15 



In general displays of fruit and in general district displays, much depends 

 on the attractiveness and arrangement. This is a matter of art rather than 

 horticulture, and one in which the rules of art govern. 



EXHIBITION OF GARDEN VEGETABLES. 



In British Columbia the home garden has not yet achieved the extremely 

 useful though humble place to which its merits entitle it. There is not the 

 proper conception of its possibilities as an economical producer of wholesome 

 and nutritious food. In many districts it is almost altogether neglected, while 

 even in those most advanced and scientific of intensive farming areas, the 

 orchard section is not yet universally in favour. The fall fair can do a real 

 service for its patrons by encouraging a well-grown display of garden products. 

 For various reasons the vegetable classes have not been as popular as they 

 should be. I mention the following as among the most prominent difficulties : 



(1.) There is much confusion and lack of information as to what is desir- 

 able in vegetables; this is true of all types, not more in anything than in the 

 potato. 



(2.) This confusion has been promoted by awards made by different judges 

 from year to year. 



(3.) Many prize-lists are not definite and clear. They lack classes for 

 many good things, and in many cases group widely different things under single 

 classes. The prize-lists need revision very much. 



(4.) Prize-money is usually rather small, and just as much is paid for the 

 unusual vegetables, for which entries are few, as for the standard and most 

 useful kinds, in which competition is keen. 



(5.) There has been little effort to get bigger displays, and not enough 

 effort has been made to show the vegetable exhibits to proper advantage. 



Commercial vegetable displays should also be encouraged. Our vegetable- 

 crops are of greater total value than our fruit-crops, and we would venture 

 to say that the market could be much further increased by cultivation of better 

 kinds, and by better grading, preparation, and marketing. The fairs should 

 foster a knowledge of and interest in commercial vegetable-production. They 

 can very well do it by good prizes for vegetables in commercial packages, 

 just as is being done in commercial displays of fruit. 



The standards of perfection should be of much use in enabling exhibitors 

 to show their best in the best possible way. The prize-lists suggested should 

 be of use in enabling revision committees to amend their own in accordance 

 with the requirements of the locality. 



Shipping organizations should support any movement to educate the pro- 

 ducers as to the market requirements in vegetables, by suggesting the most 

 valuable classes and by assisting with prize-money. The secretary of the fair 

 should give vegetable sections special attention and encouragement. School 

 children should be interested by special prizes for them, for vegetables and 

 flowers as well, grown and exhibited by themselves. There should be prizes 

 for the best display by a settler in his first year, and also for settlers in 

 their second year. Folks with town and village gardens should be encouraged 

 by a prize for the best collection from such gardens. 



STANDARDS OF PERFECTION FOR VEGETABLES, 



UNIFORMITY. 



The various specimens comprising an entry, or a package in a commercial 

 exhibit, or a variety in a collection exhibit, should be uniform in size, form, 

 colour, and quality. 



