132 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



DISCUSSION. 



Ml'. Wei'tz. — I would like to ask Prof, Hamilton whether he is 

 familiar with the Maryland State law. 



Prof. Hamilton. — I think the Maryland law is too severe, and 

 might not do as much good as one that is less stringent. In that 

 State the oHIcials have gone into orchards and torn out and destroyed 

 trees by thousands. Of course, where trees have yellows, it is neces- 

 sary to dig them up and burn them, but where they are infected with 

 San Jose Scale it is not best to act rashly. If we find we can control 

 the scale, it may be better to do so than to destroy the trees. 



The Chair. — I have follow^ed the reading of the proposed bill 

 carefully, and as an orchardist and grower of nursery stock, I think 

 it fair and comprehensive, and it ought to be reasonably effective. 

 I can see nothing in it that is objectionable, and I hope before we 

 adjourn this Society will endorse it. 



Mr. Moon. — I heartilv endorse the remarks of Prof. Hamilton in 

 every particular. The bill, as read, is the most comprehensive 

 we can expect, and will, I think, fully meet all requirements, and 

 as a member of the Committee on Legislation, I hope it will be en- 

 dorsed by this Society. 



Mr. Wertz. — In speaking of the fruit industries of Pennsylvania, 

 a» shown by the census of 1890, Prof. Hamilton placed the peach 

 crop of this State in 1881) at 179,000 bushels. I know that Franklin 

 county alone shipped a greater quantity last year than the entire 

 State in 1899. As to the proposed law just read by Secretary Hamil- 

 ton, there are some features about it that scarcely go far enough. 

 As I understand it, it makes clear my duty when I believe I have 

 San Jos^ Scale or yellows, or other diseases in my own orchard, but 

 what redress have I if I know or believe my neighbor, who may be 

 careless or indifferent upon this important matter, has an orchard 

 that is infected? Will it meet such requirements? Again, I am 

 told it would be practically inoperative unless it carries an appro- 

 priation to cover the necessary expenses incurred in its enforcement. 

 The great State of Pennm'lvania should not hesitate to grant an 

 appropriation to protect ono of its most important industries, which 

 may be doomed to destruction unless a law of this kind be enacted. 



Mr. Moon. — I would disapprove of any bill that will make fumiga- 

 tion compulsory. It may be proper f>o far as fruit trees are con- 

 cerned, but to compel the fumigation of conifers and evergreens 

 would be almost certain destruction, and w^ould mean the ruination 

 to the business of such nurserymen as made that branch of the 

 business a specialty. 



Mr. lirinton. — That is a point well taken by Mr. Moon. Fumiga- 

 tion would entirely kill evergreen trees. A distinction fjhould be 

 made in case such a law is enacted. 



