Chapter M: H. Wetherbee, Florist, Charles City, Iowa (1)

In laying out grounds for country homes or remodeling them, space should be of the first importance, and where space permits there is no better arrangement than a fine border on one side of the lawn with a driveway between the lawn and the border, leading from the street to the house and barns. The border should be wide enough to have a nice variety of shrubs for a background, and there should be space for the hardy perennials and bulbs, which should not be planted solidly but placed in clumps and arranged according to height and blooming season and as to color effect.

I will mention a few of the hardy shrubs and plants that we can all grow with success. While the catalogues are filled with a large list of so-called hardy stock, we must remember that we live in a good sized country and what would be hardy in Southern Iowa, Missouri and Illinois, would not stand the winters of Northern Iowa or of Minnesota or other localities of the same latitude. In shrubs we can be sure of a variety of lilacs, snowballs, and hydrangea paniculata. Some of the newer varieties are fine and bloom in August, when few other shrubs are flowering. Spirea Van Houttii, best known as Bridal Wreath, we might include and a few of the hardy vines if a trellis or other support was given for them, such as clematis paniculata, coccinea and jackmani, the large purple and white honeysuckle, Chinese matrimony vine, etc.

Among hardy roses, which are called the queen of all flowers, are the Rugosa type, which will stand the winters with no protection and continue to flower all summer. While the flowers of that type are single or semi-double, the bushes would be handsome without any flowers. This type also produces hips, which adds to their attractiveness, and these may be made into jelly in the fall if so desired. I would advise to plant some of the most hardy of the hybrid perpetual roses, such as General Jacqueminot, Magna Charta, Mrs. Chas. Wood, Mrs. John Lang, Mad. Plantier, with some of the climbers, such as the Rambler in variety, Prairie Queen, Baltimore Belle and, perhaps, some others, with the understanding that the hybrids and climbers should have protection in some form for the winter months.

Then in hardy perennials there is such a variety to select from that one hardly knows where to begin or when to stop. Of course everyone wants a few peonies, and some of the hardy phlox, in such a variety of color. Then the delphinium, or hardy larkspurs, are fine bloomers. The blue and white platycodon are sure to flower, while the German iris are good and the Japan iris are fine flowers, but have to have good protection to stand our winters. For fine white flowers we have the showy achilleas in variety and gypsophila paniculata, called baby breath as a common name. Then we must have plenty of space for a variety of annuals, such as sweet peas, cosmos, pansies, verbenas, etc. Also, we would grow geraniums in variety, a few summer carnations, and the selection can be large or small, but almost every one will want some dahlia and gladiolus bulbs. Those that like yellow, or lemon, lilies can plant them and have a mass of flowers during June. The Japan lilies, especially the rubrum variety, are good bloomers and quite hardy.

The Planting and Care of Hardy Perennials.

MISS GRACE E. KIMBALL, WALTHAM. (SO. MINN. HORT. SOCIETY.)

The most important essential in the planting of hardy perennials is the preparation of the ground. It must be deeply spaded or plowed and thoroughly pulverized. While most kinds of plants will do well in any good garden soil, most gardens need more or less fertilizer to make the ground good garden soil. So it is well at the time of spading or plowing to see that enough fertilizer is applied to insure good growth and blossom. But care must be used that no fresh stable manure comes in contact with the roots. If it must be used see that it is put in the bottom of the hole or trench dug for the plants, and covered several inches with earth.

When the ground is well prepared and properly fertilized comes the planting, and as many plants need somewhat different handling, it is well for one starting a garden to understand just how each kind should be set. The iris, for instance, likes to be very near the surface of the ground. In fact it seems to delight in pushing the earth off the fleshy part of the root and basking in the sun, while the small roots lie very close to the surface. The oriental poppy must be planted with the crown well above the ground, or else when any moisture settles on it the crown will rot, and the plant die. The gaillardia, larkspur and columbine should be planted about as the oriental poppy with the crowns perhaps not quite as much above the ground, while the peony should be set so that the bud is covered two or three inches.

Since fall planting of herbaceous perennials has come into prominence one can choose either spring or fall for most of their planting, as most plants do well set at either time. But the oriental poppy does not ship nor transplant well in the spring. It dies down after blossoming--one may think they have lost their plants then--and starts up again in August or September. Just as it is starting then seems to be the safest time to plant.

August and September are considered the best months to do fall planting, although some advocate setting peonies until it freezes. Still I think it safer to plant earlier than that.

