12 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



matter of education it is a good tiling to have collections that are well named 

 exhibited that shall contain nearly all the sorts grown in the State, and let the 

 prize be the stimulant to the collector and the reward for his efforts. 



By doing this we secure a double result. A magnificent exhibit of varieties 

 for appearance sake, and valuable collections in which to study Pomology, as it 

 can be pursued no where else. Two things of primary importance in connec- 

 tion with this class should be borne in mind — first, the beauty of arrangement; 

 second, the distinct and correct labeling of each sort. 



In the arrangement of individual plates of fruit the society made a great 

 ■stride at the last exhibition. There was a better opportunity than ever before 

 for the comparison of the same fruit grown in different localities, to note the 

 difference of color, markings, shape, etc. Here was the place to study types, 

 and one could get at a distinct impression of any variety from seeing together 

 its variations. Some have already suggested that the premium in this class be 

 made more general, to include a larger number of varieties. To this I would 

 put in a disclaimer. Perhaps the sorts upon the list are not all among the best 

 grown in the State, and if not, substitutions should be made ; but my idea of 

 this class is that it shall contain the best varieties only, and if the inferior ones 

 are to be viewed let them be sought in the collection making large variety a 

 leading feature. 



Before leaving the fruits I desire to say a few words upon placards, signs and 

 labels. The real value of knowledge gained at fairs depends upon its exactness ; 

 and from hearsay, or an answer to inquiries we are very apt to be misled. 

 Again in the acquirement of information we do not wish to waste time. For 

 this reason it is of the highest importance that, as far as possible, every depart- 

 ment, and individual exhibit be appropriately, distinctly, and accurately labeled. 

 It is like an index to a book. We are getting to value a book almost doubly if 

 it is carefully indexed so that in a moment we can turn to anything in the vol- 

 ume. Hence I would begin at each entrance to Pomological hall and in every 

 instance I would have the name of the hall larger than the advertisement of 

 yeast cakes, soaps, or stove polish. 



Each division and collection should be definitely announced in elear type. 

 The old idea that every bit of public information must be kept from viewing 

 committees is simply a matter of history. We select committee-men, of sup- 

 posed integrity, and trust them. It is our duty to give the public, who come to 

 see, all the information and pleasure Ave can. How can we do it better than 

 with clear, neat labels. I believe in this one thing we lack more than any other. 

 It maybe said that individuals and counties should exhibit their own placards. 

 But the better plan is for the society to be responsible for them — then they will 

 be all in character, and we can readily throw out any forbidding cards of men 

 who come just to advertise their wares. 



FLORAL DEPARTMENT. 



The State Pomological Society has gradually been developing a floral depart- 

 ment, and it has been a step in the right direction. But any one who will 

 compare our premium list with others from localities where plants and flowers 

 have been given large attention will perceive at once that there is grand oppor- 

 tunity for our growth in this direction, and we must make no inconsiderable 

 advancement to be even with the best of them. In truth our exhibits have 

 shown this. There has not been definite lines of division, and premiums have 

 been awarded to largest exhibits, a good deal regardless of intrinsic merit. 



