94 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



are the Pine Tree State for all of that. It is also urged that the 

 pine cone would be more effective in a garland because of the 

 variety and beauty it would contribute thereto. 



The critics of the golden rod call it a weed, and the farmers 

 doubtless prefer to see it in a garland rather than in their fields. 

 Moreover, its opponents afiirm that the separate petals of the 

 golden rod are too minute, and have little distinctive character, so 

 that the flower might become a shapeless mass in the hands of an 

 engraver. 



Since the national garland should lend itself effectively to art, it 

 is urged that the pine cone can be treated far more effectively by 

 engraving than the fine petals of the golden rod. But the cham- 

 pions of the golden rod assert that it is the most universal, perma- 

 nent and beautiful of our way-side flowers, and that all things are 

 weeds when they are in our way. 



There are many advocates ot the apple blossom, but the flower, 

 though beautiful, lasts but for a day. The apple blossom would 

 obviously add beauty to the national garland, and certainly it 

 would be more available in art than the golden rod. 



The advocates of the pine cone urge that the cone and tassel 

 would be the most appropriate emblem for Maine, historically 

 speaking. Others affirm that the apple blossom would unite in a 

 singular degree the felicities of beauty and utility ; while, in their 

 turn, the champions of the golden rod say that this lovely way-side 

 flower appeals exclusively to the aesthetic sentiments, which are 

 those that should be predominantly enlisted by a floral emblem. 



The choice of the State is divided between these three candidates 

 so that to vote for other flowers does not seem to be called for, 

 although no flower is out-lawed. Upwards of 15,000 votes have 

 thus far been cast with a strong plurality of upwards of 5,000 in 

 favor of the pine cone and tassel, but with a powerful sentiment 

 for both the golden rod and the apple blossom. It may be well to 

 say that by general consent the Mayflower has been reserved for 

 Massachusetts. The ballot will be open until January 12. 



It is not without significance that universal suffrage in Maine is 

 first to be exercised in a question in which beauty and duty are 

 co-ordinated. The national garland made up of flowers chosen by 

 popular suffrage, will probably become a fact within two years. 

 It may in due season supplant the wreath on our coins. It will 

 re-inforce patriotism with the sentiment of beauty as the flag 

 re-enforces national enthusiasm with its memories and its symbols. 



