242 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



the early part of the day, was nearly if not quite up to the maxi- 

 mum on these occasions, there being at least two hundred served 

 at the picnic dinner. 



The weather was ideal, being cool and dry, for those who 

 wished tO' stroll about the grounds and see the various changes and 

 improvements which arc being made from year to year, that greatly 

 improve the appearance of this most attractive place. 



The regular session of the society was held in Armory Hall 

 after clearing away the paraphernalia used in serving dinner, 

 the meeting being called at about two o'clock. Great banks of 

 peonies, roses and other flowers across the end of the hall towards 

 which the audience faced, and along each side, made a gorgeous 

 setting for the occasion and furnished many texts for the practical 

 talks that made up the program. 



In the absence of the president, Mr. Clarence Wedge, of Albert 

 Lea, Prof. S. B. Green presided at the meeting in his usual happy 

 and informal way. An impromptu program was given by a num- 

 ber of exhibitors and visitors present who were called upon and 

 spoke briefly and to the point. In opening the presiding officer, 

 in the absence of Dean Liggett, extended the usual words of greet- 

 ing to the society, which has now for so many years held its sum- 

 mer meeting at the Experiment Station. A letter was also read 

 by him from Gov. Johnson, who had been invited to attend ttic 

 meeting, but found himself unable to be present. 



Mr. C. M. Loring, of Minneapolis, being called upon, compli- 

 mented the society for what it has done, comparing the early efforts 

 made to have flower displays to what is now being accomplished, 

 and saying many words of encouragement as to the outlook for fur- 

 ther work. 



Mr. J. M. Underwood, of Lake City, spoke in a general way 

 as to the plans being formulated for the exhibition of horticultural 

 and agricultural products to be made in Agricultural Hall at the 

 next state fair, of which department he is superintendent, and 

 urged members to continue their interest especially in the horti- 

 cultural department as heretofore. Mr. Underwood also suggested 

 an important change in the method of conducting the summer 

 meeting of this society, looking to the entire occupation of the 

 audience room in Armory Hall, where the society was meeting, 

 by the fruit and flower exhibits, for which liberal premiums should 

 1)6 ofifered for displays by fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters, 

 etc., to bring out enough flowers and fruits to fill the hall. This 

 plan would do away with the present method of serving a common 

 picnic dinner and compel each member to "rustle" for his own 



