112 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



have bought a corner lot adjoining their city hall on which was 

 a very objectionable, rickety building. The building will be removed 

 in the spring, the lot graded and trees and shrubs planted. The 

 park directly opposite will be put into shape and will be, also, sur- 

 rounded with cement walks. A large portion of the lake front has 

 been cleaned up and shanties removed. 



We have not allowed any ranting or sharp criticism to creep into 

 our work in a way that would apply to individuals or arouse the 

 antagonism of any one. As said before, much was made of the 

 beautiful improvements and meritorious work, and we trusted to 

 example for our results. Our school grounds are very attractive. 

 Some there were who objected to grassing over or beautifying them, 

 for they said the children were entitled to a place to play. Now, 

 there is so heavy a sod that the children's feet make no more im- 

 pression than a summer's rest completely obliterates. The lawns 

 surrounding the school grounds have shown marked improvement. 



There still remains much to be done, and our plans are well laid 

 for work during the season of 1906. It may be well to outline a 

 few of the plans pertaining to the flower work. 



1st. Children to be separated, according to grade in school, 

 into two classes. Those of about twelve years and under to receive 

 one set of seeds and those over that age another set. We find the 

 older ones do not like to compete with the little ones. 



2nd. Children should be furnished with printed instructions for 

 arranging beds, distances apart' for different kinds of seed, where 

 vines, if any, should be planted, and the after care of the plants. 



3rd. In order to compete for prizes, the children must do all 

 the work of planting and caring for the flowers, and prizes to be 

 allowed only to those taking the full set of seeds. 



4th. The prizes awarded should be something that will help 

 along the interest in keeping up the beauty of the home grounds. 

 We intend to use hardy bulbs, shrubs or perennial plants. 



5tli. We found the second week of August too late in the season 

 to secure the best flowers, so our carnival will be held about the 15th 

 or 20th of July. Holding a flower carnival makes the children feel 

 the importance of their work, and they should be encouraged to look 

 forward to taking part' on programs and also taught to be inter- 

 ested in the work of others. 



During the last week in November we had a "children's even- 

 ing." The teachers made up a program of the best recitations 

 and songs that had been given in the schools preceding Thanks- 

 giving Day. The night was exceptionally stormy and slushy, but 

 the children were there. The large hall was simply packed, many 



