CHAPTER XVII. 



Humbugs. 



IT is thought that some space could not be used 

 better than in describing some of these "ways 

 that are dark, and tricks that are vain." Before 

 doing so we must ask your indulgence. This will 

 not be of interest to all our readers, for the larger class 

 are fully able to take care of themselves. But there 

 is a large class that, through lack of time or incli- 

 nation to inform themselves and who are very indus- 

 trious and excellent citizens, will fall an easy prey 

 to the deceptive wiles of itinerant humbugs of all 

 kinds, and more especially in this line. It has been 

 estimated that in the purchase of trees alone, 

 through overcharges, and worthless stock some of 

 the states are annually robbed of close to $1,000,- 

 ooo. Verily, * ' the American people love to be 

 humbugged." 



There is no class of people representing any 

 special industry or profession that can show a larger 

 percentage of honest, upright pains-taking and 

 intelligent people than is found in the American 

 nurserymen. While there are exceptions in indi- 

 vidual cases, the rule stands unchallenged. If we 

 deal directly with them, which can generally be 



