FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSIONER. 267 



trees. The disease has not been reported in this country on white pine until 

 this year; however, it was found on currant bushes at the Geneva, N. Y., 

 Experiment Station in 1906, but Prof. F. C. Stewart, of that station, took 

 every precaution and eradicated the disease by destroying the infected 

 currant bushes. 



' The representatives of the conference believe that there is no reason 

 whatever for alarm among those who have planted seedling trees and those 

 who desire to do so. All those having planted will be asked by the Depart- 

 ment to make a careful inspection of the trees planted and such trees as are 

 found infected will have to be destroyed. Agents of the New York Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture who are making nursery and horticultural inspections 

 in all parts of the State will be instructed to watch closely for the first appear- 

 ance of suspicious indications, and where such departments exist in other 

 states they will co-operate in the same way, as will also the National Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture. In this way the danger wil be entirely eliminated. 

 It is a disease of trees that cannot be discovered until the disease has devel- 

 oped for a year, and for that reason any inspection at the docks on receipt 

 of trees, unless it is fully developed, could not be effectual in the discovery 

 of the trouble on receipt of trees on this side. 



" Commissioner Whipple believes that the people as well as the Depart- 

 ments are to be congratulated that the disease has been quickly discovered 

 and such prompt steps taken to wipe it out." 



A letter was received from Hon. Robert S. Conklin, Commissioner of 

 Forestry of Pennsylvania, saying it would be impossible for him to attend 

 the conference but he " would like to be advised, however, of the action 

 taken at the meeting and will be glad to endorse that action so far as this 

 state is concerned." 



Mr. F. W. Besley, State Forester, Baltimore, Maryland, wrote: " I 

 agree with you that the question for discussion is an extremely important 

 one and much will depend upon the prompt action that would be suggested 

 by such a conference. I want to express my interest and desire to cooperate 

 in a matter of this kind which has such a wide application. If I am unable 

 to be present, as it now appears likely, please convey to the conference my 

 high appreciation of the stand which you have taken and the assurance of 

 my hearty co-operation in dealing with the threatened injury to white pine." 



