44 The Bulletin. 



PART III. 



ORCHARD PROTECTION. 



In the first part of this Bulletin we discussed the San Jose Scale 

 and the methods of controlling it, and this puts the matter in such 

 shape that any grower can control this pest. 



In the second part we discussed the whole general subject of orchard 

 spraying, and the methods outlined will control practically all of our 

 orchard pests that can be controlled by spraying. 



It now remains for us in this third part of this Bulletin to show 

 the work that is being done for the general protection of our orchards, 

 that is to find the scale where it does exist, to ascertain its prevalence, 

 to show the conditions to the growers, and, so far as practicable, to 

 prevent needless spread of serious troubles. 



ORCHARD INSPECTIONS. 



The prevalence of the San Jose Scale in many parts of the State, and 

 the great harm that it often does before it is discovered by the grower, 

 plainly indicates the value of maintaining a systematic inspection of the 

 commercial orchards of the State. Accordingly the Board of Agricul- 

 ture, at its regular meeting in December, 1906, provided for the employ- 

 ment of an assistant in the Division of Entomology to be especially 

 assigned to the work of inspecting the orchards and nurseries of the 

 State. 



The work was begun in February, 1907, with Mr. L. M. Smith as in- 

 spector, and he continued until September, when he resigned. He was 

 succeeded by Mr. S. C. Clapp, of Guilford County, who has continued 

 since that time. It is to be remembered, however, that nearly half of 

 the time is given to the nursery inspection and work connected with it, 

 and the orchard inspection worh here reported upon represents only a 

 part of the work of the inspector. 



Object and Methods of Work.— The object of this work is to assist 

 our fruit growers to discover serious insect pests, if they are present, 

 and to g^ve timely suggestions for treatment of trees before the trees 

 are fatally injured. 



The Inspector carries a blank book, in which a separate sheet is filled 

 out for each orchard inspected. These are sent in to the ofiice, and when 

 San Jose Scale is found full information and suggestions are sent to the 

 owner of the orchard. The Inspector does not examine every tree, but 

 the orchard is walked through in several directions, a few limbs being 

 examined here and there throughout. Both the fruit grower and the 

 Inspector ask and answer questions freely. Suggestions are given as to 

 spraying, mixtures to be used, etc. If San Jose Scale is found, the 

 grower is taught to know it, and the methods of combating it are ex- 

 plained. While it may happen that the scale is present and overlooked, 



