13i NEBRASKA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Zinnias, 18x18, bloom from mid- June until frost. They are coarse, 

 but show well at a distance. One may as well try mixed seed. I saved 

 seed last year from three of the finest colored plants and this year those 

 three plants gave me eleven distinct colors. I now have more charity 

 for the seedsman than I had. 



This ends my list at present. Of the perennials I think most of col- 

 umbine, delphinium, goldenglow, hyacinth, iris, linum, peony, oriental 

 poppy, and phlox. Of the annuals my preferences are aster, cosmos, 

 dahlia, gladiolus, pansy, petunia, ever-blooming roses, salvia, snapdragon, 

 Shirley poppy and tuberose. I list the ever-blooming rose as an annual 

 because I do not try to preserve them over winter. By buying small 

 plants in quantities in spring they are very cheap and soon produce bet- 

 ter than old plants. . 



All my flowers must be of choice varieties. I know better than to 

 raise scrubs. It doesn't pay from any standpoint. Common varieties 

 may do to experiment with but as soon as one has learned how, and found 

 a flower worth retaining, he should get a start of the very finest variety 

 of it. 



In flowers I see human nature, and it is a most interesting study. 

 Some have the most delicate and dainty beauty, which, as in human be- 

 ings, is fleeting and easily dissipated. Some are glorious in their strength 

 and majesty and remind us of the various leaders of humanity. Some 

 are tender, suggesting him who gives great promise but talis by the way- 

 side at the first serious opposition. Some are hardy, like the man who 

 brooks no restraint, but with an iron will ever presses forward. Some 

 are fleeting or transitory, suggesting the notional or unstable man who 

 may never be depended upon. Some are enduring, regardless of weather, 

 reminding me of him who is always on duty, no matter what obstructions 

 may be encountered. Some respond only to favorable conditions, like the 

 man who balks unless the environment is just to his liking. Some are 

 of stately beauty suggesting enduring friendship. Some are sweetly 

 fragrant, reminding of the warm, sympathetic heart which is always 

 loved. Some have several of> these good qualities. Every one of them 

 possesses one or more qualities of merit. They are the creations of the 

 Almighty in His dispensation of the beauties of nature — but not one of 

 them is perfect. Not one in the list possesses all of the six elements of 

 hardiness, long duration of bloom for the garden, a long stem, long keep- 

 ing qualities necessary for a cut flower, great beauty and sweet frag- 

 rance. As I study the traits of human nature in my flowers I have an 

 ever-enlarging charity for the imperfections of man and the children of 

 men. 



DISCUSSION. 



The President: This is a very complete paper on the annuals and 

 perennials. If any of us ever go to Fremont in the flower season, we 

 should call upon Mr. Courtright. Mr. Yager, I would like to hear from 



