Statement by the Tariff and Legislative Com- 
mittee of the Society of American Florists 
and Ornamental Horticulturists 
THs committee speaks for the Society of American Florists and Orna- 
mental Horticulturists—the national organization of florists with 
which are affiliated more than twenty State and district horticultural or- 
ganizations, having a combined membership of upward of 10,000, and in- 
cluding practically all of the leading firms and horticulturists in the 
United States. We approach the Board in a spirit of cooperation, we offer 
you only constructive guidance; we seek only the best interests of our 
members consistent with the present and future interests of this country. 
As to the purpose and scope of this Conference, what subjects would 
be considered here—we were informed by this Board and by Secretary 
Wallace that Quarantine 37 would be thrown open for a full and free 
discussion for the future guidance of the Department, so we prepared 
to cooperate on that basis. If the Board has new proposals to advance 
we ask for sufficient time to consider them—thus avoiding snap judg- 
ment on important matters. 
While offering constructive advice with regard to Qu. 37 and advis- 
ing changes in the Board’s present policy, we credit the Board with the 
best intentions and ask that we be credited with a genuine desire to 
cooperate with the Board in carrying out its legitimate functions. We 
consider the Federal Horticultural Board a necessary and useful body— 
providing it adheres to its proper legal function: that of advising the 
Secretary of Agriculture how to combat existing pests and plant diseases 
and prevent the introduction of new or dangerous ones. We believe in 
Government control of imports and in thorough inspection and certifica- 
tion of imported plant products when necessary; but we protest vigor- 
ously against Qu. 37 as administered, and which operates as a blanket, 
economic embargo. 
It is unfortunate that this Board is named “The Federal Horticul- 
tural Board” for its functions are entomological rather than horticul- 
tural. It is wrong that the U. 8. Customs classification of “Nursery Stock” 
is used by the Board, for by including such classes of plant material as 
orchids, palms, forcing bulbs, and plants imported exclusively by florists 
in the term “Nursery Stock,” confusion is created in quite different in- 
terests. Qu. 37 excludes a far larger volume and variety of necessary 
plant material from florists than from nurserymen. We urge that the 
consideration of “Florists’ Stock,” imported by florists, and “Nursery 
Stock” imported by nurserymen, be kept quite separate at this Conference 
as far as practicable. In this statement we refer only to florists’ stock im- 
ported by florists. 
Horticulture does not recognize boundaries; plants grow naturally in 
localities where climatic and other conditions are most favorable, so 
the best varieties growing in every civilized country today were imported 
from some other country. Our hot Summers, combined with our cold Win- 
ters, make it necessary for this country to import more raw materials 
and plant products than any other, and the prosperity of our citizens 
creates a larger demand for the best varieties of plant life than any other 
country enjoys. And as the florist industry in this country owes its 
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