^16 A"l!fNFAL REPORT 



serymen, or agents, that such a law should be enacted here in Minne- 

 sota. At an informal meeting in Chicago, the latter part of June, 

 preliminary steps were taken to test the constitutionality of the law, 

 and over twenty different firms united in a pledge to share in the ex- 

 pense of bringing a test case, agreeing to use their influence, as 

 therein expressed, " to defend what we consider to be the right of 

 every nurseryman, namely, the right to equal business privileges." 



However, for reasons best known to themselves, the project was not 

 carried out. A better and more rational view perhaps was taken, that 

 it would be the wisest plan to cheerfully comply with the provisions 

 of the law. 



We are informed by Col. Mattson, the Secretary of State, that nu- 

 merous firms have filed the bonds required, and that so far as he can 

 learn the law is working well. He states where parties understand 

 the object of the law there seems to be no disposition to evade it, 

 and he ventures the opinion that the law will prove effectual in the 

 correction of the evils sought to be repressed, and in its moral influ- 

 ence, at least, will be productive of much good. 



Another year we may be able to determine better than at present as 

 to results to be accomplished by the law, and as to whether it should 

 be amended, or peradventure be repealed. 



MR. T. T. LTOJSr. 



During this last fall we had the pleasure of forming the acquaint- 

 ance of T. T. Lyon, president of the Michigan State Horticultural 

 Society, and of receiving a visit from him on the occasion of his 

 western tour. He is a prominent fruit grower of that state, and has 

 long been identified with horticultural organization in his own and 

 other states, taking a lively and active interest in horticultural mat- 

 ters in general. He has recently prepared a valuable history of Mich- 

 igan horticulture for publication by the society of that state. While 

 here, Mr. Lyon accompanied us to the experimental farm, and seemed 

 much interested in the operations being conducted there under the 

 direction of the superintendent. Prof. Porter, and more especially 

 with regard to experiments being made with Russian varieties, meth- 

 ods pursued in making tests, etc. 



Mr. LyoD, although quite advanced in years, appears yet hale and 

 hearty, and his step is firm and elastic. On meeting him one can- 

 not fail to admire his quiet and unobtrusive manners, nor to profit 

 from his extensive experience in horticultural affairs. He spent but a 



