Secretary's (^ori7er. 



Absence of the Secretary. — The secretary returned on Jnly 25th from 

 a three weeks absence from the oitice. This notice will be sufficient answer to 

 a. multitude of questions that have arisen from not hearing from him during 

 these few weeks. 



Fruit Exhibit at the State Fair. — What are you planning to bring 

 to the state fair this fall to help make it the best fruit exhibit that has ever 

 been shown in Minnesota? The fruit prospects aside from plums are satisfactory, 

 and we are hopeful that the show of plums will be a very good one, even with 

 .so light a yield. If 5 ou have not received the premium list as yet please ad- 

 dress Sec'y E. W. Randall, Hamline. Sec"y Latham has charge of the horti- 

 cultural department at the state fair and will be pleased to hear from all intend- 

 ing exhibitors. 



HoRTicuLTrRE IX THE ''FARM, STOCK AXD Home"". — We notice that in 

 the July fifteenth number of the "Farm, Stock and Home" the name of George 

 W. Strand appears as editor of the horticultural department, ilr. O. M. Lord, 

 of Minnesota City, has been doing this work since the death of Mr. Harris 

 until now. Ill health aud other causes have contributed to his retirement from 

 this position, which we regret. Mr. Strand, his successor, is a practical horti- 

 culturist, a graduate from the State Agricultural College, and for a number of 

 years he has held the position of secretary of the State Forestry .Association. 

 As one of the younger generation we look upon him as well qualified to occupy 

 this important position. 



Departmext of Horticulture, St. Louis Exposition". — F. W. Taylor, 

 Chief of Horticulture, World's Fair, St. Louis, has issued a circular intended, 

 as he states, to "give very complete information in regard to every possible 

 question which may arise in relation to that department."' Any of our readers 

 who are interested in the fruit exhibit at this exposition and intend to eon- 

 tribute towards it will find the possession of one of these circulars of value in 

 giving directions for collecting, packing, storing fruit, etc. Copies will be sent 

 free to all who apply as above. Ask for circular number 2. Many of our 

 readers will assist in installing and maintaining this exhibit by contributions 

 of fruit and should secure this circular. 



PicKixG AXD Packing Strawberries for the World's Fair.— Cut 

 cotton wadding (not batten ■ in squares an inch larger each way than the berry 

 box. Put two squares of the wadding in the bottom of the box, then a layer 

 of berries, a layer of wadding, etc., till the box is full; also a layer of wadding 

 on top of the berry boxes before laying on the cover. The hemes should be 

 picked a little unripe, and you will secure them in this way by picking them 

 the off day, that is the day after the bed has been picked over, taking pains to 

 gather them with the stems on and handle very carefully to prevent bruising. 

 They might be cut from the vines with small scissors. Each box should have 

 the name of the variety written upon it or if the whole case is the same variety 

 the name should go upon the case. 



