We know of no publication similar to this in the State now, 

 excepting one by Mr. O. E. Brernner, long out of print, and from 

 which we have taken the liberty to quote in several instances. 



We would like to say a word here of the work, of our office in 

 general. We have endeavored to so conduct it as to give the best 

 possible service, first to the fruit growers of the County, for whose 

 benefit the office was created and for whom it is maintained, 

 also to benefit the nurserymen who furnish trees to the growers, 

 and those who only grow trees and plants for the gratification af- 

 forded by the sight of beautiful horticultural growth. 



At times we have found it necessary, in our judgment, to insist 

 upon a course of action not approved of by all the growers, and 

 to which they strenuously objected, and though the task was not 

 at all a pleasant one, we have endeavored to follow the best course 

 for the good of all concerned, and to treat all alike "without fear 

 or favor, believing that the future will show those who felt agrieved 

 'that this course was best. Past experience would seem to prove 

 that this will be so, as we now encounter only a fraction of the 

 opposition which was hurled against our work only three or four 

 years ago. We believe the work has proved its own value in most 

 cases, and people in general are now demanding it much more fre- 

 quently than fighting it. 



In the cities and towns of our County, the benefits of our work 

 are not as apparent as among the ranches and orchards, but when 

 we consider that much of the nursery stock planted in the orchards 

 is sold and often grown, in the towns, where it will become infested 

 if the town trees are dirty, a different light is cast on this matter, 

 and we must always remember that we are protecting your neigh- 

 bors as well as yourselves, and in our work we are emphatically 

 "our brother's keeper." 



In the towns where our office must do most of the work found 

 necessary in treatment of the trees, we have this season arranged 

 to have it done by tents and other appliances owned by the County 

 and operated by crews hired by the day or hour, and the charge 

 made on an itemized account, of time, chemicals and tent hire actu- 



