April, '10] SYMOXS: IXSPECTIOX AND SPRAYIXG 237 



is no doubt that much practical information has accumulated as the 

 result of comparatively recent investigations throughout the country, 

 that has not as yet reached the men or farmers in whose interest the 

 work was undertaken. I, therefore, consider the proper dissemina- 

 tion of facts already known to those who need the information as 

 important a problem as the seeking of new facts looking towards the 

 mitigation of many existing troubles. ^Moreover, as professional men, 

 I consider that we should aim as far as possible to stimulate means 

 whereby our theoretical instructions, so to speak, may be put into 

 practice. The mere fact of advising a grower what he should do in 

 order to relieve a certain condition or save a certain crop is not suf- 

 *ficient. It is somewhat similar to a doctor prescribing a medicine that 

 cannot be procured at the drug store within a reasonable time or 

 without a great expense. 



The third subject of my title is one in which as inspectors, we should 

 be especially interested and as men seeking to improve the economic 

 status of our constituents, we should spend every effort in conducting 

 an interstate campaign towards the elimination of this constant menace 

 to our farmers and fruit growers. 



With this introduction, I shall discuss briefly these three subjects, 

 giving our experience in ]\Iar\"land with the desire to stimulate further 

 discussion by the Association. 



Local Inspection 



Upon the enactment of the Maryland Inspection law, the officers 

 charged with its enforcement found difficulty in disseminating the 

 desired information to the mass of growers as well as in getting 

 amicable and practical compliance with the law by negligent orchard- 

 ists. 



It was apparent that the orchards of the state should be inspected 

 both for the benefit of the growers as well as to do justice to the 

 nurserymen. It was difficult, however, to devise means for a proper 

 inspection with the limited funds at our command. For a time the 

 officers of the department endeavored to visit as many parts of the 

 state as possible, but this procedure, while being of great assistance, 

 did not promote the work as was desired. There was needed a farm- 

 to-farm canvass to ascertain the real conditions. It was then decided 

 to appoint a practical man in each county to conduct the local inspec- 

 tion of the orchards. This system of orchard inspection has been in 

 operation in ]\Iaryland for the past eight years. The local inspectors 

 are given a short course free of charge at the college during the win- 

 ter. The course covers the identification and means of control of the 



