CHAPTER XXn 



LEGISLATION 



THE control and eradication of all disease 

 — human, animal, and vegetable — is a 

 problem in which all of the people in a 

 country or a state are vitally interested. Con- 

 sequently, laws designed to accomplish this must 

 be made by the highest legislative bodies. No 

 matter how well the individual grower may do 

 his part, unless there is concerted action, enforced 

 by the law, little headway can be made in pre- 

 venting or combating contagious diseases. 



As an industry gains prominence either by its 

 growth or the ability and public-spiritedness of 

 the men interested in it, it is better able to secure 

 such laws as are necessary for its protection. 



An example of this is the result of the work of 

 the Commissioner of Horticulture in California. 

 The men interested in the fruit industry in this 

 state demand protection from foreign insect and 

 fungous pests that may be introduced to be a 

 menace to the fruit interests of the state, and in- 

 spectors are stationed at every port of entry to 

 inspect importations. 



The potato industry in various sections needs 

 similar protection. The Colorado beetle has not 

 yet been introduced west of the Rocky Mountains. 

 The states or parts of states that are now free 

 from this pest should take steps to prevent its 

 introduction. 



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