300 JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOT,OGY [Vol. 9 



tion there would have been out-breaks at points considerably beyond 

 the infested area. The introduction in Utah, presumably from Europe, 

 is the only known case where such transportation occurred, and we do 

 not know how this happened. 



A careful investigation made by the U. S. Bureau of Entomology, in 

 cooperation with the authorities of Utah, of the possibilities of alfalfa 

 weevil being carried in commercial shipments, especially of alfalfa 

 seed, nursery stock, fruits and vegetables, has been made, covering a 

 period of three years. These investigations show that the only danger 

 of spreading alfalfa weevil is by shipping alfalfa hay or any produce 

 which has been handled in contact with it between the 15th of July 

 and the beginning of winter and there is no case on record where such 

 transportation of the weevil has occurred. Early potatoes are prac- 

 tically the only crop that presents any danger from this source, and it 

 is an easy matter to handle this crop in such a way as to eliminate all 

 risk. 



The alfalfa weevil being a comparatively new pest as far as America 

 is concerned, it is not surprising that states, establishing embargoes 

 in the beginning, acted largely on fear and supposition and conse- 

 quently established quarantines which are irrational and more or less 

 arbitrary. Such quarantines as have already been established show a 

 lack of cooperation between states as is indicated by the following 

 digest of existing embargoes: 



NxjRSERY Stock: 



Arizona — Entrance prohibited. 



California — Nursery stock must be packed in fresh shavings, excelsior or other 

 suitable packing (except tule, hay, and straw), and containers and cars 

 must be fumigated with potassium cyanide, both at point of origin and 

 delivery. Must be consigned to a quarantine officer designated by State 

 Commissioner of Horticulture, who will fumigate as for alfalfa seed. 



Idaho — Same instructions in packing as California, except tule hay can be used 

 if fumigated and accompanied by an official certificate of fumigation. 



Montana — Prohibited unless accompanied by an official certificate of fumigation. 



Oregon — Hay, straw, tule, grass and forage plants must not be used in packing 

 any nursery stock shipped into Oregon. 



FRxnTS AND Vegetables: 



Arizona — Entrance of fruit prohibited. No restriction on vegetables. 



Montana — Entrance prohibited from April to October inclusive (excepting that 

 after August 1, fruits and vegetables maj^ be shipped from points where 

 inspection service is maintained by State Horticultural Inspector of Utah, 

 all shipments to be handled under special arrangement and to bear an 

 official certificate of inspection). 



(No restriction in other states.) 



Alfalfa Seed: 



Arizona — Entrance prohibited. 



