36 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



We are told that there is nothing new under the sun. Yet every- 

 day and on every hand we see such wonderful reconstruction of the 

 old material as to give the effect of refreshing novelty. There is, how- 

 ever, nothing really new in all this, for the nearer we approach per- 

 fection in plans for attractiveness in home surroundings, so much 

 closer have we copied nature. There are those here this evening who 

 have been familiar with the natural lawns of the great Western prairies^ 

 These I call to witness whether in great Eastern cities, or in any 

 town or country, where wealth and skill have done their best, they 

 have ever beheld anything to compare with the virgin lawns of the 

 wild new West in their primitive beauty. Perfect in color of green the 

 early spring covering grew as evenly as smoothest lawn mowing. 

 As the summer's sun grew brighter, beds of gaily colored flowers- 

 appeared of such rare beauty of form and color and fragrance, and 

 such harmony of arrangement as to convince us that nature's modela 

 are superior to man's most perfect copies. Along the borders of these 

 natural lawns, grew deep, ornamental lines of native trees ; their borders 

 attractive in earliest spring with the bloom of the Judas orredbud-tree ; 

 contrasting in tine effect with the blossoms of many varieties of the wild 

 plum, relieved by interspersed patches of the early horse chestnut. 

 Deer, buffalo and elk were occupants of these native lawns. The 

 Indian hunter was the owner by right of occupation of all this primal 

 beauty. But utility and progress and ever-growing necessity have de- 

 stroyed but not effaced from memory all this primitive beauty. Na- 

 ture's works are our models. Beautiful impressions leave permanent 

 influences for good, which others may copy and improve upon until 

 every one who adds attractions to his home shall be considered a pub- 

 lic benefactor. C. I. Robards, Butler. 



After the rendering of a fine piano solo, the President called for 

 Prof. Whitten, who read the following: 



Influence of Pollen upon Size, Form, Color and Flavor 



of Fruits. 



Before considering the subject of pollination it is necessary to get 

 clearly in mind the relation and arrangement of the different parts of 

 the flower. The ordinary complete flower is composed of calyx, corolla, 

 stamens and pistils, in the order named. The apple flower is a good 



