April, ’23] 
DISCUSSION OF INSPECTION AT DIGGING TIME 
145 
Mr. L. S. McLaine: I was glad to hear Mr. Haseman’s discussion 
on the inspection of nursery stock at the time of packing.. Up to the 
present time I know there has been great concern in inspecting im¬ 
ported shipments from other countries or other states, but when it 
comes to the inspection of outgoing shipments from particular areas, 
there is not as much care given, and blanket certificates have been 
issued with only a single summer inspection. 
In Canada we are contemplating a modification of our regulations 
dealing with the importation of nursery stock from the United States 
and one clause that is receiving very serious consideration is one 
which will require the inspection at time of packing of shipments 
from the United States and consigned to various Canadian points. 
I regret to say that in numerous shipments from various states, 
inspection showed that these were not- as free from pests as one would 
like. I think the time will come— and I hope it will not be far off— 
when nurserymen will be impressed with the idea that it is necessary 
to ship only clean plants, and that no certificates should be given un- 
ess the plants are clean and free from all pests and diseases. 
Secretary A. F. Burgess: In connection with the gipsy moth 
work, we have always followed the plan of making inspections at the 
time of shipment. This includes an examination of lumber, stone, 
and quarry products as well as of nursery stock that is going outside 
of the quarantined area. Inspection at the time of digging and ship¬ 
ment of nursery stock is undoubtedly the best way of preventing the 
spread of injurious pests; nevertheless, in the enforcement of such 
inspections there is serious difficulty in securing efficient men for the 
short rush season that covers the shipping period in spring and fall. 
It requires a large number of men who should be well trained and 
efficient and the time for active work is limited. If some plan could 
be devised whereby a number of men of this type could be provided 
with other work to carry them through the rest of the season, I 
believe that inspection at the time of shipment would be entirely 
feasible, if you wish to get results and do not believe you can depend 
on local inspectors hired temporarily; for if the work is important 
enough to do, it should be done well; otherwise, you miss the pro¬ 
tection that you desire to secure. 
Mr. L. S. McLaine: Possibly some of you know that the State 
of Idaho contemplates the establishment of a series of inspection 
stations through which all shipments must enter and be examined. 
Secretary A. F. Burgess: While I have not been in very close 
