small isolated colonies were first attended to, espe- cially the apple orchards, where most needed. Also oaks in pasture lands, and other isolated trees badly affected.
In spraying woodland, the end kept in view was to kill the greatest number of caterpillars in the time available. As spraying with a solid stream is a comparatively new thing, that method was tested in a few localities, to see what might be expected from it if time and cost would admit of its use generally. For present purposes, two such cases will suffice as illustrations. In the woods back of the Codman house,-the oldest tree growth in town,- where the moths had a strong foothold, eight (8) acres
104
were sprayed by climbing the taller trees. In several cases it could be seen from the length of hose used that the nozzle-man was ninety (90) feet, or even more, above the ground. Thence the spray could be distributed from fifty (50) to one hundred (100) feet in all directions. The strip of Codman woodland in question was covered in this way in a day and a half, using about four hundred (400) gallons of the poison to an acre.
In climbing the tree, the man at work had a line at- tached to his belt. When he reached the desired height, a pulley, with a rope attached, was tied to this line, and by him drawn up. Two men on the ground, by the use of that pulley, then raised the hose quite quickly into the tree and held its weight, while the man in the tree had the nozzle, and directed the discharge as he desired. When through spraying, the nozzle and pulley were lowered, and at- tached to the similar rope of a man up the next tree to be sprayed from. In this way little delay was caused by spraying from the top rather than from the ground, and danger to the workman was minimized. Few nests are now to be seen on this strip; but the moths have increased heavily in the adjoining and outside sections.
The other place to be specially referred to was the nar- row strip between the Page and Dr. Brooks holdings. Here, nearly the last of the spraying was done. The moths had the foliage in this vicinity nearly stripped over a space of one or two acres. The trees here were sprayed from the ground. In the densest part of the colony there was subsequently nearly as distinct a line of demarcation between the sprayed and unsprayed portions as between ordinary grass land and a plowed field, the trees outside the sprayed area,-most of them not over forty (40) feet high,-being nearly covered with nests. Other instances might be given which would clearly show that moths can be kept down by spraying with a solid stream. These two, however, will probably suffice. The observation of this year would seem to indicate that where the trees are much
105
over forty (40) feet in height, spraying from the ground is not a satisfactory method of treatment; though the spray can be thrown from sixty (60) to seventy-five (75) feet in ån upright stream.
As the habit of the caterpillars is to strip the top of the trees first, working downward, the spray should be thrown to the top. Where the trees are sprayed heavily, also, if the moths are thick near by, they may cover these sprayed trees heavily with nests, as may be seen along the roadside opposite the present Rodman Snelling resi- dence, in the vicinity of which the nests are fully as thick as on the trees further back, not sprayed.
A certain person in a neighboring town read in Country Life in America that where one did not wish to buy a sprayer, a pail and whisk broom might be used. This person proceeded to order a foreman to use the whisk broom in spraying the elms for a quarter of a mile along either side of her driveway. The result showed quite clearly that a whisk-broom outfit, while simple and inex- pensive, is not what is wanted to control the moth situa- tion in this vicinity.
Mr. Rogers, in charge of the United States Government work, during the year 1907, trimmed out the State-road, and a one hundred (100) foot strip each side of it. Also the road from Mr. Flint's to James Wheeler's. This year he has trimmed the old and the new road from the corner by Mr. Moorfield Storey's, to and beyond the Briggs place; also the Trapelo Road to the Waltham line. He is now trimming the road by the Page place. The road along the Cambridge reservoir from the Waltham to the Lexington line has also been attended to, as well as the road from the Pumping Station to the Concord line, and the turnpike from the Lexington line to Mr. James Wheeler's. It is understood that this force will continue to work along the turnpike to the Concord line. The south great road from Weston to the Concord line, and the Walden Pond road from Baker Bridge to the Concord line, are now being at-
106
tended to. Thus the main through roads of Lincoln from east to west have been, or soon will be, taken care of.
The necessity for such heavy cutting is matter for regret, but it is resorted to as a measure of protection in extraor- dinary cases; and in Medford, which has been peculiarly devastated, General Lawrence, and others, state that it would have proved a big saving to them if they had done such thinning in the first place. When, also, it is consid- ered that each tree left standing is likely to prove a con- siderable expense, the wisdom of a policy of thorough care of the best trees only becomes apparent.
