NURSERY INSPECTION 35 



The Entomologist i)ul)Hshes, at intervals during the year, a 

 '"News Letter," mailing ttj all nurserymen, dealers, and florists on 

 our lists. This publication contains items of common interest to 

 nurserymen, florists, and the Nursery Inspection force. 



It is to be noted that the above statements regarding White 

 Pine Blister Rust were printed Feb. 1, 1916. Since that date there 

 have been important developments and much work accomplished in 

 this connection. See page 10. 



The ^Minnesota Inspection Service feels hardly justified in 

 taking- a parental attitude toward our nurserymen similar to what 

 is found to prevail occasionally in some states. In other words, 

 the State Entomologist does not feel authorized either to criticize 

 business methods on the part of his nurserymen constituents, or to 

 pass upon business relations existing between nurserymen and 

 their patrons. A most cordial and friendly feeling exists between 

 the inspector and inspected in Minnesota, and in the light of this 

 friendship, we may repeat to a nurseryman i)rivately a criticism 

 upon stock sold, made to us. if such action upon our part is likely 

 to prevent a repetition which may injure the nurseryman himself. 

 A\> ha^•e also, upon rare occasions, upheld patrons in their claim 

 that satisfactory stock had not been furnished. ( )n the other hand, 

 we do not feel that it lies within the power of the Entomologist 

 to interfere with or restrain trade by commenting to any purchaser 

 of nursery stock, upon prices paid or claims made as to value of 

 stock furnished. AMiatever personal views the inspector mav have, 

 he carefully refrains from voicing, believing that to be the most 

 desirable and really the only position to take in his official capacity. 

 A diseased or insect-mfested tree or shrub furnished a patron would 

 of course bring upon the nurseryman selling the same the private 

 criticism of the inspector and an admonition. 



Nursery inspection in this state at present is in an educational 

 stage. It serves as a check upon the introduction and spread of 

 injurious insects and plant diseases, but it does more than that in 

 that it compels attention to pests and diseases hitherto nc)t under- 

 stood or even noticed. Since it is educational and co-operative with 

 University departments, it would seem unwise to separate it from 

 the University at this time and place it under state control, apart 

 from the Uni^■ersity, unless a group of allied sulijects sufficiently 

 large to dignify it with the name of "Department of Agriculture" 

 be organized for that purpose and precautions taken to guard the 

 work against political interference. Nurserymen appear to be 



