208 Appendix. 



in moss, ferns and lichens, covers an area one hundred and fifty feet in diam- 

 eter, has a worthy rival in the " Giantess," which stands near by, and is 

 scarcely less in proportions, if, indeed, not surpassing in beauty. Many oth- 

 ers adorn these grounds, the meanest of which would be a gem in a Central 

 Park. 



Under the Exposition management much was done to give additional 

 beauty and interest to these grounds. Large sections were devoted to the 

 exhibition of nursery stock, and here could be found specimens of almost 

 every known species of trees, shrubs and plants, whether useful or orna- 

 mental, that are grown in this country. There was also a large space devo- 

 ted to foreign plants and trees. Among collections of this class that deserved 

 special mention I would name Mexico's exhibit. A peculiarity of the Mexi- 

 can display was an ornamental garden planned and managed after their pe- 

 culiar ideas of rural adornment. In this garden were plants, both ornamental 

 and useful, among the latter of which the American Agave, or so called 

 Century Plant, was both conspicuous from the immense size of individual 

 specimens, weighing, as I was assured, over two tons each, with flower stalk 

 almost ready to bloom, and from the fact that a drink (pulque) is prepared 

 from the sap of the plant that in Mexico is as popular and as universally 

 used as is beer among the Germans. A long row of these immense plants 

 had been transplanted from their native country simply to furnish " pulque " 

 to quench the thirst of numerous Mexicans who were attending the exhibi- 

 tion. 



California's Nursery Stock, which excelled in scientific interest that of 

 any other one collection, was under the intelligent supervision of Mr. W. G. 

 Klee, of Berkley in that State. This collection was interesting, not only from 

 the wide range of genera, species, and varieties it contained, but as well from 

 its perfect botanical classification and scientific arrangement. 



In addition to this interesting and valuable out-door collection, Mr. Klee 

 had a large exhibit, embracing more tender species, in Horticultural Hall, 

 which will receive proper notice further on. 



Many of the States, and individuals as well, had large exhibits of fruit and 

 ornamental trees and shrubbery, which were disposed in groups and planta- 

 tions throughout the grounds, the esthetic effect of which was pleasing, aside 

 from the valuable opportunity afforded of studying botanical character, 

 habits, etc. 



IN HORTICULTURAL HALL. 



A hall perfectly adapted to the exhibition of fruits, plants, and flowers, can 

 not be provided, from the fact that temperature and atmospheric conditions 

 suited to the one would be far from appropriate for the others. This diffi- 

 culty had, however, been as nearly overcome in the construction of this 

 building as possibly could have been done. As the visitor entered the build- 

 ing, which is properly a large conservatory, he was greeted with a most pleas- 

 ing and varied scene. Immediately in front were four lines of tables, six 

 hundred feet in length, broken only at convenient intervals, and at the grand 



