N. W. PEONY AND IRIS SOCIETY. 



W. F. Christman, Secretary. 

 3804 Fifth Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minn. 



Our first annual exhibit of peonies and iris, held in conjunction with 

 the State Horticultural Society and the Minnesota Garden Society, proved 

 a success, but the writer must confess that he was considerably disappointed 

 with the display of peonies. Not that there were no peonies shown, but 

 we would like to have seen more exhibits displayed. Many beautiful peonies 

 were shown that attracted the attention of hundreds of peony lovers from 

 the time the show was opened to the public until the doors were closed 

 at night. 



Some very beautiful iris were displayed by Mr. A. C. Amy, of St. Paul, 

 that inspired many to a fuller appreciation of this beautiful flower. Mr. 

 Willis E. Fryer, of Mantorville, also displayed many varieties that were 

 new. Owing- to the advanced season the iris had passed its best season of 

 bloom, or at least many varieties had. Mr. John S. Crooks also exhibited 

 several varieties. The Park Board also showed a number of varieties, 

 together with a collection of peonies. Many of our members possess fine 

 peonies who did not display due to the fact that they had given their entire 

 lot of blooms to the Red Cross. 



Mr. Ruff carried off the honors in the professional class, winning first 

 prize on LeCygne, the best white; Therese, the best flesh or light pink; 

 Ruy Bias, the best dark pink; and Karl Rosenfield, the best red. 



Mrs. Tillotson carried off first prize in the amateur class for the best 

 display of varieties. Due to a misunderstanding there were no entries in 

 competition for the silver medal offered by the National Peony Society, 

 which is to be regretted, and if this offer holds good next year, as we are 

 hoping it will, your secretary can give assurance that there will be a lively 

 contest for this medal. We have learned many things that will assist us in 

 our next year's exhibition and trust that each of our members will resolve 

 at this time to exhibit next year, as this will create more interest and 

 enthusiasm in the work we are endeavoring to accomplish. 



Mr. A. M. Brand, of Faribault, exhibited many fine seedlings of great 

 merit. Some of them have recently been named. Among them the writer 

 noticed Faribault, a splendid flower, as well as many others. We are in- 

 debted greatly to the Brands for their efforts and painstaking care in pro- 

 ducing new varieties, for what lover of rare peonies is not familiar with 

 Martha Bulloch, Mary Brand, Judge Berry and a score of other splendid 

 sorts. Mr. Brand's exhibit was devoted exclusively to seedling varieties of 

 his own origination that had never before been exhibited. 



There was no one flower on exhibition that called for more favorable 

 comment than the variety exhibited as Laverne by the writer. This variety 

 was not entered in competition but simply was on display, as was a splendid 

 table supplied with flowers by A. B. Franklin, of Minneapolis. Mr. Franklin 

 also supplied several hundred splendid blooms to the Red Cross Society, 

 which were readily sold. Mr. C. J. Traxler, of Minneapolis, displayed sev- 

 eral fine varieties, among them "Jubilee." He also exhibited a seedling 

 which attracted considerable attention on account of its brilliant red color, 

 its fragrance and crinkled petals, a very unusual feature in a red peony. 



We were delighted to meet several of our out of town members. Mr. 

 Bonnewitz gave a very inspiring talk that was greatly enjoyed by all those 

 who had the pleasure of hearing him. To show that peonies could travel 

 long distances without injury, he brought four vases of splendid bloom 

 from Van Wert, Ohio, his home, that looked as fresh as though they had 

 just been plucked from his garden that morning. They were carried over 

 600 miles, however, and this should be an incentive to those of our members 

 who are located a considerable distance away, and should inspire them to 

 try and do as well and make a display next year. 



Mr. and Mrs. John M. Good, of Springfield, Ohio; Mrs. Crawford, of 

 La Porte, Ind., and Dr. and Mrs. Knapp of Evansville, Ind., were also with 

 us, and many others whom your secretary did not have the pleasure of 

 meeting. 



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