Bringing The Seed, Plant And Tree Trade Into Disrepute. For These Things And More, Are The Introducers Of Pseudo-Novelties Responsible.

Trade Societies, Step Into The Line Of Reform And Drive The Rascals Out !

The legitimate seedsmen, nurserymen and florists have felt for years the disgrace which has attached itself to them by reason of the introduction of old plants, seeds and trees under new and deceptive names. The matter has reached a point where a powerful effort must be made to stop the illegitimate work. All of the trade societies will meet before another season opens, and as a suggestion by WHEREAS, The obnoxious practice of in-troducing old varieties of seeds, plants and trees under new and fanciful names is bringing disgrace on the honorable trade, and causing a falling off in the business; and whereas, the buying public are coming to look upon the trade as irresponsible frauds, by reason of the action of unprincipled dealers in the trade, be it therefore RESOLVED, That this Society cause to be printed a complete and accurate list of its members, such list to be published at such time in such papers and magazines as the Society shall deem best. That the horticultural press be requested to call the attention of its readers to the existence of said list, and to the fact that it may be had without charge, upon application to the proper officers of this Society. And be it further RESOLVED, That if any member of this Society shall advertise, offer, sell, or cause to be advertised, offered or sold, any known variety of plant under a new name, such members name shall at once be stricken from the aforesaid list, and the offending member be warned, suspended, and if persistent in his selling of such so-called "novelties," be finally expelled from this Society the adoption of which, modified or enlarged, it may be possible to bring about the needed reform, The American Garden respectfully submits the accompanying preamble and resolutions for the consideration of the by-law committees of the Society of American Nurserymen, the Society of American Florists and the Seed Trade Association at their meetings during the present summer last straw.

I had long had too much work on my hands, when in the rush of closing the last issue of this magazine, and distracted by numerous other duties, the picture of two laburnum racemes on page 283 was allowed to pass as a wistaria ! Then I knew that the manager of The Rural Publishing Company had no further business as editor of The American Garden, and Prof. L. H. Bailey, for some time a corresponding editor, was at once engaged to take full editorial charge of the magazine. Professor Bailey's work needs no further introduction here. His contributions have been so full of life, brightness, variety and sterling practical value that they have attracted widespread attention and favorable comment. As horticulturist of the Cornell Experiment Station, he has won a place second to none in America as an investigator and practical horticulturist. I resign the editorship to his control, in full confidence that he will make the magazine what I have tried to - the first in the world for horticulturists and lovers of nature - the out-door magazine for country and suburban dwellers, workers and pleasure seekers everywhere. - E. H. L.

COMES UP the labor question perpetually, the same old controversy in differing aspects, although the methods so generally futile in the past do not seem to be abandoned ! A prominent movement is the first convention of the "Farmers' and Laborers' Union of America," held in St. Louis early in December, and countenanced by the Mayor of the city and Governor of the State. We are glad to know that class legislation is condemned, especially as we are often assured that farmers and laborer's votes are the main source of the power often so ill-used by our legislators. At various times we have heard of movements intending to influence legislation in favor of the laborers. Is not this class legislation ? We consider the laborers as a class. There was also considerable talk about the "middle" classes; the chairman, in the course of his remarks, said : " It is an acknowledged fact, proved by all history, that purification always comes from the poorer and middle classes, while corrup it about the some of the greatest corporations in the country and use their power to control legislation ? There are instances of men who once worked with shovel and pick on the railroad, and afterwards dictated the policy of the road and the legislation of the country.

To what class do they belong ? All classes ? Or can they be assigned to the "laborers" or the "rich," as convenience may determine ? It always troubles us to define the limits between the "classes" of which we hear so much. We also know people poor in " mind, body and estate," who form centers of corruption and iniquity, while others of greater wealth employ their means for the benefit of their fellows. In spite of the misuse of property all about us, we doubt if the world would be benefitted if it changed owners. Property is always changing ownership, but the condition of the world remains about the same. We would also like to know what are the "illegitimate corporations" whose death knell was sounded. Webster tells us that a corporation is a body formed and authorized by law ; then how can it be illegitimate, or not according to law, unlawful or unauthorized ? We suffer from oppressive laws, and sympathise with those who wish them changed, but it was our votes which put the men in power who made these laws. Let us not make legislators who will give us laws that rob those whom fate has enriched, or raise the poor and needy to positions where they will prove to be the oppressors they often have.

Let us have no class legislation.

VARIATION of domesticated animals and plants in reference to climate and latitude, is a phase of scientific inquiry which is everywhere inadequately studied. This comparative neglect arises from various causes, but it is chiefly due to the fact that few people have sensed its importance, and few possess the power of generalization necessary to its systematic study. The paper in this issue by the Honorable Assistant Secretary of Agriculture is important and suggestive, and it inspires hope of a broader usefulness of the Department of Agriculture. A leading fault with this beneficent institution is the lack of coordination of work among its branches. Of necessity, work must be performed piecemeal; but all work in nature has its relationships to some other work, and its value is enhanced when these correlations are discerned. A broad mind now sweeps the horizon of agricultural science in the hope that some bolder view may be gained. The study of plants in reference to climate fall under three general heads: