304 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



the exhibit of Illinois, in a sense, and makes it a part of this, as it is directly 

 ojiposite. There are 140 varieties of Minnesota-grown fruit, including twenty-tive 

 varieties of apples, shown. The apples are hardy and are not only good keepers, 

 but excel in color and flavor. Minnesota is not a peach growing state, yet excel- 

 lent Minnesota-grown peaches are also shown. The grapes and plums are espe- 

 ciall>- tine, and in small berries the fruit interests of the state appear to splendid 

 advantage. The currants, gooseberries and strawberries are as nice as it is pos- 

 sible for them to grow in any locality, and they are superior to those grown in 

 some localities making greater pretentions in the way of fruit growing." 

 (A large cut accompanied this notice.) 



(Mankato Free Press, November 3, 1S!)3.) 

 "In the matter of fruit the position which Mitniesota took at the Fair was a 

 source of svirprise to everybodj' outside of the state and many within. In the 

 East especially Minnesota has been held in mind as a wild, bleak prairie waste, 

 where nothing but >\o. 1 hard wheat would grow. The Minnes(jta fruit booth at 

 the Fair dispelletl this delusion and broadened their ideas as to the possibilities 

 of the state in this direction." 



The photo-etiftraving-s accompanying- this report were taken on 

 Minnesota Da^^ October 13, 1893. The}' differ from others in having- the 

 glass covers of the refrigerator cases raised, as it was found that in 

 a photograph the fruit did not show well through the gias^ 



The brief directions sent out for packing- and shipping- fruit may 

 be of value to preserve, as they are the result of considerable experi 

 ence. They are here given: 



DlKECTKIXS FOR PICKING AND PACKING FRUIT FOR SHIPMENT TO THE MIN- 

 NESOTA Horticultural E.khibit at the World's F.\ir. 



Gathering the Fruit.— Fruit of all kinds should be gathered after it has 

 reached its full size and color and just l^efore it has reached a condition of per- 

 fect maturity. It will not carry or keep well if /u//j' ripe. 



In gathering be very careful not to inflict the least pressure or bruise on the 

 fruit with the fingers or by contact with any object. 



Kind of Packages.— Berries of all kinds should be packed in pint boxes in 

 berry crates. 



I'lums would come well in quart berry boxes. 



Apples may be packed in anj' box or barrel. 



Grapes should be i^acked in 101b. tight grape baskets. 



P.\CKIN(; Material.— Cotton wadding, the kind that comes in sheets, has 

 provefl to be the best material for protecting fruits from injury on the way. 



Do not use the common cotton batting, as it sticks to the fruit. 



N-\NNER OF Packing.— In packing berries, put a layer of cotton in the bottom 

 of each box, then put in a layer of fruit, then another layer of cotton, and so on to 

 fill the box, and lastlj' a layer of cotton. Fill the case with the boxes packed in 

 this way. 



Plums niaj' be packed in quart boxes iti the same manner as berries, except in 

 the case of a choice variety, when it might be well to wrap each plum separately 

 in cotton. 



Apples should be packed in verx closely, first wrai)ping each specimen care- 

 fully in the cotton wadding. 



In packing grapes each bunch should be wrapped carefully in the cotton wad- 

 ding, and the basket filled as closely as possible without undue pressure. 



Shipping directions.— Ship at once by express— American, when practicable. 

 Put ( lie of each of the two kinds of shipping tags sent you on the top and end of 

 the box, and be s-tire that your address is also on the V>ox and a list of its contents. 



Write giving Ihe date rf frhij nunt and dcs-cribing the contents of the package 

 sent, and state whether you wish them entered for a pret»ium. 



LAtELlKG THE Fkuit.— Be sure that every article sent is properly labeled. 

 Tliis is very important. 



Quantity AND Quality OK Fruit to S^W).— As to quantity, send not less 

 of any one variety than a pint of small fruits, plums, etc., five specimens of 

 apples or five bunches of grapes. 



Send, however, an extra amount of anything that is showy and handsome, as 

 it is the display of such fruit that makes the exhibit attractive. 



As to quality, a» far as you can, send only large, high-colored and tine speci- 



