mens. Be sure that all the gourds have re¬ 
tained their stems. Try to select good average- 
size gourds of the variety. Place them so as 
to ; show them to the best advantage. 
In the display classes, try to remember that 
almost one-half of the total points allowed are 
for effect. Gourds vary so much in size and 
colorings that they are in many ways difficult 
to display effectively. Aim to make a beau¬ 
tiful picture of your display. One good plan is 
to arrange a central feature. Subordinate to 
it, place other gourds and accessories. Try to 
have the whole set-up hang together. Do not 
bring all the pretty material you may have 
grown and crowd it into the allotted space. A 
crowded display is seldom effective. Simplicity 
and good taste are the ideals to strive for. 
Containers should be suitable—wooden mix¬ 
ing bowls of different shapes and sizes, Indian 
baskets, common fruit and vegetable contain¬ 
ers stained with boiled oil and burnt senna or 
umber. Porcelain, pewter, and glass are beau¬ 
tiful for gourds when rightly selected and used. 
Backgrounds may be Mexican straw matting, 
fabric of the coarser weaves, such as monk’s 
cloth, corduroy, or colored burlap. Velvet or 
silk is very effective for gourds arranged in the 
more elaborate containers. Certain small flow¬ 
ers, dried grasses, or berried shrubs are some¬ 
times used to get the desired effect. 
Indian corn lends itself admirably to display 
purposes. It may be braided, shown in strings, 
or the loose ears can be placed in small groups 
to show the beautiful colorings. Indian baskets 
and old corn measures are excellent containers, 
while cobs and husks, as well as cornstalks and 
corn tassels, are effective additions. Dark 
backgrounds usually are best. 
