WOMEN'S INSTITUTE REPORT. 15 



horticulture as occupations for women. Many of the Institutes were 

 desiring information along these lines and it was felt by the Members 

 of the Board that such a series of lectures would be particularly helpful 

 in the spring of the year. 



The services of Mrs. Davies were secured, who lectured on Market 

 Gardening, Floriculture, (Poultry and Dairying For Profit, with special 

 references of the undertaking of the various branches of its work by 

 women. In connection with her tour it was planned to have Flower Shows 

 held by such Institutes as were willing to do so. The tour of Mrs. Davies 

 was a great success and was found especially helpful to newcomers on 

 small acreage desiring to make a living therefrom. The greatest interest 

 was displayed in her lectures and a general stimulation of horticulture 

 ensued. Mrs. Davies' report on her trip was most interesting and showed 

 her to have been a careful observer. More of such reports would enable 

 us to have more satisfactory knowledge of the work of the Institutes. 



The flower shows held at the time of her visits to the Institutes 

 and some later in the year deserve a special mention. At the outset a 

 circular letter was sent to the Institutes, asking for their opinion of this 

 matter. Later explanatory letters were sent and favorable responses began 

 to come in. The Secretary was able to be of assistance to the Institutes 

 with the exhibits. Prize lists were sent from one Institute to another. 

 Letters, articles, and pamphlets of gardens and shows were sent out to 

 the Institutes and help gladly given. The intention was, of course, that 

 all arrangements should be left to the Institutes themselves, but as the 

 work wns new there were many enquiries made and we hope satisfactorily 

 replied to. The 'Superintendent, considering the idea a worthy one, author- 

 ized the presentation of prizes from the Department at each Flower Show 

 held. The Secretary of the Board was directed to secure these prizes. 

 A number of beautiful books on gardening were secured from the local 

 booksellers. An inscription was put in each of the prizes sent out in 

 the name of the Department. The Superintendent also kindly allowed 

 members of the Board to attend these Flower Shows and present the 

 prizes. The shows were a great success and the Institutes have decided 

 to make this an annual event of Institute work in B.C. 



In anticipation of these shows being held next year, many of the 

 Institutes are co-operating and ordering large quantities of bulbs ami 

 seeds. The members will thus have the benefit of cheaper prices. It is 

 hoped that an appreciable difference will be made in the appearance of 

 country homes by this stimulus to horticulture. Many more perennials 

 as well as bulbs are being provided and it is hoped that work will bo 

 stimulated still further next year. 



EXHIBITION WORK OF INSTITUTES. 



In connection with the Flower Shows many of the Institutes held an 

 exhibit of women's work and many of the prize lists were sent to the Board. 

 This seems to be a part of Women's Institute work of a special interest 

 and value and it is hoped that before next year some definite decision may 

 be arrived at as to how these exhibits can best be conducted and aided. 



