EXHIBITION OF VEGETABLES 



Paul Work 



Superintendent and Instructor, Department of Vegetable Gardening, Cornell 

 University, Ithaca, N. Y. 



The horse and stock industries have in the past found that ex- 

 hibitions and exhibiting have accomplished great things for the 

 advancement of the breeds with which they were working. The 

 same statement might be made regarding both fruits and flowers, 

 and furthermore regarding vegetables in European countries, 

 particularly in England. The question at once arises — in what 

 way is exhibition worth while for the individual grower ? The 

 chief advantage is undoubtedly in its educational value and in 

 the inspiration toward better effort. One cares to show nothing- 

 short of his best. His first problem in preparing an exhibit is, 

 what is the best? In deciding this, he establishes clearly in his 

 own mind an ideal toward which his effort for the whole crop will 

 turn. The second question is: can I not improve my entire 

 crop in the direction of the standard which I am selecting for 

 the fair ? Thus his attention is focused upon his cultural methods, 

 upon his seed and his soil, and his market requirements. Thought 

 always means progress. Question three arises when the other 

 fellow gets the prize. What is lacking on my place that I can not 

 do as well ? More thought and study is the result, and again, 

 inevitably, progress. The comparison of types on the show bench 

 is also most useful. 



Both producing districts and individuals have found that ex- 

 hibition is profitable advertising. Of course, a " First " is always 

 of intrinsic value, whether for sewing machines, ginger ale, Hol- 

 stein cattle or garden products. The garden people have not 

 thus far taken full advantage of the possibilities. 



Exhibits mean much to the vegetable business as a whole, for 

 the progress of all vegetable growers means progress for each. 

 Slow but steady advance is made toward standardizing types and 

 varieties, in letting the best be known and in raising the ideal of 

 the average grower. 



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