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JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 
[Vol. 16 
being displayed by our national government in affording protection 
against more, and still more, of these destructive agencies. 
The time has arrived when entomologists and phytopathologists 
should cease to regard the work of the Federal Horticultural Board as a 
mere routine activity. We have had too much of the “Let George Do 
It” attitude. Let us proceed without further delay to educate officials 
and citizens throughout the country to the importance of more adequate 
protection against foreign pests. This means that we must secure much 
greater support, morally and financially, for the Federal Horticultural 
Board. 
President E. C. Stackman: Mr. Lee A. Strong is not here but has 
sent his paper, and a summary will be read. 
WESTERN VIEWS ON PLANT QUARANTINE 
By Lee A. Strong, Sacramento , California 
Abstract 
Quarantine power should only be invoked for the purpose of preventing the spread 
or introduction of a pest. When placed, a quarantine should be fairly and im¬ 
partially enforced. To prohibit by proclamation does not prevent. Proper en¬ 
forcement of a quarantine requires adequate enforcement machinery. The pro¬ 
mulgation of a quarantine does not remove but apparently stimulates the desire to 
transport prohibited material. All carriers of plant products should be brought 
under regulation. Uniform quarantine action should be adopted by states and 
localities having common interests. Frequent meetings of quarantine officials with 
full discussion of mutual problems encourages equitable quarantine enforcement and 
tends to eliminate any spirit of retaliation. This has been demonstrated by the 
deliberations and actions of the Western Plant Quarantine Board. 
It has been wisely said that no quarantine should be placed when 
inspection could with equal assurance, prevent the introduction of a 
pest. Once placed, a quarantine should be fairly and impartially 
enforced. Abuse of executive power will, sooner than any other factor, 
bring law enforcement into disrepute and jeopardize the entire fabric 
of laws designed and intended to be beneficial. The use of quarantine 
should not be invoked for its facility as an inspection measure, but for 
its value and necessity as a safety and protective measure. Another 
vital point in the placing of a plant quarantine is the importance of 
providing the proper and adequate machinery for prompt and full en¬ 
forcement. Probably nothing has so materially weakened the support 
which should be accorded the general principles of plant quarantine as 
