Report of Commissioner Fourth District. 35 



Closer attention must, however, be given by some growers not 

 only to the correct and proper preparation of the different solu- 

 tions recommended, but also to the time of application, as only by 

 following directions carefully can desired results and complete 

 success be obtained. 



Much less failure to successfully combat insect pests of all kinds 

 would be reported if, instead of the half-hearted and desultory 

 fashion now in vogue with some growers, they would give more at- 

 tention to details, and the prompt and thorough application of the 

 remedies recommended. 



I deem it needless here to repeat any of the recipes recommended 

 by the Board, as the bulletins containing them are within the easy 

 reach of all interested parties. 



Some complaint has reached me about the inefficiency of the 

 remedy recommended by the Board for combating the San Jose 

 scale. Upon looking into these cases I find that either the com- 

 plainant's orchard is on a creek bottom, near willows growing 

 along the stream, or in close proximity to an orchard infested with 

 the insects, and whose owner is negligent of his duty. Where the 

 former is true, relief can be had only by removing the brush on 

 which the insects feed and breed, but where orchards are infested, 

 and spraying is neglected by their owners, I make it my duty to 

 have the nuisance abated by a thorough spraying of the infested 

 trees. 



Settings of new orchards have been very extensive in this District 

 during the last planting season, apples predominating, particu- 

 larly in Hood River and Hosier, while at The Dalles and other 

 sections of the District, cherries and peaches were very largely 

 set out. 



An idea as to the extent and growth of the fruit industry may 

 be formed from the amount of our exports, which this year will 

 exceed $20,000,000, as against $3,000,000 in 1894 and $2,000,000 

 in 1884, a gain of over $17,000,000 in 10 years' time. A very 

 healthy growth, indeed. 



Hood River Valley leads in the production of apples in this Dis- 

 trict, and has at this time about 3,000 acres in apple orchards, 

 which is about 10 per cent of the available land suitable for this 

 fruit in the valley. This year's apple crop amounts to practically 

 100,000 boxes, and is valued at $125,000. Strawberries yielded 



