such
treatment as can be used against many other deleterious insects. I am
informed that the only way now known to control the insect is to first
locate it and then destroy all trees or parts of trees in which the
grubs are found before the middle of June. It appears to me that to
attempt the suppression of the hickory bark borer, it would require a
very large force of men and, of course, considerable money.

Relative to the chestnut bark disease, we had a conference at this
office in the month of October last and the question was discussed by
botanists and foresters from adjoining states and the whole matter was
thoroughly thrashed out by those who were present, including
representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture,
Washington. Invitations have been received from the Governor of
Pennsylvania to a conference to be held at Harrisburg on February 20th
and 21st and I have directed a representative of this Department to be
present.

Mr. C. H. Pettis, Superintendent of Forests of the State Conservation
Commission, joined in our conference here and I learn that someone will
be sent from that Commission to Harrisburg.

We have in the hickory bark borer and the chestnut bark disease, two
very serious propositions, the importance of which I fully appreciate.
It is not clear to me what methods should or can be adopted which will
be productive of the greatest good.

Any suggestions that your Association make will be highly appreciated.
As soon as I learn of the result of the conclusions at the Harrisburg
meeting, I shall be pleased to take the subject up again.

Very truly yours,
CALVIN J. HUSON,
Commissioner.

LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY TO COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE.

March 16th, 1912.

Hon. Calvin J. Huson,
Commissioner of Agriculture,
Albany, New York.

Dear Sir:--

Your letter of February 7th in reply to mine of an earlier date in
relation to the hickory bark beetle has been too long unanswered owing
to a rush of professional and other work. I regret this delay as I would
like to do all that I can to expedite the work which should be done as
soon as possible to prevent further damage from this insect.

If I am not mistaken Chapter 798 of the laws of 1911 is a new law under
which the Department has not previously worked and which states
specifically that "no person shall knowingly or willfully keep any
plants or vines affected or infected with--or other insect pe