284 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 



be fully compensated for bH the expense and trouble to which he 

 maj^ be put. 



There is necessarily a larg-e amount of detail work connected with 

 the manag-ement of this exhibit, but the labor is greatly lightened 

 by the cheerful assistance and wholesome encouragement which it 

 has been my good fortune to receive from all who are connected 

 either officially or otherwise with the exhibit or the department in 

 which it is located. The uniform courtesy and kindness of the offi- 

 cers connected with the pomological department of the fair should 

 not be passed over without notice, and the Minnesota Board of 

 World's Fair Commissioners and their efficient superintendent are 

 contributing their share towards the easy accomplishment of the 

 purpose of the exhibit. The words of commendation that have come 

 to me from those who are interested in this exhibit and in a measure 

 responsible for its success are a pleasant stimulatit and encourage- 

 ment in the work. The old legend, "This fruit was grown in Minne- 

 sota," which it was found necessary to place over our state fair ex- 

 hibits, could very well be used at the exposition, although the words 

 of surprise come, in the main, from people who are or have been 

 residents of our own state. It is worth}^ of remark how few of the 

 citizens of St. Paul, for instance, and even the residents of a suburban 

 town like Minneapolis, are scarcel}' better informed on this subject 

 Manj^ speak of the j^ears gone b}' when they lived in Minnesota and 

 did not know that any fruit could be grown there. But of the agri- 

 cultural population now living- in our state, all seem fairly well in- 

 formed on the fruit question and not only interested but sanguine 

 in their belief that Minnesota will j-et be a fruit growing state. 



In closing-, I maj' be excused for speaking with some commenda- 

 ble pride of the successful working of the structure which has been 

 prepared for the display' of our fruit. The refrigerator cases, twentj^- 

 two feet long and three feet wide, with double glazed covers backed 

 by an ice box, three feet wide, the same height and twenty-two feet 

 in length, are accomplishing all that was expected or hoped of them. 

 The temperature maintained therein stands at from forty-six to fitty 

 degrees. Thej' are proving a great economy in the preservation 

 and liandling of the fruits for which the)'- have been so far used, and 

 in the preservation of small fruits their value will be still further ap- 

 parent. The retiring room and office connected therewith is a cool 

 and comfortable retreat, and the balcony above is a pleasant sitting- 

 room and offers a nice outlook for the friends and neighbors there. 

 The turning tables are doing- well the work designed of them in 

 attracting attention; and the narrow mirrors placed above are ac- 

 complishing the purpose, as planned, of doubling the size of the 

 exhibit, while well concealing the character of the deception. 



It has been my pleasure to meet at Chicago a few of the members 

 of this societ)', who have encouraged me by their kindl}- words and 

 extended tlieir assistance bj^ timely suggestions, and I hope it may 

 be mj' good fortune to meet many of you there during the continu- 

 ance of the fair. It is the home of the horticulturists of our state 

 and you are more than welcome. 



My presence with you on this occasion is made possible by our 

 fellow member, Mr. Clarence Wedge, who kindly offered to look after 

 our interests during my necessarj' absence. 



