insect and fungoid pests. To assist in this direction an entomo- 
logist and a mycologist were added to the Department Staff. 
It was pointed out that some of the most destructive pests and 
diseases known in present-day agriculture were those that had been 
transported from their native localities to other regions. Many of 
these have in all probability been carried on, or with their food or 
nost plants, and have become established ars their presence 
was known. Insect pests are likely to be much more destructive 
when transported to new localities, because they are not controlled, 
as in their native environment, by natural enemies. The subject 
of preventing the introduction of pests and diseases in connec- 
tion with the importation of plants has been carefully considered in 
most countries where agricultural industries are of great import- 
ance. It is further pointed out that, asthe West Indian Islands and 
the British Colonies generally depend almost entirely on agriculture 
for their welfare, it was essential that everything should be done to 
ensure protection from infestation from surrounding areas. 
As an example of the regulations now in force, the following 
extract taken from the « Instructions for the guidance of officers » 
at Jamaica indicates the manner in which imported plants, cuttings 
and their coverings are dealt with : 
Immediately on the landing of any plants, cuttings or other 
articles specified in the Governor's Proclamation of September 
zth, 1901, published in the Government Notice No. 278, of the 
roth of that month in « The Jamaica Gazette », they shall be taken 
charge of by the Customs Officer who will give the Wharfinger or 
other party concerned a receipt therefor, showing the time and 
date of delivery; 
The Customs Officer shall at once,notify the Government Che- 
mist in writing of the articles to be fumigated, stating the approxi- 
mate dimensions thereof and obtain his instructions as to the time 
at, and place to, which they are to be forwarded for fumigation; 
The Customs Officer will then forward the articles accordingly 
in charge of a Customs Escort, who will remain in attendance 
during the process of fumigation and afford, or provide, such assist- 
ance and labour as the Government Chemist or his officer in 
charge may require; 
Immediately on receipt of the articles, the Government Chemist 
(or his assistant) shall cause them to be fumigated in the manner and 
under the conditions prescribed by the Governor in Privy Council; 
