Annual Meeting at St. Joseph. 191 



the south side near the center, between the exhibits of Arkansas and 

 Alabama. . California is making the largest exhibit of trees that 

 has come from any state, having now nearly six hundred varieties 

 on the grounds, including Seqnoi Gigantea, Redwood, Acacias, 

 Eucalipti, Palms ; Avith other less noted kinds of semi-tropical 

 plants. It is a showing to confirm Fiiend Husmann's panegyrics. 



We received to-day from Mexico seven carloads of plants. 

 Among them. Agaves so large that but three of them could be 

 placed on a fiat car, one of them with a fiower stem fifteen feet 

 high. These plants were accompanied by a large force of Mexican 

 gardeners, who present a very picturesque appearance in their 

 blouses and their p6aked sombrero hats, and their bare feet ; but 

 who are, of all men, most miserable Avhen it rains. 



The fruit exhibit promises success — a large quantity is now in 

 cold storage, and more, much more, is promised. Mr. Babcock, 

 who is here to arrange the fruit display of Arkansas, has the largest 

 quantity of fruit now on the ground from any one state. 



Nebraska has one hundred and fifty barrels here now, and 

 from some vspecimens which have been unpacked, we judge that she 

 is in the front rank of fruit growing states. I hope that Missouri 

 will do herself justice in the fruit show — she can help her reputation 

 immensely by doing her best just now. 



Electric lights are now being put in position in all the 

 buildings, so that work can be done by night as well as by day ; thus 

 practically doubling the available time before the exposition. It 

 will be some time, however, before all is done. Although those 

 who come at the opening will find enough to see, to amply repay 

 the trouble of the journe3^ 



For information to those who think of making the trip south, 

 I will say that letters regarding places for board should be addressed 

 • to B. T. Walsh, Chief of Bureau of Information, Exposition 

 Office — -who has lists of rooms. Places near the grounds are scarce 

 now, but two new hotels are now going up, and the Great Eastern, 

 which will lie at the Exposition wharf through the winter, will be 

 used as a hotel, and will accommodate three thousand people. 

 Prices in private houses will range from one dollar to three dollars 

 per day ; but good board can be had for two dollars. 



I hope that the meeting of the Mississippi Valley Horticultural 

 Society in January will be the grand rallying time for our state 

 society. Then will be the grandest display of fruits and all will 

 then be in running order about the grounds and buildings, and the 



