February 15, 191!) 



HORTICULTURE 



149 



Pkimtla obconica 



If the stringenl regulations embodied in this quaran- 

 tine ruling are carried into effect after June 1 next horti- 

 culture in this country will receive a serious blow indeed. 

 That such a law would spell disaster to the horticultural 

 interests of several European countries iswell understood. 

 There can be no doubt, I think, but what new regula- 

 tions are necessary to control and limit the importation 

 of shrubs, plants, etc., into this country from abroad 

 but such regulations should only be adopted when 

 agreement has been reached by a representative body 

 of men who arc most competent to advise. 



In this country there axe a large number id' men 

 connected with the horticultural industry who are very 

 capable of giving impartial advii e In the Federal author- 

 ities. And it would seem thai before any drastic action 

 is taken a committee of the most experienced and com- 

 petent men should be given an opportunity to formulate 

 and present to the Federal Horticultural Board for ex- 

 amination a set of rules dealing fully with foreign plant 

 importations. 



Quarantine 37 



Xo one is in a better position than the responsible 

 nurseryman to suggest what should and what should 

 not be admitted, and certainly no one is more anxious 

 to protect tins country from the ravages of foreign in- 

 sect pests. In view of the happier times which are be- 

 fore us we may be sure that the love of horticulture will 

 increase rapidly and both those who sell plants and 

 those who buy them should receive protection from the 

 Government. We need American grown plants for 

 American gardens and so far as it is possible nursery- 

 men should be protected from cheap foreign competition 

 and encouraged to produce their goods in this country. 

 It is, however, not possible to grow here all the varieties 

 of plants, etc.. now imported and some that cannot be 

 produced here could be safely admitted. An efficient 

 examination at the port of entry would make the intro- 

 duction of any noxious pests practically impossible. 



.!/<. Desert, Maine. 



