CHAP. 272.—An ACT to prevent the spread of blight to chestnut trees in
this State and to appropriate money therefor.

Approved March 14, 1912.

Whereas, the chestnut forests of this State are of great value
and are increasing in value each year on account of the market
demand of the wood for manufacturing purposes, and the further
use of the wood and bark for tanning uses as well as the value
of the nuts for market; and

Whereas, a new disease has made its appearance in some of
the northern States during the past few years, known as the
chestnut bark disease, which is a fungus disease known botani-
cally as diaporthe parasitica; and

Whereas, all chestnut trees are killed in the onward spread
of this chestnut bark disease; and

Whereas, there is no remedy known to cure this disease;
and,
Whereas, to prevent the introduction and spread of this dis-
ease in this State and the total destruction of our chestnut
forests:

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That
the commissioner of agriculture of this State shall make such
arrangements with the State pathologist at Virginia polytechnic
institute, with the approval of the State board of agriculture,
that will secure the examination of the chestnut forests of this
State and the destruction of any evidences of the chestnut blight
disease that they may find.

2. The experts who shall be sent to locate and destroy this
chestnut blight disease shall have the right to enter upon any
premises or lands and to condemn and destroy all specimens
they may locate.

3. The sum of five thousand dollars is hereby appropriated
out of the State treasury not otherwise appropriated, and the
auditor of public accounts is directed to pay the warrants drawn
by the commissioner of agriculture, when countersigned by the
chairman of the board of agriculture, to meet the expenses in-
curred in carrying out the provisions of this act.
4. An emergency existing, this act shall be in force from its
passage.