Bureau of Entomology: L. O. Howard, Chief; C. L. Marlatt, Acting 

 Chief; J. G. Sanders, agent and expert, and his four assistants — Hammar, 

 Sasscer, Zimmer, and Wilson. 



Bureau of Plant Industry: A. F. Woods, Acting Chief; N. A. Cobb, 

 nematologist; D. G. Fairchild, agricultural explorer in charge, Seed and 

 Plant Introductions; and Flora Patterson, mycologist in charge (figs. 9, 

 10, 11). These reports, which also contained recommendations, were 

 turned over to C. L. Marlatt to prepare the final report for Secretary 

 Wilson. This team found considerably more serious problems with the 

 trees than merely improper pruning (fig. 12). Specifically, they found that 

 the trees were seriously infested with insects and plant diseases and recom- 

 mended they be destroyed (35). 



Informing the Japanese Government of the ill-fated status of the 

 donated flowering cherry trees required the utmost delicacy and diplo- 

 matic sensitivity. With the growing interest of the public in the cherry 

 trees generated by the press, a reaction of dismay and regret best 

 described the official mood of the individuals involved with this project. 

 On January 21, 1910, Secretary Wilson informed J. M. Dickinson, the 

 Secretary of War, of the need to destroy the trees (36). The Department of 

 State took the necessary steps of communicating with the various Japa- 

 nese officials concerning the deep regret felt by the Americans in this 

 regard. This effort included an explanation regarding the responsibility of 

 the Department of Agriculture in the area of foreign plant introduction 



'?W>/ - \ f 



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ft 



) 



TIO A'Z 



Figure 7. — Map of Tidal Basin showing proposed planting of Japanese cherry trees 

 approved by Mrs. Taft on March 6, 1912. 



12 



