42 
NURSERY INSPECTION. 
nation carried on against Hawks, Owls, Crows, Skunks, Foxes, 
Badgers and Weasels, all of which at times prey upon field mice, 
is to a large extent responsible for present day losses in this 
particular. 
The extreme fecundity of this pest is emphasized by a pub- 
lished statement of D. E. Lantz, that “a single pair and their 
progeny in five seasons, would amount to nearly 1,000,000 in- 
dividuals.” 
While the clearing up of all rubbish piles which afford places 
of refuge for these pests, is desirable and helpful, the nurseryman 
will have to resort to some offensive measures if his trees in 
orchard and nursery are in a locality likely to be overrun with 
mdce. Tn the light of our present knowledge, we believe that 
poisoned grain is the best means of control. One progressive 
nurseryman claims to have obtained relief in his orchard by 
placing poisoned wheat in old cans at every other tree. In view 
of the fact that quail and other grain-eating birds could easily 
obtain the poisoned material from the open cans, it was suggested 
that the same bait be placed under boards raised an inch or two 
from the ground, would be just as attractive, or more attractive, 
to mice and at the same timie prevent birds having access to it. 
The Entomologist is testing certain advertised materials 
claimed to inoculate mice and spread disease amongst them, but 
sufficient data are not yet available upon which to publish results. 
A small area infested with field mice, or houses invaded by 
them, may be practically freed by the use of the small wooden 
mouse traps, which sell at the rate of two or three for 5 cents. 
Smear the pan with bacon and then dust oatmeal over it. 
NURSERY INSPECTION FUND. 
Cash Account. 
AUGUST 1, 1913, TO DECEMBER 1, 1913.* 
Cash on hand (Appropriation) $3,000.00 
Assistant Inspector’s Salary $ 625.00 
Clerk and Accountant 150.00 
Expert Assistants, Traveling Expenses, etc 595.62 
Postage 20.00 
Printing 50.25 
Telephone 15.00 
Traveling Expenses of Assistant Inspector 305.57 1,761.57 
Balance $1,238.56 
• Note— The above covers only four months work. 