If I were beginning a hardy garden, one that I could add to from time to time, I would try to set out in the fall plants that bloom in the spring or early summer, and in the spring those that bloom in the fall. Nothing is gained by setting iris or peonies in the spring, for nine times out of ten they will not bloom the same season they are set, while if set in the fall nearly all varieties of either the iris or peony will bloom the next year. On the other hand, phlox set in the spring scarcely ever fails to bloom in the late summer or early fall, and keeps it up until freezing weather. The phlox, however, should be taken up and divided every two or three years to obtain the best results.

After planting comes the cultivating, which should be kept up all summer. Especially after a rain should the ground be stirred to keep it from baking. In exceedingly dry seasons by keeping a dust mulch around the plants one can avoid having to do much watering--for unless you water thoroughly at such a time it is better not to water at all. However, if it finally becomes necessary to apply water, the dust mulch has kept the ground in condition to absorb all the water that is used.

In the fall after the ground has frozen a light covering of some kind should be thrown over the plants. This is to protect them from the thawing and freezing that takes place from time to time during the winter and early spring. After the first year, when the foliage has increased so as to be some protection, it is not as necessary to cover, although no doubt a little more covering would be beneficial. Some growers of the peony, however, advocate cutting off the leaves in the fall, and in such a case a covering would be necessary.

We found a very satisfactory way for both covering and fertilizing was to throw a fork full of dressing around each plant in the fall and work it into the ground in the spring.

IN MEMORIAM--J. F. BENJAMIN.

PASSED JULY 15, 1916. AGED 59 YEARS.

"John Franklin Benjamin was born at Belvidere, Illinois, May 6, 1857. That same year his parents moved to Hutchinson and he, at the age of five years, was one of the two score of little children who spent hours of terror in the stockade when it was attacked by the Indians on September 4, 1862. As he grew up he attended the Hutchinson school, his boyhood being spent on the farm. He was married in October, 1889, to Minnie L. Walker. The following year they moved to Pierce county, Neb., where Mr. Benjamin purchased and for ten years managed a large ranch. In 1890 they returned to Hutchinson and proceeded to open and improve Highland Home Fruit Farm, which was thenceforth Mr. Benjamin's abiding place until the summons came that ended all his earthly hopes and plans.

"He was an active factor in farmers' co-operative society affairs and supported all movements for the moral and educational uplift of the community. He had been for many years a member of the M. E. church and of the Woodmen's and Royal Neighbors' camps and a valued and active member of each of these societies.

"Mr. Benjamin left no children, and the wife who has been his devoted helpmate for twenty-seven years survives to face the coming years of bereavement alone.

"His had been a useful life, a life of ceaseless and honorable toil, and that beautiful and valuable property, Highland Home Fruit Farm, largely the product of the work of his own hands, is a monument to his memory which will long endure to be admired and enjoyed by others as one of the model rural places of Minnesota. Few men in the space of twenty-five years have accomplished more than did J. F. Benjamin in establishing the fine, modern home, the large orchard and small fruit and flower gardens and well stocked farm, all of which he had tended with loving hands."

Mr. Benjamin was well known by the members of this society who have attended its annual meetings within the last ten or fifteen years. During this period he has been an active member of the society, often serving on the program or in some other way as opportunity came to him. He was one of the most loyal members of the association, practicing what he preached, and doing all within his power to extend the usefulness of the society. I had a close personal acquaintance with Mr. Benjamin and the highest respect for his character and attainments. As a comparatively young man we anticipated his presence with us for a long period of time, but in this we are sadly disappointed. His wife in a recent letter says, "One of his greatest pleasures was cultivating and taking care of the flowers which surrounded his home. After a hard day's work in the field, he would labor with his flowers and shrubbery until far into the night. He enjoyed taking or sending flowers to the sick, and many bouquets of his choicest blossoms he gave his friends as they drove past or called to admire his beautiful grounds." In this spirit Mr. Benjamin labored to reach others and widen the wholesome influence of his life.--Sec'y.

PROGRAM 50th ANNUAL MEETING

Our Semi-Centennial Anniversary

Minnesota State Horticultural Society,

To be held in the West Hotel, Minneapolis, December 5, 6, 7, 8, 1916.

A Great Program.

Study this program carefully and select such features as you especially desire to participate in--but you are more than welcome to all.

Discussion follows each topic.

