~4« 



of these particular varieties will be unnecessary; in other words, that there will 

 be a gradual reduction in the need for importations and of the attendant risk of 

 new enemies. 



The quarantine, however, recognizes the need of a door perpetually open to 

 new varieties and to any other plants which are not capable of production in the 

 United States. 



gggs esjaf Plants Q^en to Unlimited Importation . 



Taking up the main subject of this conference, namely, the various classes 

 of plants now included under Regulation 3, there are five items under this regu- 

 lation, but perhaps only three of them need to be seriously considered at this 

 time, namely, the items of bulbs, fruit stocks, cuttings, buds, etc., and rose 

 stocks. Fruit and tree seeds are not involved so far as this Department is con- 

 cerned. Some risk, known in some instances, .and unknown as to others, attends 

 the importation of such seeds, but such risk can in large part be eliminated by 

 disinfection or, where necessary, by holding and propagating under quarantine. 



The ^Bulb Subject . 



With respect to bulbs, any change in that schedule should be based on 

 availabilit y and this factor should govern both in the matter of additions' to 

 the list or to deductions therefrom. V'ith respect to the bulb item, the Depart- 

 ment merely wishes to be advised and to act justly on the facts of the situation. 



Fruit Stocks, etc . 



The subject of American production of fruit stocks is not a new one. It 

 has been seriously debated in recent years by nursery interests and, at the 

 request and with the support before Congress of these interests, a Federal ap- 

 propriation of $20,000 was secured in 1920, and has since been continued to 

 investigate the subject. This purpose is plainly indicated in the wording of 

 the appropriation, as follows; 



'•'For investigating, in cooperation with States or privately 

 owned nurseries, methods of propagating fruit trees, ornamental 

 ard other plants, the study of stocks used in propagating such 

 plants and methods of growing stocks, for the purpose of providing 

 American sources of stocks, cuttings, or other propagating materials, 

 #20,000." 



