— 190 — 



The important change in the relative condition of the scale pests has 

 been the entire eradication of the cottony cushion scale by the Vedalia 

 cardinalis, and the rapid increase of the black scale, till its prevalence 

 is a commercial question in the marketing of oranges. The various 

 Rhizobii have been colonized, and although it is too soon to report 

 results, much is confidently hoped from their depredations upon the 

 black scale. 



Red and yellow scales have not increased, but it has cost much money 

 for inspection and fumigation to thus control them. 



Pernicious and soft brown scales need occasional attention, but para- 

 sites prevent them from doing any widespread damage. 



A small beetle, S.erica fimbriata, appeared in some localities last 

 spring and denuded young deciduous trees of buds and leaves. 



While insect pests are numerous in variety, they have been prevented 

 from doing material damage. This result has been accomplished by 

 rigid inspection and quarantine, thus destroying many pests before they 

 had time to colonize largely. The orchardists of this county clean their 

 trees of pests, when discovered, as faithfully as they cultivate or irri- 

 gate, realizing the equal necessity. 



The fruit industry of this locality will continue to increase, as the 

 natural conditions are exceptionally favorable. Several large irrigation 

 and land projects have been reorganized recently. Business methods 

 and moderate prices have been adopted in place of boom extravagance. 

 The same conservative influence is felt throughout the county, and 

 prosperity for the many individual orchardists is assured. The best 

 results will be obtained through an extension of the present plan of 

 cooperative marketing of fruits. 



CHARLES W. GODFREY, 

 Moreno, November 21, 1894. Secretary. 



ALAMEDA COUNTY. 



To the Honorable State Board of Horticulture: 



Gentlemen : In this neighborhood the past year has been to the orchard- 

 ists, like its predecessors, a constant worry and annoyance in trying to 

 fight the black and brown scales. The washes used have not brought 

 out satisfactory results; that is, when we estimate the cost of the work 

 and the number of scale left after spraying. 



Considering the price of fruit the cost of spraying has proved to be 

 quite an item in computing the annual profits, so much so that it has 

 quite a discouraging effect on the orchardists. But it is hoped that the 

 introduction of the Rhizobius ventralis, of which several colonies have 

 been received from Mr. Ellwood Cooper, of Santa Barbara, and been dis- 

 tributed in this neighborhood, may in time rid the orchards of these pests. 



In the eastern side of this county the black or brown scale does not 

 thrive, owing no doubt to altitude. The plum aphis has troubled the 

 orchards to some extent the past year. In some small young orchards 

 in the canon near Sunol, the brown apricot scale has made its appearance 

 the past year, but as the trees are young it will not be much of an under- 

 taking to destroy them. 



Respectfully yours, 



WM. BARRY, 



Niles, November 26, 1894. Horticultural Commissioner. 



