IKJ MISSOURI STAI K IIORTICULTUKAI, S(JCIETY. 



our lands in every direction; and yet we do not know one-half or one- 

 tenth part of the capabilities, and especially, adaptability of our soils to 

 fruit growing. 



With almost every variety of soil, almost any altitude we may 

 choose, almost any desired slope or conditions ; a variety of climate and 

 climatic changes ; we have, taking the state as a whole, one of the 

 grandest prospects of any of our states. 



FRUIT SHOW. 



The fruit show I shall allude to once more, and probably the last 

 time. From some two or three letters received from the Secretary of 

 the exposition building at St. Louis, I went down to meet him and see 

 what arrangements we could- make about it. The result is that space is 

 much sought after and held at so high a price that we could get nothing 

 promised except the 'space. Hut he has offered us such a fine room and 

 such space that it does seem as if we must do the work now or never. 

 The room offered is one 6ox8o, opening off from the music hall and close 

 to the art gallery. It is well lighted and has room for six or eight 

 county exhibits. It could be well decorated and has room to show some 

 of the most artistic work known in the manner of display. I visited 

 some of our florists and have enlisted them in our work ; they have 

 offered to give us any assistance in their power ; and if they will take 

 this part of the work and decorate the hall nicely, it will relieve us very 

 much. I have seen the Cold Storage Co.'s at both 3t. Louis and Kansas 

 City, and have their offers to keep our fruit for us. I have not visited 

 our R. R's. yet, or our Express Co's., for I was waiting final action of 

 this meeting and a report from each of our county societies. I iiave no 

 doubt but that we can get the assistance of our different railroads and 

 express companies to give us free transportation over their lines for all 

 that we shall send of our fruits or plants. It almost makes me faint • 

 hearted when I begin to think of the work to be done, and the time to 

 be spent in such a work, and yet it does seem to me that if we are ever 

 going to do it, now is the time, and we certainly have the place. It will 

 take hard work from each of our local societies and counties to bring 

 this to a successful issue, and we can think of nothing else but a suc- 

 cessful end of the plan. Whatever we decide, therefore, let it be with 

 the determination to succeed at all events, and make it a showing worthy 

 of our state, or let u.-:; drop the matter entirely. I think our county courts 

 ^l^.oulu take hold and make a good liberal appropriation for the work — 



