As to this, let us quote from communications received from dif- 
ferent officials in some of those countries, as follows: 
“Mr. Marlatt says Qu. 37 is justified, European countries having long ago 
prohibited American plant products by restrictions. This is not true. All plants 
may be freely imported in Europe; but they must be accompanied by a Phyl- 
loxera attest, certifying that no vines were grown in the nursery where the 
oe came from.”—President of the Chambre Syndicale des Horticulteurs 
elges. 
Switzerland: “As the United States did not adhere to the International 
Phylloxera convention, a preliminary authorization is necessary. This is deliv- 
ered by our division on receipt of an application indicating the nature, the 
quantity, from where the plants come and the name of the consignee and also 
the customs bureau through which entry will be made. The shipment must be 
accompanied by a declaration from a competent authority attesting that no vine 
is found in the soil in which the plants were grown nor near them, and that the 
shipment contains no vine or stalk thereof.” 
Holland: “Importation of all woody plants from the United States is pro- 
hibited by the San José Seale Act established in 1898 when that insect was 
spreading rapidly in the United States and when Holland did not possess a phyto- 
pathological service to protect its horticulture. : : 
“But circumstances now are quite different. The scale does not threaten to 
the same degree, and the service is able to give such protection as is necessary. 
Therefore we intend to change the San José Scale Act in order that woody plants 
from America may be imported under conditions of inspection and certification.” 
British Isles: “All living plants with persistent woody stem, and parts 
thereof * * * come under regulations, but will be admitted if certified by com- 
petent officials of the phytopathological service of the exporting country as 
healthy and free from certain scheduled pests [8 diseases and 17 insects listed] 
* * * The right is retained to authorize the landing of plants contrary to the 
above provisions.” 
Germany: ‘There are no special importation laws against the United States. 
The law applies against all countries in which the Colorado beetle, the Phyl-; 
loxera and the San José Seale exist. The importation of Potatoes and all varie- 
ties of vine is prohibited. Dicotyledonous woody plants and parts thereof, with 
the exception of fruits, are also excluded. Gymnosperms and monocotyledonous 
woody plants, also all other species, plants and parts thereof are subject to 
examination by agents before importation as to the presence of phylloxera and 
San José Seale. They are permitted entry after certification of absence of said 
pests. All fresh fruits, plants of which can be cultivated in German fields, and 
so-called southern plants, also rootless underground parts of plants, such as 
onions, bulbs, ete., are subject to treatment the same as gymnosperms, ete., 
above.” ‘ 
Are these few statements not sufficient to flatly contradict the asser- 
tion of the F. H. B.—and, naturally, to raise the question of the accuracy 
of other of its generalities? Here again the Board may be within the 
letter of the truth to the extent that there may be laws on the European 
statute books designed to keep out American plants passed when this was 
a necessary precaution. But who will deny the inertia of law-making 
bodies when it comes to the rescinding of laws after their need has passed, 
and after their enforcement has been discontinued as unnecessary? 
In brief, then, most European countries admit plants from this coun- 
try upon presentation of a certificate of freedom from certain pests is- 
sued by our own F. H. B. Are we so superior that we cannot bring our- 
selves to reciprocate; or are we so helpless and susceptible that we are 
afraid to? 
F. H. B. Is Attempting to Control Business, Not Pests 
5. We submit: That in specifying what plants are needed by the trade 
and horticultural interests, and in what amounts they may be imported, 
and by what individuals and firms—irrespective of the likelihood of those 
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