STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. ts 103 
EXHIBITION WITH STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
Some very fine pears and native plums were on exhibition; also, a few 
peaches. Several varieties of seedling apples were referred to the winter 
meeting of the Horticultural Society. 
At the close of the Fair the entire collection of J. S. Harris & Son, over 
forty varieties, was donated to the St. Paul & Sioux City Railroad to be 
placed on exhibition at the exposition in Chicago, where they received favor- 
able mention. I have grave doubts as to the utility of making exhibits 
under the auspices of the Agricultural Fairs as now conducted, I think it 
would be much better to hold a three or four days exposition of our own, 
and spend a portion of the time in meetings for discussion, at least until 
there is some reformation in our agricultural societies. Horticulture is 
civilizing and tends to benefit mankind and enrich our State, and we should 
never allow it to be placed in the back ground of horse racing and gambling, 
where our sons are demoralized and fleeced of their dearly earned savings. 
Respectfully submitted, 
J. S. HARRIS. 
DISCUSSION. 
Horticultural Hzhibitions. 
Mr. Harris. It seems to me the time has arrived when we 
should cut loose from the Agricultural Societies. From the treat- 
ment we have received lately it seems almost necessary. If we 
had an ample building for exhibiting our fruits in, and had a few 
persons there who could answer the questions of the visitors and 
give necessary explanations, we could do more good. Seems to 
me if we would erect a building for exhibiting our best fruits, and 
limit our premiums to about $1,000, we could get along alone 
very well. I believe we could lay up money, besides paying our 
premiums. And we could hold a series of meetings during the 
exhibition. Am in favor of cutting loose and trying it alone. I 
would move that a committee be appointed to investigate this 
matter, confer with the executive committee, and report on the 
feasibility of cutting loose from the Agricultural Society. 
Mr. Gould. I have to object to this. I think it would bea 
pretty slim thing, if we undertook it ourselves. The object of 
agricultural fairs is to see what “‘each other’’ are doing in rais- 
ing fruits, flowers, and cattle, &. And I think the best thing to 
do is to continue as we have. This society has had one or two 
meetings on their own hook. I attended one; the other I could 
not attend, and the crowd was very small. Don’t think it would 
pay to cut loose, and I would not want to enter into it. 
Mr. Brimhall. Iam in favor of the motion. Think we esuld 
