THE MONTHLY BULLETIN. 337 



Citrophilus Mealybug Problem. 



The recent meeting of the Claremonl Pomological Club and other citrus organiza- 

 tions at Pomona shows the deep interest which the t'niir growers of southern 

 California feel in the citrophilus mealybug problem. No other question before the 

 meeting evoked as much discussion or held the attention of the growers so firmly. 

 The mealybug is always a live topic where eitrus growers gel together, and well it 

 may be, for it is probably the most dangerous insect pests of citrus we have in 



California. I am not a pessimist, but we must r gnize the fact that the citrophilus 



,,, alybug is here to slay, and any possibility of eradicating it that may have existed 



in the i>' has now g by. We must now evolve some satisfactory method of 



control. This we fully expect to see brought about 



There are at the present time Hut.' institutions working toward Hie control of this 

 pest; the U. S. Department of Agriculture, the Citrus Experiment Station and the 

 Stale Commission of Horticulture. With such forces arrayed against it and all 

 working together in harmony, the mealybug is son' to meet its Waterloo sooner or 

 Inter. The Department of Agriculture and the Citrus Experiment Station will devote 

 their attention to such means of control as spraying, washing, fumigation, etc., while 

 we will take care of such phases of the problem as quarantine and control by natural 

 enemies. By such an arrangement as this each side of the question will receive the 

 attention ii deserves and nothing will be neglected which gives any possibility of 

 relief. We expect to see the closest cooperation between tie' three institutions 

 studying the citrophilus problem. The different lines of work an' well defined and 

 all that is necessary is a mutual feeling of confidence and a spirit of helpfulness on 



the pari of each. This spirit is in evidence al the present ii and will. I believe, 



continue until ;t satisfactory solution is reached. G. II. H. 



The Modesto Conference and Striking Illustrations 

 of the Value of Thorough Team Work. 



From the viewpoint of things accomplished, valuable initiatory work and 

 cordiality of social spirit, together with loyal teamwork ahum every line of horticul- 

 tural endeavor, the Modesto confer <• a Hi made history. It exemplified the 



old saying that "One tinge of sorrow, and we are all of one kin." Every move was 

 prompted by a patriotic purpose to serve the country. Enlisted in that effort to serve 

 were men from almost every county in the state of California, who are alive to the 

 needs and requirements of the times and thoroughly cognizant of the dangers con- 

 fronting the nation. These men represent a vital part of the great army for service. 



A change from normal conditions nationally has wrought changes locally. New 

 laws have been enacted to better conserve and protect the interests of the people. 

 These state and county horticultural officials ami inspectors are charged with the 

 enforcement of these laws, ami they accept the duty with a thorough and willing 

 thoughtfulness rarely experienced. 



The spirit of emulation was noticeable; dial of faultfinding and complaint, absent. 

 Everywhere ii was manifestly plain that the various repre - were seeking 



for a more advanced I dge in order to better serve the people of state and 



nation. 



Hon. A. F. Naftzger. vice chairman .if the State Council of Defense, delivered a 

 line address. It was tilled with lb.' rich meat of patriotic service, others con- 

 tributed their part cheerfully and rendered splendid service in making the conference 

 the success it was. 



The papers read, the discussions that followed and every utterance was along 

 constructive lines. The hotel accommodations, the spirit of the people of Modesto 

 : ,n,l especially of tl is blended to make a successful and harmonious total. 



The Modesto I lonference will long I e remembered by those privileged to attend as one 

 of the most successful in the history of the horticultural meetings in California. 



ioner Hecke feels under lasting obligations to all those who contributed 

 to this mosl excellent conference. "• s - ™- 



"Drone Trees." 



At lasi the fad is becoming generallj recognized thai trees, like people, possess 



individuality, and thai certai herenl tendencies are responsible for some of 



their good or bad characteristics The work thai has been done in southern Cali- 

 fornia by A. D. Shame! of the railed States Department of Agriculture, in the 

 improvement of varieties of citrus fruits through ion, has shown that there 



is a wide variation in the bud chat • which has resulted in the development 



of inferior strains of a variety through propagation from undesirable buds. 



