Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1930-06-27
scouting For Japanese Beetles.

the japanese beetle in Rockville on June
IL. 1880. Crew of foreman and three
scouts has been assigned by the Depart
ment of Agriculture to cover the area in
and about this locality.
The Japanese beetle was discovered in
this country in 1915 near Riverton in the
the west-central section of New Jersey. 1t
is believed to have gained entry to the
United States in the grub stage in the soil
surrounding Japanese iris or azalia plants
imported from Japan. In the intervening
fourteen years since its discovery. the
pest has spread until now isolated infes-
tations exist as far north as Springfield.
Massachusetts; Providence. Rhode Island
Hartford. Connecticut; Binghamton. New
York; and Sayre, Pennsylvania and as
far west as Williamsport. Lewistown and
Chambersbure. Pennsylvania and as far
south as Norfolk and Cape Charles. Viz
ginia. The areas regulated by the Depart
ment of Agriculture on account of the
insect comprise 4S.888 square miles.
In order to determine the extent of the
spread of the beetle. each summer scouts
are assigned to scout the areas of likely
infestation. These men examine the pre-
ferred food plants of the beetle or other
foliage on which the adult beetles are
likely to be found if present. To do this,
it is necessary to enter the yards of resi-
dences and other premises in which plants
may be found. The scouts are in uniform
and are furnished with Identification cards
which will be exhibited upon request. The
scouts will not modest any plants or prop
erty on the premises and will make their
survey with as little inconvenience to the
property owner as possible. The activities
Of the Federal scouts were reported to the
local police department before scouting
activities began. in order that cooperation
of the police could be secured in explaining
any complaints or inquiries on the part of
residents whose grounds have been entered
by the scouts.
The Federal scouts are engaged only in
making observations to determine Japa-
nese beetle infestation. The limited time
assigned to the scouting activities in Rock
vile does not permit them to give detailed
information about the Japanese beetle
work, nor to identify or suggest control
measures for plant diseases or insect pests
other than the Japanese beetle. Detailed
information concerning any phase Of the
japanese beetle work may be obtained by
addressing the Japanese beetle quaratine
headquarters of the United States Depart
ment of Agriculture. 1890 Pierce Avenue,
Camden, New Jersey. Inquiries concern
ing other insect pests or plant diseases
should be addressed to the State Agricul-
tural Experiment Station at College Park
The Federal men have requested the Coop
GRAFTON of the residents of Rockville in
facilitating their work as much as possible.
The Japanese beetle is a member of the
same group of insects as the Colorado potato
beetle. and resembles the latter somewhat
in size. The Japanese beetle. however. is
a beautiful and brightly colored insect 1t is
a bright metallic green, except the greater
part of the wing covers. which are coppery
brown. Five white spots on either side of
the abdomen and two white spots near the
abdomen OF the insect furnish distinct
characteristics for the Japanese beetles
Identification. Any specimens resembling
this description observed by local residents
should be collected. given to the scouts or
mailed to the Japanese beetle headquarters
office at Camden. N. J. The adult beetle
Is voracious feeder. causing damage to
foliage and fruit. Among its preferred
host plants are apple. peach, elm, linden,
willow. grape. rose, hollyhock. smartweed
and sassafras. The grub, or overwintering
stage of the beetle. causes considerable
damage to lawns and sod land.
In addition to trap control measures and
chemical treatments applied ar points of
isa!ated infestation. strict Federal and
State quarantine on the movement of nur-
sery and ornamental stock and sand, soil.
earth. peat compost and manure from the in
tested areas is enforced throughout the year.
Additional restrictions are placed on the
movement. during the period June is to
October is. of farm products and cutflowers.
Road inspection posts are maintained on
the principal roads leading from the in
tested areas to prevent the illegal move
ment of quarantined plant material by
truck or passenger vehicles. Transit in
spectors are also stationed at transfer
terminals to check the movement of unin-
spected quarantined articles via the United
States mails or by common carriers An
inspection service is also provided whereby
quarantined articles may be inspected and
certified for movement from the infested
areas.
The foreman of the scout crew operating
in Rockville is William B. Washington of
Selbyville. Delaware. The scouts are Roger
S. Bollman and Arthus L. Sullivan.
Stadent-Flyer Unhurt In Plane
Crash.
A student flyer who found that he was
trying to land at Congressional Airport
TWO WiicS south VI hcIe' at too great speeu
and who tried TO rise from the field before
he cracked up. played havoc with tele-
phone. telegraph and power lines here last
Monday evening.
The man. 7. Oliver Hutson. of Washing
ton. plowed through sixty electric wires,
taking down all but twelve of them. and
then smashed into hieh-tensiOn power
lines. ending his flight when he crashed
into parked automobile.
The plane hung suspended from the
power lines and field officials marveled
that he was not electrocuted. Mr., Hutson
climbed down. none the worse for his ex-
perience.
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