The largest block of pine timber in the town, including by far the best clump of pines in Lincoln, has been cut. Also much the best block of chestnut timber.
It was at one time hoped that the warm weather during the last autumn would have killed many of the eggs, car- rying them along to so near the hatching period that they would lose their vitality before Spring. But, while ill- specting the parasite work at the Insectory, I was shown young caterpillars, where the nest, after it had begun to hatch, was put into cold storage for a year; and yet, within six hours after being taken out, young caterpillars promptly began hatching out.
So far as the inroads of the pest are concerned, it is enough to say that, in the latter part of July or August, if one stood by the Lincoln reservoir, or on one of the East Lincoln hills, he could see and study the advance. From Billerica, along the east edge of Lincoln, and continuing southward, a large part of all the woodland in sight was stripped.
The appended report from citizens of Weston would in- dicate the condition of things in that town. They are no less bad in Bedford.
One familiar with the conditions in Concord, after read- ing the Weston report, says that Concord is only from one to three years behind Weston.
The advance of the moth into Lincoln is roughly indi-
107
cated by the following estimate: Assuming that there are five thousand (5000) acres of woodlands in Lincoln, about equally divided between the two halves of the town, after a careful exchange of views with my men, we agree in a belief that, if the woodlands were checked off into squares of an acre each, one-half of these squares would, in the north part of hte town, have five hundred (500) or more nests to the acre, one-quarter, one thousand (1000) or more' nests to the acre. In the south part of the town one- quarter would have five hundred (500) or more nests to the acre, one-eighth, one thousand (1000) nests or more. These proportions would also about hold were larger or smaller areas taken.
With the possible exception of cutting out the wood- lands, which the owners are in many cases doing, the effort has been to follow the most approved methods in work against the moths. After this, the main dependence, so far as hand work is concerned, will have to be put on spraying. This will ordinarily cost at least ten dollars ($10.00) an acre.
We have three (3) power sprayers, which should be capable, under ordinary conditions, of spraying two hundred (200) acres each, in the season. When this is compared with the area of the Town, the difficulty of handling in this way the entire territory to be cared for becomes apparent.
A united effort, however, should be made to preserve at least and in any event, the most important landscape features of the Town. A considerable portion of these are, moreover, owned by people who are now taking care of them, wholly or in part.
By means of the present Advisory Committee, or in some other way, it might be determined which are the more important parts to save; and assistance and en- ouragement would thus be given to those who are trying to save the portions of their places they most care for.
It is obvious, however, that the funds at the disposal
.
108
of the Tree Warden in the last year, -about two dollars ($2.00) for each acre of the area to be cared for,-are not sufficient for effective work over the whole Town. That the Town should be either expected or asked to appro- priate a sum considered sufficient to hold these pests down throughout its limits until a form of permanent relief can be developed, would be unreasonable, as well as beyond its means. With the funds at his disposal the Tree War- den has done as good and as thorough work as he knew how to do. A comparison with the reports of other towns will, he believes, show that the amount expended in Lincoln, though large, has been, considering area and valuation, not excessive. So far as results accomplished thereby are concerned, they must speak for themselves. As compared, however, with any of the adjoining towns, it · is confidently believed that Lincoln is, up to the present time, exceptionally free from the inroads and devastations of the pest. That these are increasing, notwithstanding the work done and money expended, is undeniable. There is, meanwhile, at least a reasonable ground for hope that, with no great additional effort and outgo, the pest can be held within bounds until a measure of radical relief is secured. It must also be remembered that every year adds to the experience and skill of those called upon to deal with these insects. Their habits are more fully understood, and the methods by which they can be most effectively handled, are improved, simplified and made less expensive.
The subjoined financial statement sets forth in sufficient detail for intelligent understanding the items of expendi- ture by the Tree Warden during the year. The total amount spent, it will be seen, was approximately $11,000. Of this amount the Town was reimbursed by the State to the extent of $5,000, leaving a net balance of $5,467.63, to be met from the Town treasury. Of this net balance the sum of $3,225.15 was on account of three sprayers, in the nature of permanent plant. The amount actually
109
expended from Town funds on account of Labor and Mate- rial under all heads, exclusive of Plant,-which last will not have to be provided for another year,-was $2,242.48. All of which is respectfully submitted.
EDWARD R. FARRAR.
Tree Warden.
