FLOW^ERS AT 



THE MICHIGAN STATE 

 FAIR. 



LETTER FROM THE FLORIST, JAMES VICE, OF ROCHESTER, N. Y., TO 

 THE SECRETARY OF THE STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



Dear Sik, — I bad such a "good time" at your State Fair that it did not 

 seem like attending a fair at all, — it appeared like a pleasant visit among loved 

 friends. Old and new friends seemed to have congregated together, and I 

 think I could tell a good deal more about what and who I saw than of the 

 flowers I exhibited. Still, as you desire a few words about the flowers, I will 

 try to collect my thoughts upon the subject. First, a lady with a counte- 

 nance as bright and beautiful as the most charming dahlia on the table, with 

 eyes that made my favorite bright-eyed Phlox rosea oculata alba, almost — 

 (Dear me, that will never do ; will try again). 



The flowers that deserved and attracted most attention were the Dahlias, 

 Phloxes, Gladiolus and Asters. I think the people of Michigan had an oppor- 

 tunity to see the best, at least one of the best, collections of Dahlias and Gla- 

 dioli ever made in America. 



DAHLIAS. 



The Dahlia is a most gorgeous flower, and though for a few years back its 

 popularity seemed to be on the wane, it is now becoming more beloved than 

 ever, while the newer varieties in size, form and color, far surpass the older 

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