’ RECOGNITION OF VALUABLE SEEDLINGS. rag 
suggested in the December Horticulturist, that we or the state should 
erect a substantial memorial over the remains of Mr. Gideon, also that a tab- 
let should be placed in the new horticultural building to his memory and in 
appreciation of his life work—which is now history—that we should record 
to benefit and encourage others who wish to do likewise. 
If the people who grow and eat the Wealthy apple in this state should 
unite in establishing a Peter M. Gideon scholarship in our agricultural col- 
lege it would be a royal thing to do, and could be maintained with profit to 
many and loss to no one—for, on general principles, I believe it is more 
blessed to give to a truly worthy person or cause than to receive gifts, 
If we, as Minnesotans, take this matter in hand and do the right thing 
by a fruit so worthy as the Wealthy, other states, by our example, will be 
more ready and willing to render proper recognition unto their valuable 
seedlings and the men who originate them. In a country like ours, where 
property rights are so jealously guarded by national and state legislation, I 
believe the originator of any seedling tree or plant should be able to legally — 
control his production as much as the man who patents an invention, I 
am not able to say just how this can be accomplished and not interfere 
with a rapid introduction and dissemination of those which are really val- 
uable. The proper place to settle those questions is not in the courts but 
before just such gatherings as this, where all are interested, practical and in- 
telligent judges of what is right and just, also in the best interest of a 
progressive horticulture, such as this society represents, with its member- 
ship which we confidently expect will include 1,000 representative Minneso- 
tans during the year 1900. 
In my opinion this society should offer a premium of at least $25.00 
at its annual winter meetings for the best seedling apple not kept in cold 
storage and not having won a premium from the horticultural society, with 
smaller premiums for others on exhibition which possess merit worthy of 
recognition by the judges. Each of these exhibitors should be made hon- 
orary members for one year. Possibly it would be well if all who put up seed- 
ling fruits on our exhibition tables were offered this courtesy by our society; 
it might encourage the planters, being of greater value to some than money, 
a standard of quality, hardiness, productiveness, etc., etc., being estab- 
lished by competent judges. 
Our annual summer meetings should also pay liberal premiums on seed- 
ling small fruits, especially the strawberry and raspberry, under the 
same terms and restrictions as suggested with the apple exhibit. The state 
should be much more interested in seedling fruits than we and should pay 
for them generously. If one citizen can afford to give $100 for a collection of 
seedling apples, the state of Minnesota, to maintain its dignity in this matter, 
should give, at its state fairs, at least $1,000 for seedling fruits adapted to 
our climate, soil and other Minnesota conditions. 
This progressive work is always contagious. If Minnesota leads, as she 
usually does, being found in the front ranks of all progressive work and 
pioneer processions, our sister states will be sure to follow, possibly with 
that $1,000 apple. Wonderful results on any line can be secured if individual 
effort is united. Individuals make the state and nation. It is you and I 
and the others. 
Shall we begin right now to do our part? 
I hope and trust our society at this session will decide on doing some- 
