Arizona republican., 1910-06-08
PHoENIX, ARIZONA, JUNE s, 1910
No Backward Step.


 ritory have jumped to the conclusion that the law enacted last year for the protection of orchards against insect pests ought to be repealed This conclusion is founded on the fact that some mistakes were made by the entomologist of the commission in the initial administration of the law, which led to the destruction of grow ing orange trees and to some friction with an orange grower.
 The conclusion is wholly wrong, however. The greatest possible mis- take in relation to the fruit industry of the territory would be to repeal this law, which is excellent in purpose It is not altogether strange that some mistakes were made in pioneering the new law; and if it be found that it is weak or ambiguous. it should be strengthened and made clear by amendment-but it ought not to be repealed The growing of fruits is destined to be one of our most profit protected from insect pests. But to assure this future, the strictest safe guards should be provided by law agaist the introduction and develop ment here of noxious insects.
 It is not alone in the Salt River Valley that the law is needed. The growing of apples in the upper val ley of the Gila and in the Kirkland and Verde valleys, already business of large proportions and most prom ising for the future. is menaced by insect pests. against which the grow CTS are asking for the help of the horticultural commission. In the val ley of the Salt river and in the val ley of the Colorado, the growing of oranges, grape fruit, peaches, grapes and melons is steadily approaching the proportions of a great business. In a few years, the industry can be made to bring millions of dollars in returns. But the fact must be kept in view all the time that insect pests must be fought in an organized way, and that if the expense of fighting them is not to be burdensome in the future they must be dealt with now.
 The war against orchard insects has cost the people of California many millions of dollars-and 1t has been their best investment. They saved their orange industry by grap- bling with the problem resolutely. when the pessimists insisted that nothing could be done. The orange growers of the southern section Of the state were fin despair from the rayages of the white scale, when a remedy was at last found. The Aus tralian lady bug (vedalia cardinalls) was brought in, and this beneflcent insect destroyed the white scale in sect. The resolute and intelligent manner in which California fought her insect pests attracted the atten- ton of Japan The scientists of that country obtained from the horticul- tural commission of California last December a large quantity of lady bugs with which to combat the white scale in Formosa, and the governor of that province has just written to the state commissioners iof California that the experiment was remarkably effective" and that the pest has been practically destroyed.
 One of the orange pests most to be feared in this valley. on account or eur hot and dry climate. Is the "thrips." The problem of dealing with this pest effectively is engaging the attention of our commission. as f is the horticulturists in California No doubt a remedy will be found by some of the many scientists who are studying the question, and meanwhile, and regardless of any mistakes hith- erto made in the administration of our law, the people of the territory should make up their minds that we must continue to maintain the law or a better one.