GRASSHOPPERS AND OTHER INJURIOUS INSECTS OF 1911 AND 1912. 105 



Regulations for carrying out the "Plant Quarantine Act." The 

 circular also contains the actual wording of the Act. 



This new law, originally introduced and known as the Simmons 

 Bill, will strengthen the position of the inspectors in the various 

 states materially from the fact that they have the backing of fed- 

 eral authorities, not only in the inspection of imported stock, but 

 also, in reality, in inspection of domestic stock as well, for, if a 

 serious insect pest or dangerous plant disease once gains a foothold 

 in a state, either through neglect on the part of a nurseryman, or 

 from any other cause, quarantine would undoubtedly and unqu^s 

 tionably follow. 



A weak point in the federal law is the fact that it does not 

 require inspection by state authorities. It does require that the 

 inspector be notified, and evidently assumes that each state will be 

 sufficiently interested in clean horticulture to take care of this stock 

 after it has arrived. Minnesota is certainly anxious to be kept 

 free of introduced pests, and both nurserymen and florists are only 

 too glad to co-operate with the entomologist to that end. Further, 

 the Minnesota law gives authority to the State Entomologist to 

 inspect stock "where he has reason to suspect the presence of in- 

 jurious insects, etc.," thus legalizing the compulsory inspection of 

 this stock imported by nurserymen and florists, but the entomolo- 

 gist cannot legally insjyect stock imported by private individuals. 

 The inspector should be given this authority by the state and also be 

 empowered to inspect orchard or ornamental stock as well as 

 nursery stock, wherever found. 



This work in Minnesota is increasing and placing added work 

 upon the State Entomologist every year. It is evident that the De- 

 partment should have one practical, well-qualifed man to take care 

 of all inspection, and that funds should be provided sufficient for 

 such an employee and his expenses. It is a striking fact that how- 

 ever good an inspector a man may be technically, if he is not in a 

 position to give nurserymen information regarding spraying out- 

 fits and compounds, and best method of controlling pests found in a 

 nursery, he is hardly acceptable. Therefore, such an employee 

 must of necessity be an all around man along these lines. 



