134 REPORT OF THE No. 3 



(c) Fungi: 



White Pine Blister Rust. — No evidences of increasing blister rust infec- 

 tions were noted, although several infected trees were discovered in the older 

 plantations which had been previously attacked. These were destroyed. 



Other control measures were left in abeyance during the year. 



(5) Woodlot Improvement 



Owing to the depleted staff it was impossible to attempt anything in the 

 way of woodlot improvement during the year. 



(6) Publicity 



Since the restrictions on the number of trees available to the individual 

 applicant have been lifted, there has been a marked increase in the number 

 of persons who are establishing large plantations. In almost every instance, 

 these large orders have been placed by those who have previously planted, 

 thus ensuring the proper handling of the trees and, at the same time, giving 

 evidence of encouraging results from previous planting. 



The private planting of impoverished soils and of sand areas on the Pine 

 Ridge, which extends on an angle through York, Ontario, Durham, Northum- 

 berland and Prince Edward counties, is becoming increasingly popular. 



As we had no truck, no exhibits were sent to outside points this year. An 

 exhibit was, however, placed at the fair of the Durham Central Agricultural 

 Society at Orono. The exhibit, which included transparencies of Prof. C. B. 

 Sisson's Scotch pine plantation in Clarke township and of Mr. Frank L. Squair's 

 white pine plantation in Darlington township, together with articles made from 

 wood obtained from thinnings from these plantations, attracted much favour- 

 able attention. 



(7) Personnel 



The very drastic economies which were made necessary during the past 

 year, both as regards general expenditures and staff, reflected seriously on the 

 successful carrying-on of nursery operations. With regard to the staff, I 

 cannot pass over this opportunity of bringing to your attention, the splendid 

 loyalty shown under very trying conditions. Those who had been on the 

 Civil Service continued, when working, to give their whole-hearted support 

 and continued to exercise the same responsibilities as in former years, although 

 suffering very drastic pay cuts. Those who had been classed as temporary 

 laborers also responded splendidly to the additional demands under severe 

 pay cuts. Owing to the reduction in staff, it was necessary to demand more 

 concentrated effort from those who remained and the excellent response was 

 noteworthy. 



The local committee, consisting of Reeve F. Lovekin and Councillor T. 

 A. Reid of Clarke township and Mr. W. E. Davey of Orono, worked splendidly 

 with me in distributing the employment among those who needed it most. 

 Their assistance is most gratefully acknowledged. 



