April, '13] SURFACE: WHAT BESIDES INSPECTION 265 



would adopt this uniform system, no lionest nurseryman could com- 

 plain of unfair treatment in the matter. 



If such a plan of cooperation as proposed were adopted, much of 

 the clerical work could be economically centralized through this organ- 

 ization. A fixed annual assessment not exceeding $10 for each state 

 would allow a remuneration for the supervisory, and other work of 

 the secretary and paj^ for all clerical assistance that may be needed. 



Is it not both practicable and timely for this organization to con- 

 sider, endorse and actively promote some plan to standardize the value 

 of certificates of nursery inspection? 



WHAT BESIDES INSPECTION? 



By H. A. Surface, Harrisburg, Pa. 



In the official performance of our duties as inspectors, we often 

 feel that more can be done for mankind than mere inspection of 

 property of an owner and notifying him of the absence or presence 

 of pests and means of suppressing them. I do not think there is a 

 worthy member of this association who in his inspection work does not 

 go beyond the mere formalities above mentioned. .As officials guard- 

 ing the welfare of the public, no doubt we all take the new, modern 

 and practical view that "prevention is better than remedy." Note 

 how our health departments and sanitary commissions are turning 

 their attention toward not only the eradication of diseases, but es- 

 pecially their prevention. In fact, all of us who are engaged in the 

 important work of inspection realize that the detection of pests 

 through this service is chiefly for the purpose of preventing their 

 dissemination and, therefore, the work is more preventive than 

 curative. The grower of trees or plants who receives the benefit of 

 this service little realizes Avhat it really means. Without it he would 

 be invaded by pests such as he has not before known, and hence of 

 species that he would not recognize until the damage might be ir- 

 reparable, or their eradication or suppression accomplished only by 

 extremely expensive means. 



We know full well that there are many very serious insects and 

 plant diseases that may yet reach our respective states, and fortu- 

 nately, for our citizens, have not yet made their appearance within 

 our borders. Can we expect to keep out some of these pests, many 

 of which are more terrible than any we now know, by our own efforts 

 at inspection work, however thorough it may be? 



It is always important to know what others are doing in their 

 respective fields, and compare notes in order to adopt the best methods 



