BOARD OF HORTICULTURE, MONTANA. 



these and if the fruit is absolutely free from germs like the San Jose, and 

 reasonably free from codling moth, order it passed; if not, condemn it. As un- 

 loading progresses I examine further from time to time of the same lot 

 and all other lots and kinds with extra care, always being satisfied of the 

 exact condition of fruit that is passed, and of each box that is condemned. 



Last fall I found San Jose scale on Oregon and California fruit. Since 

 November I have seen none of it. I can truthfully say that since I have 

 been inspector here no fruit has been sold from Helena infected with this 

 germ. Fruit infected with codling moth has often been knowingly passed 

 and sold. So widespread and general is its prevalence, that all an inspector 

 could demand was that fruit should be reasonably free from it. Apple con- 

 sumers have some rights. The moth infects trees already in this town, and 

 most of the fruit goes to mining camps where a codling moth must eat ore 

 and pine trees or die. All these considerations have influenced me as in- 

 spector here. I have been satisfied that the fruit has been as free from this 

 pest as could reasonably be at this time; and that the tendency of it is to 

 become freer and freer under the operation of the inspection law. 



Western apples are much more perfect than eastern. Eastern barrel ap- 

 ples have more diseases than all other fruit combined. The apple scab is 

 coming in some on Idaho fruit but nearly every specimen from the east is 

 infected with it and codling moth is very prevalent in them. I have not met 

 with scale on any eastern fruit. 



In the discharge of my duties here I have met with the co-operation of 

 the wholesale firms in Helena. They have been so far most concerned with 

 the operation of the law; and to their usual efforts to get the best of fruits 

 has been joined the constant endeavor to get and sell that fruit only that is 

 free from noxious germs. It is due to them as much as to any action of 

 mine that the market is so clear of diseased fruit. All purchases have been 

 made by them with that objet in view. 



As the law now stands the inspector receives compensation from fees 

 collected by himself from fruit inspected. This provision should be changed 

 at the next meeting of the legislature, and his salary should be paid by the 

 state through the Board. Inspection is not easily combined with the duties 

 of a publican and a tax gatherer. The wholesalers are patient under the 

 high taxation of business in Montana. To shoulder upon them all the ex- 

 pense of fruit inspection is unjust to them; and the fee interferes with the 

 co-operation of inspector and importer, and is the sole basis of opposition to 

 the law. 



Helena is familiar with sheep, cattle and mining industries of the state 

 but does not realize the importance of the horticultural. The fine apples 

 which have appeared here from Ravalli and Flathead, have given those who 

 have seen them an idea of the possibilities of Montana in this direction. For 

 the further protection of the orchard interests it is necessary that this coun- 

 ty and many other counties of Montana should know the importance of them 



