I lo Annals of Horticultui^e. 



pense of proprietors when the latter refuse to do so ; they 

 prohibit the exportation of leaves from infested localities to 

 others, and provide for indemnity to owners for the destruc- 

 tion of trees when the degree of infection is such as not to 

 threaten the ultimate life of the trees. Expenses for experi- 

 ments of all kinds and for the watching and care exercised by 

 agents are borne by the state, while the expense for the execu- 

 tion of certain of the regulations are borne one-third by the 

 proprietor and two-thirds by the local society. A fine for dis- 

 obedience of the regulations is also provided for. The laws, 

 as published, are none too severe considering the urgency of 

 the case, and it is refreshing to notice the energy with which 

 the government has met the threatened danger, and at the same 

 time gratifying to note the appreciation shown of our ow^n 

 means and methods. 



''Use of contagious germs in the field. — IMost of 3'ou are 

 aware that I have not had the greatest faith in the availabihty 

 of contagious disease germs as a means of battling with in- 

 jurious insects in field, garden, orchard, or forest, as there 

 are so man}'' delicate questions involved and so many obstacles 

 in the way of practically carrying out any plan, however plau- 

 sible theoretically, or true in principle. Our ability to con- 

 taminate healthy by diseased specimens is but a short step and 

 leaves man}^ important questions, as of rapid dissemination, 

 untouched. The theory is very tempting and has been par- 

 ticularly dwelt upon by some who were essentially closet-work- 

 ers, having but faint realization of the practical necessities of 

 of the case. Theoreticall}", with those insect diseases of a 

 cryptogamic nature, having a complex life-history and a resting 

 spore, the dfficulties are greater than with those of a bacterial 

 origin, and it is to these last that we should look for important 

 aid if it be available. Yet if the work of Messrs. Lugger and 

 Snow should be fully substantiated, the best results have so 

 far been obtained with the entomophthora of the chinch bug. 

 No one will be more pleased to have his doubts dissipated by 

 some tangible evidence of the practicabilit}^ of this method 

 than m3^self. Success, if possible, will come only by investi- 

 gation upon thorough^ careful and scientific lines, such as 

 those begun and still pursued b}^ Professor Forbes. The ease 

 with which he conveyed the silk worm pebrine to other larvae ; 

 his conveying the cabbage worm micrococcus to other larvae, 



