84 JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY [yd, 3 



tigation, and, as a consequence, the state would have to foot the bill. 

 Expenses which might be incurred under such or similar conditions 

 would be comparatively small and would be the only drain on the 

 state appropriation. As a result the appropriation would practically 

 constitute a permanent fund to be used over and over again. 



The general effect of these laws for state protection is quite appar- 

 ent. There is practically no weak place existing in them, since the 

 State Board of Agriculture has the power of adjusting all require- 

 ments. 



It has heretofore occurred that this office has received orders from 

 nurserymen, after the regular inspection season, to proceed at once 

 to their nurseries to make inspection since they desired a certificate. 

 In many such instances they were asked to guarantee traveling ex- 

 penses and payment of a per diem fee ($5). 



Such examples show that the law is economical and effective. Some 

 nurserymen who have very small nurseries (and also, too often, small 

 knowledge of the business) look upon the law as unjust, since their 

 expenses of inspection are comparatively greater than for larger nur- 

 series. The law, of course, is not meant to curtail business, but to 

 promote it. The so-called "nurserymen" who have no knowledge of 

 the business should be eliminated for the benefit of the public. Their 

 elimination has but little effect and does not particularly benefit the 

 responsible nurserymen as is sometimes supposed. 



The weight of the law does not fall entirely upon the nursery busi- 

 ness. It is equally effective for the agriculturist. The nurseryman 

 is wont to believe that he bears the burden alone. This is untrue. The 

 farmer bears his proportionate share. If an injurious weed is allowed 

 to become established, the farmer is held responsible for it, and the 

 treatment for the same is charged to him. The same may be said of 

 the owner of a shade tree in the city. The tree must be kept free 

 from injurious pests and diseases as defined by our nursery laws or 

 regulations. 



The conclusion is clear and plain that the expense of freedom from 

 obnoxious pests must be borne by the parties concerned. The law pro- 

 mulgating this freedom is new and its machinery is not yet in thor- 

 ough working condition, but its parts are all present and perfect and 

 the driving power is unlimited. 



[The Proceedings will be contiuued in the next issue. — Ed.] 



