TA STATE HORTICU 
The discussions were interesting and many of them lively, 
ally so when “ hobbies” were approached by “ cranks.” Min 
does not control those products. 
No premiums were offered this year on fruit exhibits, still t th 
play was very fine, especially on seedlings. Originators ofsuch ti : 
of special and described value, receive large premiums from 
society. I had the pleasure of visiting an Iowa coal mine inc 
pany with Geo. J. Kellogg, the Wisconsin delegate. 
In conclusion, I will refer briefly to the subject of top-work 
Iowa is now fruiting many tender, yet choice varieties of app 
grafted or budded on such hardy stocks as Virginia, Hibernal, 
This work is no experiment with them but an assured success, 
us profit by their experience and top-work largely with our h 
hardy sorts which are known to be productive of good quality 
winter fruit. The southern people all refer to Minnesota fruits an 
vegetables as being of superior quality and most excellent keepe: 
and ‘they are in demand by the best trade, especially for winte 
stock. Minnesota Wealthys placed in cold storage in the south o ‘a 
east will command fancy prices; selling now I am told for abou 
$5.00 a barrel. ‘e 
Our potatoes of such varieties as “Rival,” “Burbank” “ Ohio,” 
etc , are quite sure to top any southern market. Why not supply the 
demand for these our products. You may hear from me again on ; 
this subject. 
Southern Minnesota Horticultural Society, annouuces that that as 
sociation will hold a joint meeting with the Fillmore County Horti- — 
cultural Society at Austin, Minn., Jan. 13th and 14th next. They are 
looking for a rousing meeting and extend a general invitation to x 
all friends of horticulture in the northwest. A number ol praaa Say 
nent horticulturists have given assurance of attendance. ; 
Premiums will be offered as follows: Competition open to Al/ Minnesota, with 
no restriction except that fruit must be grown in Minnesota and by the exhibito 
and must not have been kept in cold storage. A plate to consist of 4 specimens 
First premium. Second premium, { 
Plate Wealthy......... $2.00... 60s 6 Loudon or 6 Columbian raspberry pina 
Mee & (2 BRR Prine ORS a. O0ne 2.66 re 6 oe iB 
OMEN Derhallintscesccice OO seen, ce 6 ie 6 ne wy Fe 
Eopee dibs oe castecn. 7-tl,! seeees 6 Y 6 “ BS = 
Pia cratsiahe: en) eo 8 SO an ‘ . 
Seedlings must be accompanied with description of tree and must not have — 
been exhibited ata state fair ora state horticultural meeting previous to season aa 
of 1896. 
Fruit for competition may be sent express prepaid to F.W. Kimball, Austin,and 
he will make the necessary entries as directed by the sender. 
N. B.—All nurserymen and orchardists of the state, whether officers of any 
horticultural society or private citizens, are earnestly invited to enterinto_ 
this competition. Ifthe growers of Freeborn, Mower and Fillmore counties have ‘ 
to take a back seat, they can do so gracefully. ; 
