168 ANNUAL REPORT. 



fruits, staple crops for money and comfort in the Northwest, I 

 shall be satisfied with my share in obtaining it. 



OLIVER GIBBS, Jr., 

 Secretary and Delegate. 

 Lake City, Minn., Jan. 5th, 1884. 



POSTSCRIPT TO THE FOREGOING REPORT. 



Appended here is an extract from the Delaware County Record, 

 published at Media, Pennsylvania, which is a fair sample of both 

 public and private comments on our exhibit from eastern stand- 

 points: 



"The Minnesota State Horticultural Society was notably represented by an ex- 

 hibit of 140 varieties of apples; 30 varieties of hardy pfrapes and a collection of 

 wild plums. The entire collection of apples showed a perfection of form and 

 smoothness of skin most remarkable, especially when it is remembered how 

 difficult a task it is in Pennsylvania to grow really well-formed, ripe apples. 

 Each variety and indeed each specimen ^ave demonstrable proof of the adapt- 

 ability of Minnesota soil and climate to the growth and development of all kinds 

 of hardy irait. One variety, named the "Wealthy" was especially fine, being 

 a prolific bearer, perfectly hardy and an admiraV)le keeper. Even the dwarfish 

 crab apples grow to a large size and develop a rich flavor and saccharine, juicy 

 taste. The "Duchess of Oldenburg," popular everywhere, was exhibited to 

 great perfection, and in form and color was all that could be desired. The 

 exhibit was the finest of its class made, and reflected great credit on the Horti- 

 cultural Society of Minnesota, no less than on the climatic conditions of a State 

 which could produce such choice fruit. 



"In this collection A. W. Latham, Excelsior, Minn., exhibited 20 varieties of 

 hardy grapes; an excellent exhibit. " 



The medal wa^ then presented to the President and through 

 bim to the Society. It is of silver, enclosed in a velvet and leather 

 case; its diameter is about two and a half inches. Upon one side 

 is a medallion portrait of President Wilder, with the inscription 

 around the portrait: "American Pomological society. Founded 

 1848. Marshall Pinckney Wilder, President." On the other is 

 the inscription, "Minnesota Horticultural Society, for collection 

 of apples and grapes, 1883." Surrounding this is a rich wreath of 

 fruits and flowers, the whole forming a beautiful as well as a dura- 

 ble medal. 



C. L. Smith then offered the following resolution: 



Resolved, That the Minnesota State Horticultural Society hereby 

 tenders a vote of thanks to Secretary Oliver Gibbs, Jr., for his care, 

 skill and excellent judgment in collecting, handling and exhibiting 

 the fruits of this State, at the meeting of the American Pomologi- 



