THE MONTHLY BULLETIN, 535 



to the growers for one-half cent. Twelve inspectors were appointed 

 under civil service regulations, as the law directs, to have charge of all 

 inspection. So far as we can learn this law gives entire satisfaction. 

 The growers desire no changes. The law" works entirely by persuasion. 

 No one need adopt its provisions as to style of box or pack. It is. 

 however, a penal offense to use the stamp or the word "Standard" 

 except the box, pack, grade and quality of fruit conform to the high 

 standard which the law demands. That word "Standard" is precious, 

 as it alone wins the trade and big money. Fortunately, the $5,000 

 appropriated to execute this law remains untouched, and the receipts 

 from the sale of stamps have met all expenses with a large balance still 

 on hand. 



The other standardization law includes mo.st of our commercial 

 deciduous fruits and cantaloupes. It requires that all fruits and canta- 

 loupes for interstate and foreign shipment be packed according to 

 standard. Inspection is under the control of the county horticultural 

 commissioner, the cost of which is met by the county. The inspectors 

 are not appointed under civil service regulations. This law became 

 operative too late for iLse this season excepting for the .shipment of 

 grapes. It has done excellent service, but is criticized by those using 

 it as being capable of improvement. 



Until 1912 there had never been an index catalogue of the su]).iect 

 matter of the books belonging to this Commission, and the insect collec- 

 tions Avere also without index cards. This Avork has been carried on 

 as take-up work. These indexes are very useful and Avill be very great 

 time saA^ers. 



I think you are aAvare that there has been a startling decline in yield 

 of potatoes in California. The cause, fungoid attack, is well knoAvn, 

 and the diseases are preventable. Good seed, clean soil and crop 

 rotation are the desiderata in potato culture. This decline in the yield 

 of potatoes led to the calling of an emergency potato eouA-eution, to the 

 formation of the West Coast Potato Association and to the passage of 

 the certified potato seed laAv. signed by yourself, which is doing much 

 good and Avhich AA'ill do A^ery great ser\'ice in the future. Six potato 

 conA'eutions this past season AA'ere arranged for in conjunction Avith the 

 United States Department of Agriculture, were AA^ell attended and as 

 educators AA^ere of signal benefit. Later three meetings more were held. 

 These schools of in.struction have aroused great interest, and aa'C are 

 stoutly urged to hold more, Avhieh we plan to do in January and Feb- 

 ruary of next year. We believe if we continue this campaign of educa- 

 tion Ave shall sa\"e thousands of dollars to the potato growers of the 

 State. This Avork and certain modifications of the parcel post laAv are 

 duties calling for effort in the immediate future. 



I have to thank you for the number of courtesies extended and the 

 valued support given during the past four years. 



As I have noAV concluded a four years' term of official service, I 

 append hercAvith a brief resume of the Avork done by the Commission 

 which I presented at the recent convention held at Visalia, all of 

 which is 



Most respectfully submitted. 



A. J. Cook, 



State Commissioner of Horticulture. 



