131 



, especially the advance points of the infection. The dis- 

 eased trees of these spot infections are destroyed as soon as 

 possible after being located. Ultimately, it is planned to es- 

 tablish a zone free from the disease which will be constantly 

 patrolled for new infections. The portion of the State west of 

 tli is zone will be thoroughly scouted over at least once each year 

 and new spot infections eradicated as soon as found. 



East, of the immune zone no immediate attempt will be made 

 to eradicate the disease, partly because most of the energy will 

 he required to fight the disease in the immune zone and west- 

 ward, and also because of the poor market for chestnut pro- 

 ducts, especially cord wood," of which a large amount will be pro- 

 duced. It is planned, however, to place competent men in the 

 region of general infection for the purpose of encouraging tim- 

 ber owners to cut their diseased trees before they deteriorate, and 

 to assist them in finding a market for this material. In com- 

 munities east of the general advance line where the per cent, of 

 blight is not high and the owners desire to co-operate in cutting 

 out the diseased trees, the Commission plans to give all possible 

 encouragement and assistance. 



At the risk of being tedious, I will give a resume of the pro- 

 visions of the Act which governs the w T ork of the Pennsylvania 

 ( Commission. 



Section L A commission consisting of five persons, to serve 

 for three years, is created. 



They are given power to use all practical means to destroy 

 the chestnut tree blight. 



The Department of Forestry is directed to work-in collabora- 

 tion. 



Section 2. The Commission and its agents or employes ar<3 

 given power to enter upon any property to determine whether 

 trees are attacked by blight. They are directed to co-operate 

 with owners for the removal of the trees and eradication of the 

 disease. The commission will furnish every owner with infor- 

 mation respecting the location of his blighted trees. 



Section 3. If an owner refuses to co-operate with the Com 

 mission in applying remedies or doing any act directed to be 

 done to prevent further spread, the. Commission may give him 



