292 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [P. D. No. 4. 



That portion of the law bearing on the importation of 

 stock from other States has ah'eady been of great value. 

 Heretofore it has been the acknowledged practice of some 

 nurserymen to ship stock to Massachusetts which the laws 

 of other States would not permit being sent elsewhere. The 

 Massachusetts law has now nearly put a stop to this most 

 reprehensible practice, and with a slight amendment should 

 entirely prevent it. 



The results thus far of the passage of the nursery inspec- 

 tion law may be summarized by sa3ang that it has already 

 accomplished much for the protection of the buyers of orna- 

 mental plants and fruit and shade trees, by preventing the 

 sale of worthless stock ; has greatly aided in putting the 

 nurseries in good condition ; and has prevented the shipment 

 of thousands of diseased and infested plants and trees into 

 the State. 



In conclusion, permit me to express my deep appreciation 

 of the kindness and assistance I have received from you, sir, 

 at every step in tliis work. 



Respectfully submitted. 



Amherst, Dec. 10, lf)02. 



H. T. fp:rnald. 



State Nursery Inspector. 



