288 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
came from as many leading business firms is significant of the re- 
cognition this movement received. This exhibit was the best of the 
three. One hundred and thirty entries were made, and the court- 
room was found too small to arrange the collection to the best 
advantage, nor was the seating capacity equal to the increased at- 
tendance. 
The above facts show that these wild flower exhibits have been 
potent in arousing a vigorous interest; yet, this is the least of the 
good work done. 
The botany classes of our high school have used these exhibits 
to good advantage. Pupils in collecting their fowers have not 
only become enthusiastic upon the subject, but have learned to 
observe more carefully. The finding of a new plant created a desire 
to know its name; and the name, so often the result of some peculi- 
arity, led to a closer inspection of the plant. Children from the age 
of seven to seventeen and over have been engaged in this work. In 
consideration of this fact a suggestion may be made here in regard 
to having a primary and senior class of exhibits. The children 
gather their own flowers and, unless a thoughtful parent help, they 
also arrange them. The efforts of these little ones should hardly 
be judged with those who have had several years of experience in 
this work. 
Not only the children but adults have been benefited by these 
shows. People came to be entertained but went away surprised at 
the large number of kinds of wild flowers found in the vicinity of 
Baraboo. Many a flower of modest color hidden in tall grasses or 
in the shadow of fallen logs escapes the eye of the careless rambler 
through fields and woods; but purpose sharpens the eyes,and these 
retiring piants have not escaped the boys and girls, intent on col- 
lecting flowers for our wild flower shows. Each year has brought 
an increased variety. The late frosts of 1894 must have killed many 
of the earlier flowers, still this spring found the greatest variety of 
all. Thus the exhibits have given some idea of the range of our 
flora; and, yet,but asmall fraction of our flora has been represented. 
Coming, as they have heretofore, in the spring of the year, our 
shows have brought into notice spring plants only. The majority. 
of our summer and fall flowers are generally unknown. Would it 
not be advisable to vary the time ot the exhibits during successive 
years and introduce midsummer and fall display? At these the 
fruits of the spring flowers could be given a place. So many plants 
are recognized only by their blossoms. A display of fruits would 
in a measure correct this fault. Those who visit the woods from 
April to November know that in midsummer and in September 
are found some of our choicest blossoms. The fringed gentian, 
dainty as it is, scorns the summer heat and opens only to a late 
September or an October sun. It thrives best when there is a touch 
of frost in the air. In the fail also are found the brilliant fruits of 
the bittersweet,the wild honeysuckle, jack-in-the-pulpit, rose-hips 
and hawthorn. Such exhibits given at different seasons would give 
a better knowledge of our plants. 
