40 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY . 



out doubt the largest horticultural society in the west, if not on the continent 

 The badge book, with name and number of each member intending to be pres- 

 ent, was a new feature of the meeting and worthy of the adoption of all large 

 societies. The badges worn by the members being numbered, a stranger could 

 identify each by reference to his badge book, and get acquainted with those he 

 desired to meet in an easy and informal way." — Orange Judd Farmer. 



A FEI.I.OW Member's Misfortune.— The home of Mr. Clarence Wedge, of 

 Albert Lea, was burned on the morning of Sunday, December 9. Most of the 

 household goods were saved. We understand the building was fairly well 

 insured. Mr. Wedge was making preparations to remove to the new nursery 

 he located last spring a short distance north of Albert Lea. He is assured of 

 the sympathy of all his friends in this misfortune. 



A note received from Mr. Wedge since writing the above, says: "We are 

 tolerably well settled in our new home now, a much larger house, fine barns 

 and outbuildings." 



An Experiment Station on the Gideon Farm. — It has been wisely sug- 

 gested that the state should acquire the farm and orchards of the late Peter M. 

 Gideon and run the place as an experiment orchard under the management of 

 the state experiment station. What more practical plan for prosecuting this 

 line of work in our community could be devised than this? But how can the 

 property be secured and working arrangements be made. This is the problem, 

 and the thought of members of this society and of others interested in the 

 pomology of the northwest is desired on this subject. Write the secretary, and 

 let us exchange ideas in regard to this. 



In this connection the following extract will be of interest: "There is much 

 on the home grounds of the late Peter M. Gideon to testify to his life work, on 

 which it is not an easy task to place an estimate. I wish your society or your 

 state would buy that plant and place a competent man in charge of it. I be- 

 lieve there are seedling stocks there that should be grown and disseminated 

 over the northwest for the sole purpose of top-working with choice winter 

 varieties. I fruited Jonathan, Ben Davis, Malinda, N. W. Greening, Missouri 

 Pippin, Wisconsin Spy and Gano, Newell's Winter, Milwaukee, Eureka, Her- 

 fordshire Pearmain, Blue Pearmain, Dominion Winter and Dudley's Winter — 

 all winter sorts this season — top-worked on Virginia crabs." — A. J. Philips. 



There have been two deaths in the honorary life list within a short time. 

 That of Prof. H. W. S. Cleveland took place in Chicago early in December, the 

 exact date not 'being known to the writer. He has been on this roll 

 since 1888. For a number of years past he has resided with a son in Chicago. 

 At one time in charge of the Minneapolis city parks, he has left his impress in 

 a lasting way with us. 



The death of Mr. Wm. Mackintosh occurred at his home in Langdon, in this 

 state, on Sunday, Dec. 9th. He passed peacefully away to a well earned rest 

 Mr. Mackintosh was made an honorary life member at the 1899 meeting, as a 

 well merited distinction for many years' service with this society. 



The usual biographical sketch for both of these departed ones will appear in 

 later issues. 



