378 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



The fact that 322 plates of seedling apples were shown should not be 

 overlooked. Each plate presumably represented a separate variety- 

 raised from the seed in our state. Many of these are apples of real 

 merit and undoubtedly some are hardy enough to endure the most 

 rigorous condittons. This exhibit can be made still more interest- 

 ing by further classification, which will be easily practicable with 

 additional space. It was this year very much crowded. 



A plate of Duchess shown by Mr. J. S. Harris was especially note- 

 worthy on account of the age and fruitfulness of the tree which 

 bore them. Planted in 1855, it has now borne thirty-seven crops, 

 often in alternate years producing twenty-five bushels. An accur- 

 ate record of the doings of such a tree would be interesting reading. 

 This is said to be the oldest Duchess in the state. Is it so? 



The innovation this year in placing the different varieties of apples 

 shown as single plates, each kind by itself, proved in practice to be 

 an easy success. The exhibitors appreciated its great advantages^ 

 and the judge was saved thereby a few gray hairs The principle 

 involved can be easily extended over all classes of exhibits, as the 

 exhibitors become acquainted with its working and appreciate its 

 usefulness. 



A fair criticism to make is upon the carelessness of some of the 

 exhibitors in regard to labeling their fruit. The regulations require 

 the use of printed or written labels attached to pins on every plate 

 of fruit shown. The increased value, to say nothing of the improved 

 appearance, of uniform compliance with this rule is easily apparent' 

 and another year should show improvement in this direction. 



The exhibitors in the floral department were all fainiliar names. 

 Their willingness to assist in adjusting their exhibits to the varying 

 conditions of the allotted spaces and in decorating the tables, foun- 

 tain, &c., is most commendable. Without the frame work of verdure 

 they bank up along the sides of the hall and gracefully intersperse 

 about the interior, the efforts of our pomological friends would be 

 comparatively cold and barren. The two together work out most 

 harmonious results. The experiment was tried this season of allow- 

 ing the florists to place a portion of their exhibits on the floor. The 

 general concensus of opinion after trying this plan appears to 

 favor a low platforin instead with, perhaps, a series of rising steps 

 in the rear. 



A few commercial exhibits were made in this hall and merit no- 

 tice. The nurserymen of the state were offered space for this pur- 

 pose, all of which it was then feared we could well fill. The Jewell 

 Nursery Company was the only one to take advantage of the offer, 

 and their display was one of the very attractive ornamental features 

 in the hall. Northrup, King & Co. put up a show of their seeds and 

 what grow from them, and in the corner of their space Minnehaha 

 Falls did the deluge act, while Mr. and Mrs. "Hiawatha," in the or- 

 iginal, distributed suitable literature. Miss E. V. White, on one of 

 the center tables, made an interesting display of annual cut flowers. 



The exhibit of cut flowers in bouquets by the school children 

 of Minneapolis certainly deserves special inention. It was pre- 

 pared under the auspices of the flower committee of the Ladies' 



