April, '11] SYMONS: SEEDLING INSPECTION 263 



' It is usual to permit sales from infested blocks, — but only after all visibly infested 

 trees are destroyed, and after fumigation (by nurseryman or inspector) of all the 

 others. The making of tree by tree inspection and then not requiring fumigation is 

 followed by one inspector with small nurseries, but fumigation is required of those 

 doing a large trade. The fumigation, and later selhng, of trees known to be infested 

 has been permitted on some occasions in one state. Such concessions, which might 

 appear dangerous, are usually in cases where the stock is destined for localities 

 already infested and where the purchasers do not care whether it is infested or 

 not, as it will be watched and sprayed anyway. 



It is suggested that much would be gained if the fumigation of all buds, scions, 

 etc., brought into the nursery could be secured, — but it is obviously difficult to enforce 

 this. Intelligent and careful nurserymen might gladly adopt the suggestion. 



From one state comes the suggestion for central quarantine stations where all 

 entering stock should be inspected. 



But it must be recognized in all work that the degree of thoroughness and exactness 

 varies with the character of the man who inspects, and the character of the nursery- 

 man. The time, money and force available for the work are also factors which can- 

 not be eliminated. An inspector working alone, who has limited funds and time 

 will readily make every possible concession to a conscientious nurseryman, — while 

 an inspector with ample funds and time to look after details may be very exacting 

 with a nurseryman whofn he distrusts. We find that everywhere this human element 

 enters, — and in no state, even with the most explicit laws, do we believe that it can 

 be or should be eliminated. Flexibility, with much left to the discretion of a com- 

 petent and conscientious inspector, seems to be one of the desirable points which is 

 sought for everywhere. 



Franklin Sherman, Jr., Chairman. 



Raleigh, N. C, December 23, 1910. 



The report of the committee was received and the committee 

 continued for the purpose of extending its investigations, so that a 

 proper system of treatment can be outUned by the Association. 



President Washburn: The next on the program is a paper "A 

 Practical Method of Inspecting Imported Seedhngs" by Mr. Symons 

 of College Park, Maryland. 



A PRACTICAL METHOD OF INSPECTING IMPORTED 



SEEDLINGS 



By Thomas B. Symons, College Park, Md. 



The question of properly inspecting the large amount of imported 

 trees, plants, seedlings, etc., that are now received annually in our 

 several Eastern States particularly, and, in fact, throughout the 

 country, due to finding the hibernating stages of the brown-tail and 

 gypsy moths, as well as other pests, is one that has taxed the resources 

 of state inspectors who are provided with limited funds for such work. 



