DECEMBER MEETING. 289 



PLANTS AND FLOWERS AT THE ANNUAL FAIR. 



To the Executive Committee (out memhem of the Michigan State Po7ito!or/ical 



'.ty: 



Gentlemen — In lookino- over the place :u)d space allotted to itlants and 

 tiowers at the State Fair, I think it is a great credit to those who exhibited that 

 so good a showing was made. I must say that it is really creditable to the good 

 people of Jackson and vicinity, that the hall was so well filled with that which 

 is pleasing only to the eye, with that Avhich most farmers say is labor thrown 

 awav to raise such stnll ; but we are glad the time is fast approacliing when 

 jieople are learning to appreciate such things more, to spend more time in mak- 

 ing their homes attractive, and jjleasing to the eye. To W. R. Ilibbard of 

 Jackson, and C. Van Haaften of Kalamazoo, belongs the credit of making 

 the larger portion of tlie professional display in plants, wliich were quite exten- 

 sive, finely grown and extremely creditable displays, reflecting much credit 

 upon the exhibitions. 



Mr. E. Coolev, of "Wildwood," Jackson, made a fine exhibition of hothouse 

 plants and flowers in a glass case, the arrangement and character of which 

 reflects great credit upon the establishment from which they came. 



In the amateur list, Mrs. W. K. Gibson, Mrs. Dr. Andrews, and ;Miss D. Jj. 

 Field, were the principal exhibitors, and to each a large amount of credit 

 should be given for the amount of labor they bestowed in beautifying the cen- 

 tral portion of the hall. Mrs. Dr. Andrews fitted up a little sanctum, or more 

 properly arbor, by deftly combining and arranging form and color, with the 

 treasures of her greenhouse and garden, in such a manner as to call forth the 

 encomiums of the passing crowds, which certainly were well bestowed. Single 

 specimens were exhibited by several parties among which were some very fine 

 specimens that were well grown, and among which the competion was so sharp 

 tliat the committee were unable to decide. 



The display of bedding plants, and cut flowers, was fair as to quantity, and 

 in quality usually good, but some allowance should be made as most of the 

 exhibitors resided outside of the city and some quite a distance from Jack- 

 son. Among the exhibitors from the city of Jackson, especial mention should 

 be made of and much praise is due to Miss Nellie C. Jenkins, for the energy 

 and perseverance displayed in arranging her flowers (saying nothing of the 

 growing them), she being a teacher in the public schools was obliged to perform 

 her duties in school, and arrange her flowers at such times as could be spared 

 from her other duties at school and at home, her mother being dependent for 

 support upon the labor of the daughter. The arrangement of cut flowers and 

 designs were all very tasteful and unique in form, colors, and originality of 

 design. All the classes were well filled, and for beauty of arrangement and 

 ingenuity of design much credit is due to the fair hands, who with such delicacy 

 could weave in fancy and bring into form such delightful objects as were fonnd 

 in this department. Several entries were made wihch did not get premiums, 

 but which Avere worthy of special mention or recommendation. 



For Vick's Special Premiums on cut Flowers there were five entries, and all 

 well grown, creditable, and nicely arranged displays. The competition was very 

 close, and when the committee finished their duties and made known the 

 awards, a protest was entered by Mrs. K. M. Cook, of Charlotte, who was 

 awarded the second premium, but the second committee, which had served on 



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