12 SUPPRESSION OF INSECT PESTS AND PLANT DISEASES. 



such an inspection to the country was illustrated by examples of insects which such 

 inspection in the past would have debarred from entrance. As further illustrating 

 the possibility of this kind of inspection, the work of the State Board of Horticul- 

 ture of California at the port of San Francisco was described at some length. The 

 possibility of Competent inspection of nursery stock in foreign countries before ship- 

 ment to this country was also mentioned. The speaker followed with a partial list of 

 insects of economic importance not yet introduced into this country, but which are 

 still liable to be imported from abroad. It was shown, by referring to several 

 familiar instances, that one great difficulty in the preparation of such a list arises 

 from the fact that we have not only to guard against insects of known economic 

 importance, but against many other species which in their native home have little 

 economic consequence, but which in the more congenial climate of the United States 

 may multiply to excess. 



Tables were given showing the importations of nursery stock and plants, as well 

 as fruit, at the different ports in the United States, and it was shown that the prin- 

 cipal ports of entry to be guarded are those of Boston, Charlestown (Mass.), New 

 York, Cincinnati, St. Augustine, Key West, Tampa, New Orleans, and Baltimore. 

 This comparatively limited list would seem to indicate that with the aid of State 

 officials, and particularly with the possible cooperation of foreign countries, an 

 inspection and quarantine service need not be excessively expensive to the General 

 Government. 



As giving an idea of what such an inspection would mean, the speaker presented 

 a table representing the inspection of steamers entering the port of San Francisco 

 from July 2, 1894, to August 29, 1896. From this table it appeared that at San 

 Francisco two hundred and thirty vessels carrying plants were boarded in the 

 twenty-six months mentioned and all plants and trees found on them were carefully 

 inspected. About one-half the plants and trees were found to be infested with 

 scales or other injurious insects, and were disinfected or destroyed. It was shown 

 that this inspection system, conducted under State laws, has been thorough and has 

 undoubtedly saved the State of California many times the cost of the inspection. 

 It was further stated, however, that inspection at San Francisco is but child's play 

 compared with the amount of inspection which will be necessary at the port of 

 New York. 



In conclusion, the writer expressed his firm conviction that the establishment of 

 such a service at the Eastern ports, while it might not be commensurate in the value 

 of its results with that of San Francisco, Avould many times repay the horticultural 

 interests of the country. 



Mr. Howard's paper was followed by one prepared by Mr. B. F. 

 Lelong, "secretary of the California State Board of Horticulture. In 

 the absence of Mr. Lelong the paper was read by the secretary, and 

 was as follows : 



THE INSPECTION OF TREES, PLANTS, FRUIT, ETC., AS CONDUCTED UNDER THE 



LAWS IN CALIFORNIA. 



In compliance with a request from your president, Mr. E. H. Cushman, I submit 

 herewith this paper, giving the methods of inspection and operation of the laws 

 relative to the protection and promotion of the horticultural interests in California. 

 In order that tho subject may be fully understood, a short synopsis of the history of 

 the State Board of Horticulture and its creation becomes necessary. 



Prior to 1880 there were no laws To prevent the introduction of pests on trees, 

 plants, fruit, etc., from foreign countries or the Eastern States, and very little was 

 known by the fruit growers of the injury done by these enemies to fruit culture 

 until those that were so introduced began to play havoc with the orchards and their 



