94 ANNUAL REPORT 



' ' ' The shade of this tree 



Though perchance not for me, 

 For others a blessing may shed 

 As under its branches they tread. 

 Nor would you forbid 

 The prudent provide 

 For others who follow. Howe'er you deride, 

 Such fruit of my toil, each day I enjoy, 

 As daily for others my strength I employ ; 

 And who can explore. 

 What Fate has in store ? 

 For old though I be, with regret I may see. 

 And mourn over your premature graves.' " 



The reading of the President's address was greeted witli ap- 

 plause. 



On motion of Mr. Cutler a committee of three was named by 

 the Society upon the recommendation of the President, as fol- 

 lows: J. M. Underwood, J. S. Harris and M. Pearse. 



The following paper was then read by Mr. Cutler: 



MINNESOTA LAW ON NURSERY FRAUDS. 



By M. Cutler-, Sumter. 



Mr. President, Ladies and. Gentlemen: 



The golden rule is to do to others as we would that they 

 should do to us. If all men obeyed this rule there would be no 

 necessity for the existence of such a law as now graces our 

 statutes in reference to fraud in the sale of nursery stock. But so 

 long as men will allow greed and avarice to cause them to lie, 

 misrepresent, deceive and defraud their fellow citizens so long 

 will such laws be required. I feel thankful there were good and 

 true men enough in this Society, who had the interests of our 

 hard working farmers and laboring men at heart to compile and 

 push to its final passage so good a law as we now have. All 

 honor to our committee and such men as Senator Hoard and 

 Representative Donnelly who assisted in its passage. 



While this law is not quite as rigid as some of our rural friends 

 would like to have it and some of its provisions may work in- 



