95 
France. In certain groups of ornamental shrubs and trees, in 
some stocks for fruit trees, roses, etc., practically our total supply 
comes from abroad. The shutting off of this supply would mean 
either drastic readjustments, or else the substitution of stock 
propagated in this country. 
Plant pathologists and entomologists, at whose suggestion the 
hearing was held, pointed out that nearly all the most destructive 
pests which have worked such havoc have come in through nurs- 
ery stock, and that the only way to guard against further depreda- 
tions is to pass the above proposals or even more immediate or 
drastic ones. 
Some of the speakers urged the necessity of caution and sug- 
gested the elimination of the infection through quarantine at our 
ports, or abroad before shipment, rather than the total prohibi- 
tion of the plants that are assumed to be carriers of the infection 
or insect pest. Experts of the board confessed that no effective 
system of quarantine had yet been discovered, and that the pro- 
posals under discussion were the only way that they could devise 
out of a difficult situation. 
Importations of certain plants will be permitted through the 
Bureau of Plant Industry, but this would be of slight commer- 
mercial advantage. 
No action was taken at this hearing, but barring new evidence, 
it appears that the action of the Federal Horticultural Board will 
be along the lines suggested above. If that is done, most of our 
rhododendrons, azaleas, hollies, box, and roses will be available 
only as propagated in America. The majority of nurserymen 
agree that anything like an adequate supply will be out of the 
question for years, if the board takes the action which, in their 
opinion, is necessary for the safety of American agriculture and 
horticulture. 
NOTES 
The initial planting of the iris collection, extending along both 
sides of the brook, has been labeled, and the flowering season 
extended from about May 15 to June 30. Sixty out of over 
ninety varieties that were planted last fall have come into bloom. 
