No. 4.] REPORT OF SECRETARY. xxvii 



thera so badly that Mr. C-olc was advised to Imru them, 

 which lie did. The remainder were thoroughly treated with 

 whale-oil soap and water, one and a quarter pounds of soap 

 to one gallon of water. The weather at the time of treat- 

 ment was so cold that the ordinary formula, two pounds of 

 soap to one gallon of water, could not be used. On 

 Aug. 27, 1897, a careful examination of the orchard, at 

 which time I was present, did not reveal more than a half- 

 dozen living scales. The owner was advised to repeat the 

 treatment as soon as the leaves fell. This remedial treat- 

 ment should only l)e used when the trees are bare of foliage. 

 It is probaljly the cheapest and best means yet discovered 

 for holding the San Jose scale in check. 



Imported Insects. 



The Board of Agriculture has received notice, through 

 the Entomological Division of the United States Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture, of the importation into Massachusetts 

 of several invoices of shruljs and plants from Japan, with the 

 re<j[uest that the consignees be notified that there is danger 

 of the introduction of new insect pests on such plants and 

 shrubs. In each case the parties receiving such goods have 

 been notified, and requested to have the importation care- 

 fully examined and treated in such a manner as to destroy 

 any eggs or insect that may possibly be present. As this 

 State has no legislation restricting importation or providing 

 for inspection of imported plants and shrubs, nothing more 

 could be done. It may not be out of place to state that the 

 State of California has laws that provide for the official in- 

 spection of all trees, shrubs and plants brought into the 

 State from foreign countries, or from other States of the 

 Union. The law also empowers the proper officer to apply, 

 at the expense of the owner, proper remedial treatment to 

 such incoming trees, etc., or, if in his judgment it is neces- 

 sary, to cause them to be destroyed. 



A national convention of delegates from horticultural 

 societies, nurserymen's associations, boards of agriculture, 

 granges and agricultural colleges was held at Washington, 

 D. C, on March 5 and 6, 1897. This convention unani- 

 mously recommended that the United States Congress pro- 



