438 Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act. [oct., 



introduced pests of the orchard and vineyard are comparatively 

 few in number, and some of the worst are still restricted in their 

 occurrence. Cape Colony aspires to be a fruit and wine exporting 

 country, and therefore the exclusion of fresh pests is a matter of 

 vital importance. 



The general principle of the plant import regulations in the 

 past has been the inspection of imports at the landing place, 

 and their suitable treatment should they be found to be accom- 

 panied by any insect or plant disease "the introduction of 

 which would be prejudicial to the interests of the Colony." 

 Regulations based on this principle alone have, it is observed, 

 a very grave weakness, which is the utter impracticability of 

 .adequately examining for insects, plant consignments of any 

 size without subjecting them to ruinous treatment through 

 exposure and delay ; inspection, moreover, is no safeguard 

 against most plant diseases. 



These regulations have now been materially strengthened by 

 the absolute prohibition of certain plants which are considered 

 especially dangerous, and by restrictions on the importation of 

 other kinds. The fumigation of all trees and woody plants is 

 now required, and fumigation chambers are provided at the 

 three principal ports. The fumigation is with hydrocyanic acid 

 gas, and is a precautionary measure against inconspicuous scale 

 insects. 



Sampling under 

 Fertilisers and 

 Feeding Stuffs 

 Act. 



The following circular has been addressed by the Board to 

 local authorities in Great Britain in connection with the Fer- 

 tilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1893 : — 

 Board of Agriculture and Fisheries^ 

 4 Whitehall Place, S.W, 



September 26th, 1904. 

 Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1893. 



Sir, — I am directed by the Board of Agriculture and 

 Fisheries to say that they think it desirable to bring under 

 your notice the satisfactory results which have been obtained 

 in the county of Lindsey (Lines.) as the result of certain 



