78 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



One hundred and fifty-two nurseries were inspected this year 

 and 147 certificates granted. The number of agents' Hcenses 

 issued was 120, which is a sHght increase over the number issued 

 last year. 



White Pine Blister Rust. 



The white pine bhster rust under this department, co-operat- 

 ing with the Bureau of Plant Industry, United States Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture, on a dollar for dollar basis, has been 

 carried on along the lines put into operation and recommended 

 by Dr. H. T. Fernald, who was the State Nursery Inspector last 

 year. In 1917 the blister rust was found present on Ribes (cur- 

 rants and . gooseberries) in 224 towns, and diseased pines were 

 located in 72 towns. When it was learned that the disease was 

 so widespread throughout the State, it was thought advisable to 

 establish control areas, which were areas where pines were espe- 

 cially valuable and from which it was hoped that all Ribes 

 could be removed. Such areas were established in Warwick, 

 Lenox, Lee, Stockbridge, Barre, Petersham, Dana, and a section 

 comprising the towns of Hanover, Hanson, Halifax, Pembroke, 

 Marshfield and Duxbury. 



In the late fall of 1917 the cultivated Ribes were removed 

 from the Barre and Hanover areas. From April of this year, 

 when it was possible to go on with the work, practically all of 

 our time has been spent in these areas in an attempt to eradi- 

 cate the wild Ribes. The Barre district was a demonstration 

 control area where various experiments relating to crew organi- 

 zation and methods of scouting for wild currants and goose- 

 berries were tried. Mr. R. M. Marble had the supervision of 

 this work. In order that the results accomplished in these 

 areas might be protected, a quarantine has been established 

 prohibiting the planting of Ribes in these towns. 



A superintendent was stationed in Hanover, and another in 

 Barre, whose duty it was to lay out the work, keep the maps, 

 reports, costs, etc., also to give information to property owners 

 and others interested in blister rust. Most of the foremen had 

 previous experience on blister rust or similar work, while the 

 crews were made up chiefly of young men from colleges and 

 local help. At the height of the season, eight crews were work- 



