No. 4.] REPORT OF SECRETARY. xxvii 



much damage is done. As they are sucking insects they are 

 more difficult to destroy than leaf-eating insects, and particu- 

 larly so as they work when the tree is in leaf and continue their 

 depredations during the entire growing season. The greatest 

 damage done is the checking of tree growth, reducing the size 

 of the fruit and causing it to be much discolored. 



Scale insects are still rapidly killing our neglected orchard 

 trees, and the greatest danger from this pest is the spread 

 from neglected orchards to those given good care by the owners. 



The whole insect question is one which should have deep 

 thought. We are bound to have a bad outbreak of some 

 insect each year, for conditions governing their control by 

 parasites are such that some years the parasites are killed; and 

 there has not been any means yet devised by which human 

 agencies can completely control serious outbreaks. A greater 

 knowledge of parasites would be of untold value to us, and 

 the breeding of them will undoubtedly be an economic possi- 

 bility in the near future. 



Nursery Inspection. 



The inspection of our nurseries for dangerous insects and 

 plant diseases has been conducted in a very efficient and 

 effective manner. The work of Dr. Fernald and his assistants 

 has been of the highest order, so much so that our certificates 

 of inspection are accepted by all States. 



In connection with this, your secretary would like to call 

 your attention to a question which is bound to have some 

 influence upon the future of the fruit industry of the State, and 

 that is the importation of fruit grown in South Africa, New 

 Zealand and such countries. These fruits, coming from 

 countries where conditions are similar to ours, may carry 

 insects and diseases new to us, and should be inspected before 

 being sold in the State. Western States have taken very 

 definite precautions to guard against such dangers, but we in 

 Massachusetts are inclined to take the precaution too late. A 

 bill for presentation to the Legislature has been drawn covering 

 the necessary points, and an additional appropriation of 12,000 

 asked for to do this inspection. 



