52 
Gardeners and Florists’ Annual for J9J8 
Senator H. C. White of Iowa presented a bill before the State 
Legislature jiroviding for the prosecution of seed coni])anies that sold 
seed not up to the guarantee of germination. He had purchased seed 
Corn wliich was guaranteed at 75 per cent, germination but which, 
when tested, germinated only 67 per cent. 
* * * 
An advance was made by the Post Office Department in the cost 
of envelopes of 43c. per 1000. Stamped window envelopes also became 
available. 
* * * 
Gladiolus mother flowering bulbs were allowed entrj^ free of duty 
in an important decision given under protest No. 788546. Grape Hya- 
cinth bulbs under another protest were passed for assessment at 50c. 
per 1000 as against $2.50 per 1000 for Hyacinth bulbs, under which 
they had previously been classified. 
* * * 
The firemen’s union of Ohio endeavored to have the licensed 
fireman act enforced against all owners of boilers of 30 h. p. or over. 
Tbe florists, assisted by the S. A. F., contested this. 
* * * 
A bill was introduced into the New York Legislature permitting 
the sale of flowers on Easter and the Sundays nearest Christmas, 
New Years and Memorial Day and on any other Sunday between 
9 a.m. and 5 p.m., from flower shops in the vicinity of cemeteries. 
* * * 
While an embargo was placed on certain commodities carried 
by railroads, all seed shipments were exempted. 
* * * 
Health insurance bills were introduced into tbe legislatures of 
New York, New ,Ter.sey and Massachusetts, calling for the payment 
of two-thirds of the amount of wages during a period of 26 weeks 
during illness, to persons whose monthly wages did not exceed .$100. 
The bill was opposed by both capital and labor. 
* * * 
The New Orleans, Mobile & Chicago R. R. Co. sought for a 
review of a decision against it of $313, awarded for damages to a 
shipment of Sweet Potatoes. The court found the carriers negli- 
gent and refused the petition. 
* * 
A bill was introduced into the New York Legislature to create 
a minimum wage commission of five members, appointed by the 
Governor, to decide on a minimum wage for minors under 18 years 
and for women engaged in industrial occupations. 
* * * 
A case of general interest was decided in an English court. A 
farmer sued another to recover damages and the cost of 100 lbs. of 
Onion seed, warranted fertile but which although planted on fertile 
ground, proved a complete failure. The judge, holding that there had 
been a warranty given, decided for the plaintiff. 
*. * * * 
An English court decided an interesting case of overhanging 
trees. The plaintiff sued for lo.ss of produce in his garden and other 
damages. He had asked to have the offending limb lopped off, but 
