360 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



general interest to the horticultural societies, such as securing and retaining 

 members, prospects of fruit legislation, etc. A multitude of topics could be 

 considered at such a gathering, which should bring out thought of general 

 value to these organizations. 



A Manuai. of thk Peony. — Under this title a neat paper bound book 

 of 64 pages has been issued by C. S. Harrison, of York, Neb., who will be 

 pleasantly remembered by those of our society in attendance at the last annual 

 meeting, when he presented before us the subject of the peony. This manual 

 is a very complete treatise on the subject, as set forth in this title, giving cul- 

 tural directions of varieties, etc. 



Over 200 varieties are named and described in it. The last 11 pages 

 are devoted to a consideration of other specially valuable perennial flow-ers. 

 The writer does not know the price of this manual, but it can be secured by 

 corresponding with Mr. Harrison. 



American Breeders' Association. — An association of this name 

 has recently formed of which Hon. James Wilson, U. S. Sec'y of Agriculture 

 is president and Prof. W. M. Hays, St. Anthony Park, agriculturist at the 

 Minnesota Experiment Station, is secretary. The object of the association is 

 not, as would appear at first thought, for the breeding of live stock alone, but 

 covers instead the whole subject of breeding. In the language of a circular 

 sent out, it is comprised of those "interested in breeding plants and animals or 

 in the study of heredity." This is a large and useful purpose and very practi- 

 cal as well, as the growers of seedling fruits in Minnesota are aware. The 

 society is planning "to publish a directory showing the line of breeding 

 carried on by each breeder of pedigreed animals or plants." A large member- 

 ship is desired, and all interested in the scientific as well as the practical side of 

 seedling culture should be in line with this association. Annual fee $1.00, 

 which may be remitted to the secretary. 



Fall Fruits for the World's Fair.— It is hoped to exhibit at the 

 World's Fair during the fall period, full lines of apples, grapes and 

 plums, possibly pears and peaches if there are any. So far the secretary has 

 not heard of any of the two latter fruits ripening this year. Dear fellow mem- 

 bers, what have you that you can contribute to help make this a satisfactory 

 exhibit —one that the state would be proud of ? A case of plums or grapes, or 

 a box of apples from each member of the society having an orchard or vine- 

 yard in bearing would amply supply all the fruit needed, and we ought to be 

 able to secure enough from so many interested contributors for our purpose. 

 If you have not already corresponded with the secretary in regard to this, will 

 you not do so upon reading this and let him know what varieties you have and 

 when they can be sent?. He will furnish you full directions for gathering and 

 and packing and shipping the fruit, and a recognition of your contributions 

 will be made in some suitable way at the proper time. Of course fruit for this 

 purpose should be extra large of its kind, free from blemish and packed in a 

 way to secure its getting there in the best of condition. Don't think from this 

 that you haven't anything good enough! You have! By selecting the best 

 fruit from your trees any ope can do something towards this exhibit. If you 

 have crab apples, don't send them loose, but only on the branch where a good 

 m lay are clustered to^ethir miking a fitia show. Such a cluster will be very 

 m.i;h appreciated. Wait can you do to halp in this splendid exhibit? 

 It ii bjiag made as you know uadir the auspices of the Horticiltural Society, 

 and all of the members must feel a common interest in it. 



