Notes by the Secretary. 73 



AFTERNOON SESSION. 



The first paper of the afternoon was upon '' The Educational 

 Power of Horticulture/' by Mrs. G. A. Try on, of -Galesburg, 111. 

 The paper began with an account of the failure of the first horti- 

 culturists in the garden of Eden. Then it noted the progress of 

 culture and the advancement made by man, showing that hus- 

 bandry was the basis upon which all the unrivaled prosperity of 

 the present age had been built. The difference in culture between 

 different latitudes was noted, and the vast difference in culture in 

 the temperate zone between the small farmers with divei-sified 

 interests and horticultural pursuits, and those who devote their 

 attention to raising some one crop on a large scale. Instances in 

 proof of the point in question were furnished, and the opinions of 

 noted men given as to small farming and as to the safety of the 

 country being dependent upon the happy cultured homes of the 

 horticulturist. The intimate relation between horticulture and 

 floriculture was demonstrated, and the peculiar adaptability of 

 woman to the work noted. Many examples were given to show the 

 vast difference between theoretical and practical knowledge in the 

 pursuit of horticulture. The paper closed with a grand descrip- 

 tion of the home of an ideal horticulturist, and its effect upon the 

 surrounding community, elaborating upon tlie eminent suitability 

 of the Mississippi valley for such homes. 



The reader was heartily applauded, and upon motion of Mr. 

 N. Ohmer, of Dayton, Ohio, a rising vote of thanks was extended 

 Mr?. Tryon for her valuable paper, which had been so well read. 



Mr. G. Y. Johnson, of Topeka, Kansas, then offered a resolu- 

 tion instructing the president and secretary to invite horticulturists 

 of every state in the union and every territory and province in 

 America to participate in the meetings of the Mississippi Valley 

 Horticultural Association. 



THE BEST FRUIT PACKAGES. 



The second paper of the afternoon was upon "The best fruit 

 packages ;" by E. T. Hollister, of St. Louis. 



The gentleman in his paper advocated the adoption of a 

 uniform style and size of packages. The most important article to 

 be transported is the apple, which can best be carried in barrels. 

 Pears are best transported in the California fruit boxes, peaches in 

 the peck baskets, and strawberries in quart boxes, twenty-four in a 

 case. All fruit and berry packages should be well seasoned. Plums, 



