THE MONTHLY BULLETIN. 633 



QUARANTINE h2 «, )^] DIVISION. 



By Frederick Maskew, Chief Deputy Quarantine OfTicer, San Francisco, Cal. 



The following extract from the report of the United States grand jury 

 at San Francisco is herewith published by and with the consent of that 

 body : 



"Mediterranean Fruit Fly." 



The attention of the jury has been directed to this matter, and it has 

 been given very serious consideration and careful investigation. The 

 quarantine officials, both State and Federal, have been examined, 

 together with exhibits and specimens — many witnesses, including steam- 

 ship officials and ship officers having been examined at length. 



The seriousness of the introduction of this pest into the State of Cali- 

 fornia does not appear to have been fully realized by the crews manning 

 the vessels coming from Hawaii and otlier points where this fly exists, 

 and we find a dangerous lack of knowledge on the part of the public 

 generally. The seriousness and gravity of the present situation can not 

 be overestimated. The ravages of this fly have ruined the fruit industry 

 of Australia, and in less than three years it has devastated the fruits 

 and vegetables of the Hawaiian Islands. It is generally conceded that 

 should this fly obtain a foothold in the State of California, it means the 

 ruin of the entire fruit industry, including many vegetables, of this 

 great State. Hundreds of millions of valuable property are directly 

 menaced and endangered. If the fly once finds a lodgment at any point 

 in the State, the world will immediately quarantine against the entire 

 State of California. This will mean that not one pound of fresh fruit 

 can be shipped out for consumption elsewhere. Its damaging effect also 

 upon the dry and canned fruit industry would be enormous. 



Through the activities of this grand jury the importance of this 

 matter has been forcibly brought home to the steamship companies and 

 crews manning the boats. Some good has undoubtedly been accom- 

 plished, but we feel that we must direct the attention of all officials. 

 State and Federal quarantine officers, the district attorney and the 

 future grand jurors to the terrible consequences should the Mediter- 

 ranean fruit fly obtain entrance to this State through the laxity on the 

 part of any one charged with the duty of protection in this regard. 



We find the present force of quarantine inspectors active, energetic, 

 and alive to their responsibilities. We urge that their hands be upheld 

 in every way possible, and that the force of inspectors be increased 

 whenever and wherever necessary to safeguard those great interests. 



We earnestly direct the attention of all fruit-growing bodies through- 

 out the State and the coast to the situation, and urge upon them the 

 utmost watchfulness and aid in actively supporting the good work now 

 being done by the State and Federal quarantine officers. ' ' 



