STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 35 



The Chairman. I can only speak of our own orchard at Lake 

 City. There we have for some reason a very full and promising 

 crop. Our Secretary is usually well posted in these matters. If 

 there is any fruit anywhere he generally knows where to find it. 

 I think we had better hear from him. 



The Secretary. Taking a general view of the apple crop in the 

 State, it is a failure here, as in almost all the States this year, owing 

 to unfavorable conditions since the spring opened, yet there are 

 exceptions. In certain belts and spots as fine apples can be found 

 this year as ever. We can supply from Lake City and vicinity all 

 the sorts usually seen at our fairs, and in good condition; and by a 

 careful search about this and other portions of the State, I am 

 satisfied we can make a fairly representative collection. But this 

 will take time and money, expert judgment and handling and 

 great care. The growing season will be late. This will enable us 

 to put in the Duchess in firm shape to head the show alongside of 

 the Wealthy. As to grapes, there is a fair prospect to get them 

 ripe enough in some of our warmest vineyards to show the fine 

 bloom and quality of which Minnesota grapes are capable. It 

 would be a misfortune to be obliged to go to Philadelphia without 

 our grapes. I would like to hear from Mr. Gould as to the 

 prospect of getting them ripe enough at Lake Minnetonka. 



Mr. Gould. If the grape can be ripened anj'where in the State 

 this year before the 12th of September, so as to be fit for exhibi- 

 tion, I think Mr. Latham, at Excelsior, can get them ready. It 

 depends upon the weather for the next month. I think there is an 

 even chance for the earlier ones, perhaps an extended list. 



Mr. Brimhall. The only question seems to be whether we can 

 get the fruit for a good exhibition. Upon the assurances given us 

 on that point, I am in favor of appointing our Secretary as our 

 representative in connection with Prof. Porter, and place the 

 whole matter of collecting and taking on the fruit in his hands, 

 and that he make as good a display as possible; and I make a mo- 

 tion to that effect. 



Mr. Brand. I second the motion. 



The Secretary. Before you take any final action let us come to 

 at least a partial understanding about the expense. I wish I could 

 afford to give the Society m}'^ time in this matter ; it would be a 

 labor of love, for nothing suits me better than to go among and 

 be with our fruits, but as I am situated, 1 should have to ask some 

 compensation, besides the expenses incurred. I am wiling to con- 



