108 



of the recent attempted introduction of snakes into Hawaii 

 and the disposition of them. Other organized bodies in Hono- 

 lulu also addressed Mr. Wilson upon the same subject and he 

 issued a Biological Survey Circular (No. 48), the purpose of 

 which reads as follows : 



"In accordance with the authority thus conferred, and for 

 the purpose of preventing the introduction of snakes into the 

 Territory of Hawaii, the order issued under date of May 22, 

 1902 {Circular No. jd. Biological Surrey), is hereby amended 

 so that on and after August 1, 1905, and until further notice, 

 no permits shall be issued for the entry of snakes, of any kind, 

 at any port of the Hawaiian Islands. 



"Shipments of snakes presented for entry will be immedi- 

 ately destroyed or returned to the port from which exported 

 at the expense of the owner or agent. ' ' 



This is another proof of Secretary Wilson's desire to assist 

 us in preventing the introduction into Hawaii of undesirable 

 pests (see pages 141-142 of your report for 1904). 



MAIL IMPORTS. 



Further proof of the advisability for the inspection of even 

 such small plants as can be sent by mail has been forcibly 

 brought to our attention the past year, and through the kind- 

 ness of Postmaster Joseph G. Pratt of Honolulu, your request 

 for permission to inspect all packages of plants and seeds en- 

 tering this Territory by mail has been favorably considered by 

 the Postmaster General, and we have frequently intercepted 

 the introduction of pestiferous insects and diseases as recorded 

 in our reports to your Honorable Board, of current work, which 

 reports are on file in this office. 



Besides those already referred to in this synopsis, the fol- 

 lowing may have ^special interest and refresh your memory. 



In December, among other packages of agricultural matter, 

 was one containing "chives" from Philadelphia, that we 

 found infested with larvae and pupae of the "onion fly" 

 {Phorhia ccparum). This pest is a very difficult one to combat, 



