208 ANNUAL REPORT 



very beneficial, and all the leading sorts matured their crops of fruit. 

 In view of all the circurostances and conditions, the season aver- 

 aged fairly well. 



FRUIT AT THE STATE FAIR. 



At our State Fair, held last September, there was a fine ex- 

 hibit made of fruits, of apples, grapes and native plums. The fruit 

 department was very properly conducted by or under the auspices of 

 our Society. 



The well known Duchess and our favorite Wealthy took the lead in 

 kinds of apples shown. The Okabena seedling attracted much atten- 

 tion, as did the fine display made by our genial friend from Steele, 

 who, by the way, secured the lion's share of premiums on the larger 

 fruits. 



The grapes exhibited were large and very fine, and numerous varie- 

 ties were shown. Mr. Latham, our champion grower at Excelsior^ 

 was awarded first premium on Delaware, Concord, Moore's Early, 

 lona, Duchess, Roger's No. 4 and Telegraph; and second on the 

 Janesville, Roger's No. 39, Lady, Brighton and ten best kinds for 

 Minnesota. 



Mr. Knapheide of Ramsey county, received first premium on the 

 best ten varieties adapted to Minnesota. He made a fine display of 

 seedling grapes. Some eight years since he sowed a quantity of mixed 

 grape seed and obtained therefrom a number of quite promising va- 

 rieties which have been bearing for some time, the fruit of which has 

 not before been shown. No names have yet been given these va- 

 rieties, they being known by numbers only. When fully tested and 

 proven to be valuable, they will be given names. He states that No. 

 1 is not considered healthy, it being subject heretofore to mildew; No. 

 5, a small variety, slow grower, healthy, and a good bearer, is very 

 early. Nos. 6 and 7 are healthy, prolific and good growers. 



There were quite numerous entries made as well as premiums 

 awarded, and the display in general was creditable indeed. Much 

 praise is due the superintendent, our worthy President, for the attract- 

 ive way in which exhibits were arranged to show their merits to the 

 best advantage. 



FRUIT AT ROCHESTER FAIR. 



There also was a creditable exhibit made of fruit at Rochester, at the 

 fair held by the Southern Minnesota Fair Association, it being mostly 