110
CITIZENS OF WESTON.
The result of our experience during the past year is, that now for the first time we fully realize the exceedingly serious situation of this Town in respect to the depreda- tions of the Gypsy Moth. It has been the hope and expectation of the committee that the work done by the Superintendent and his assistants, would, in the localities to which they have given their attention, prove effective to a considerable extent in checking, if not in exterminat- ing these pests. We very much regret to find that such is not the case. On the estates where the utmost/care was used in locating and creosoting nests, and in thinning out and burning the debris, and where we know this work was done as carefully and as thoroughly as it is humanly possi- ble to do it, there are this year ten times as many nests as were found last year. In other sections where the work was not as thoroughly done, the increase has been so enorm- ous that the destruction of large areas of woodland next Summer seems inevitable. An examination of several of the infested districts has made it plainly evident that it will be possible to save only such of the wooded areas as are now, or can be made, accessible to spraying machines. Some of the woodlands are so rough and hilly that it seems unlikely that they could be properly thinned out and road- ways prepared, without a greater outlay than the value of the land would warrant. Such areas will undoubtedly be stripped and destroyed within the next two years, unless the owners think best to cut the wood this Winter or next, and realize whatever value they can obtain in that way.
The task of cutting out undergrowth and thinning out the trees, and cutting roads for the spraying machines throughout the very extensive wooded areas throughout the Town has now passed entirely beyond the range of possibility for the Superintendent and his employees. If at the meeting to be called in October, the Town makes
111
the necessary appropriation, the committee will secure spraying machines and will endeavor to see that the bord- ers of all the highways in Town, also shade and fruit trees in accessible localities are carefully protected by tangle- foot, and are thoroughly sprayed in the Spring.
The committee finds it impossible to undertake the protection of any privately owned wooded areas. The own- er of any woodland who desires to save his trees inust him- self see that the necessary work is done to admit the spray- ing machines, and must provide a reasonably accessible water supply for the use of the machines. The Superin- tendent will be in a position to furnish information as to how the work should be done, and may be able in some cases to provide competent men to superintend the more important parts of the work of preparation, but the com- mittee wish it to be fully understood that if any owner desires to save his woodland he must himself see that the necessary work is done.
The committee has confirmed its judgment by consulta- tion with the State Superintendent and his assistants, and there can now be no question that the conclusions stated above are correct.
As a very considerable part of our beautiful woodland is certainly doomed to destruction, it is earnestly hoped that every owner of woodland will, from public spirit as well as private interest, make a determined effort to prepare for the spraying machines, which the committee expects the Town to furnish, whatever portion of his wooded property can be made accessible without unreasonable and pro- hibitive expense.
CHARLES H. JONES
WILLIAM B. CLARKE
CHARLES MERRIAM
BANJAMIN S. BLAKE
BENJAMIN L. YOUNG
ANNA C. HASTINGS
MARIAN ROBY CASE
EDWARD P. RIPLEY,
Tree Warden
Gypsy Moth Committee.
September 24th, 1908.
112
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT FOR SUPPRESSING THE
GIPSY AND BROWN TAIL MOTH, 6 BEACON ST., BOSTON, MASS. (Dated at Melrose, Mass., January 9, 1909.)
MR. EDWARD R. FARRAR, SOUTH LINCOLN, MASS.
Dear Sir :-
Now there have been planted two colonies of beetles in Lincoln, one on the Charles Francis Adams estate, on July 10, and the other on or near the Codman estate, on July 18. I feel very sure beetles will be found there in good numbers this Spring.
The small Hymenopterous parasites found in the webs from Concord are parasites on the pupæ of both the gipsy and brown-tail moths and simply go into the webs to hibernate and not to attack the young caterpillars; but will be ready to take them after pupation.
The generic name is Monodomtomesus and none have been liberated nearer Concord than Melrose. This shows a tremendous spread for the first two years.
Sincerely yours,
F. H. MOSHER, 17 Highland Ave., Melrose, Mass.
113
(COPY.)
Melrose, Mass., Jan. 16, 1909.
MR. EDWARD R. FARRAR,
SOUTH LINCOLN, MASS.
Dear Sir :-
On looking up the notes on the Wellesley colony, I find that Mr. Burgess took the last of them down to Washing- ton with him so I cannot be exact as to molt skins of larvæ found, but as I remember them.
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