THE 8 AN JOSE SCALE 



283 



directions given by Mr. Sirrine, and would be followed by other 

 sprayings in the event of the first not proving to be entirelj 

 effectual. 



In the other two nurseries, the few trees that had been found to 

 be infested had been destroyed, and it was thought that such further 

 work would be done before the time for shipment, that no infested 

 6tock would be sent out from them. 



It was probably one of these two, that had been reported as 

 intractable last summer. As represented at the time, the owners 

 were indifferent to the evil pointed out to them that would result 

 from the multiplication of the pest, and indisposed to take any 

 measures against it. When again seen by Mr. Sirrine in March, they 

 would give no assurance of adopting the measures deemed necessary 

 for preventing the distribution of their infested stock. The only 

 promise that could be obtained from them was, that " they would 

 treat with gas the stock they sold, providing that they had the time." 

 A promise so broadly qualified could carry no weight with it. 

 Unless a satisfactory understanding can be had with the firm, its 

 name, if furnished to me, will be given in a foot-note, as a protec- 

 tion to purchasers of Long Island stock.* 



There is scarcely a doubt but that infested stock has been sent 

 from these nurseries to many places in the State of New York. If 

 the attempt that is being made for the extermination of the scale in 

 the State during the present year is to prove successful, it is of the 

 utmost importance that each locality where possibly infested trees 

 have been delivered within the ])ast five years (dating back to the 



*The name of this nursery has since been given me as the Parsons & Sons Com- 

 pany, at Flushing, Long Island. In a letter addressed them on April 8th, the 

 following questions were asked, and the reasons stated why replies were needed : 

 L Have you taken steps to learn by application to Mr. Sirrine or by other 

 proper means, of the extent of the infestation in your nurseries? 2. Have you 

 taken up and burned the stock that was found to be the worst infested ? 3. To 

 what extent and with what results have you sprayed with proper insecticides 

 such other infested stock as it was not thought necessary to wholly destroy ? 

 4. Have you arranged for treating the nursery stock sent out this season with 

 hydrocyanic acid gas, according to the approved directions published and acces- 

 sible to you? 5. Have you sent out any nursery stock this year which may have 

 been infested without having been subjected to the gas treatment? 



In the answer returned by the Parsons & Sons Company to the above-mentioned 

 letter, the only reply to the questions proposed is that found in the following — 



