204 NEBRASKA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



show than the largest ear of corn or the heaviest steer, are apt to take 

 first place at coi'n and live stock shows. Size and color have their 

 importance, but unless associated with the several other things that con- 

 stitute perfection they are not often of sufficient importance to place a 

 plate of apples in the blue ribbon class. 



There are at least five things that should be kept in mind when one 

 is selecting apples for show purposes. They are: Uniformity, soundness, 

 color, size, and shape. The five specimens constituting a plate should be 

 as nearly alike in color, size and shape as it is possible to get them. 

 Uniformity, or the lack of it, are usually the most* noticeable things 

 about a plate, and the tendency of most judges is to lay the maximum 

 amount of stress upon this point. Score cards differ in different states 

 and in different horticultural societies, but most of them allow about 

 thirty out of a possible one hundred points for perfection in uniformity. 

 One should never be tempted to place an abnormally developed speci- 

 men in color or size upon a plate with the other four unless they, too, 

 have the same characteristics equally well developed. 



The condition of the fruit with respect to the various kinds of 

 blemishes and diseases is an important matter. About thirty points are 

 usually allowed for perfection in soundness. Some of the common 

 blemishes to be avoided are: Wormy a'uit (notice the blossom end 

 carefully), apple scab, spray burn or russet, stemless fruits, bruised 

 places and the sooty or fly-specked fungus patches. Never try to 

 improve the appearance of show fruit by rubbing or polishing it. Fruit 

 that has been kept too long in common storage or has been taken from 

 cold storage a few days is apt to be in a more or less withered 

 condition. For show purposes apples should not be withered enough 

 for wrinkles to form when they are pressed firmly in the hand. 



Select fruits that have the variety color well developed. Specimens 

 with solid color should be avoided if you know the variety is normally 

 a striped one. 



Nothing will be gained by trying to select abnormally large fruits. 

 In fact color and shape are apt to be sacrificed if this is attempted. 



Study the variety shape and select show fruit that conforms with it. 



When show fruit is to be shipped it should be wrapped and care- 

 fully packed in such a way that it can not bruise. 



HORTICUr/rURE IN SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE. 



ROY E. MAKSHALL, LINCOLN. 



Horticulture is required of all students in the School of Agriculture. 

 The men receive two years of instruction, freshman and senior years, 

 and the women take the course during their sophomore year. The aim 

 of the course is to give the student an understanding of all the practical 

 operations connected with the different branches of horticulture, to- 