Discussions are "free for all," whether members or not. Ask questions or express opinions freely.

DEMONSTRATIONS.

These demonstrations will be given between 1:00 and 1:45 each day of the meeting in rooms adjoining the hall in which the meeting is held. They will be conducted by those whose names are here given, both of whom are connected with the Horticultural Department at University Farm.

Grafting, Fred Haralson, Hort. Foreman. Pruning, Frank Daniels, Instructor In Hort.

IMPORTANT.

All participants on this program are limited to fifteen minutes except where a longer period is specifically mentioned.

Time for discussion is allowed after each number.

NOTICE OF BEE-KEEPERS' MEETING.

The Minnesota State Bee-Keepers' Society will hold its annual meeting in the "Moorish Room," West Hotel, Minneapolis, on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 5 and 6, 1916. Program can be had of L. V. France, University Farm, St. Paul.

NOTICE.--A bell will be rung five minutes before the exercises begin in the Audience Room.

Persons entering the audience room when any one is addressing the meeting from the platform are requested to take seats in the rear of the room, going forward only after the speaker has concluded--and thus avoid much confusion.

TUESDAY MORNING SESSION.

10:00 o'clock.

Every member attending should not fail to be in his seat promptly when this session opens.

Invocation Rev. C. S. Harrison, York, Neb. Song Mr. Trafford N. Jayne, Minneapolis President's Annual Greeting Thos. E. Cashman, Owatonna

Top-Working Young Apple Trees.
E. G. Lee, St. Paul.

Evergreens.
C. S. Harrison, York, Neb.

Preparing and Handling the Apple Crop.
E. A. Smith, Lake City.

My Prize Orchard.
1. Henry Dunsmore, Olivia.
2. E. W. Mayman, Sauk Rapids.

Appointment of committees on award of premiums.

TUESDAY AFTERNOON SESSION.

1:30 o'clock.

A half hour "Question and Answer Exercise" on "Bees in the Garden and Orchard," led by J. Kimball, of Duluth.

2 o'clock.

President Cashman in the Chair. Reception of Delegates.

FRUITS.

Strawberry Culture with Irrigation.
N. A. Rasmussen, Oskosh, Wis., President
Wisconsin State Hort. Society.

Raspberry Culture.
A. O. Hawkins, Wayzata.

Raspberry Diseases in Minnesota.
G. R. Hoerner, Asst. in Plant Pathology,
University Farm, St. Paul.

Everbearing Strawberry Field.
A. Brackett, Excelsior.

Everbearing Strawberries at Osage, Ia., in 1916.
Chas. F. Gardner, Osage, Ia.

Opening Up the Fruit Farm.
D. E. Bingham, Delegate Wisconsin
State Hort. Society, Sturgeon Bay, Wis.

The Native Plum, Its Hybrids and Their Improvement.
Dewain Cook, Jeffers.

Winter Injury to Plums in 1916-17.
M. J. Dorsey, Section of Fruit Breeding,
University Farm.

Lantern Talks.

1. Snapshots on the Road. Nurseries; Top-working; Blister Rust.
Prof. F. L. Washburn, State Entomologist,
University Farm.

2. Nature of Plant Diseases.
G. R. Bisby, Asst. Plant Pathologist,
University Farm.

TUESDAY EVENING SESSION.

8:00 o'clock.

MINNESOTA STATE FLORISTS' SOCIETY.

Prof. LeRoy Cady, President, in the Chair.

Program:

Storing and Handling Gladiolus Bulbs.
G. D. Black, Delegate, N. E. Ia. State
Horticultural Society, Independence, Ia.

Resources of Present-Day Florists.
W. E. Tricker, St. Paul.

Greenhouse Management.
Prof. Wm. Moore, University Farm.

Some Native Shrubs and Their Uses.
E. Meyer, Minneapolis.

WEDNESDAY FORENOON SESSION.

9:00 o'clock.

A half hour question and answer exercise on "The Vegetable Garden," led by Alfred Perkins, Market Gardener, St. Paul.

9:30 o'clock.

N. H. Reeves, Pres. Minneapolis Market Gardeners' Society, presiding.

The Vegetable Garden.

A Successful Cabbage Field.
E. C. Willard, Mankato.

Hotbeds and Cold Frames Nine Months In the Year. (30 min.)
N. A. Rasmussen. Pres. Wisconsin State
Hort. Society, Sturgeon Bay, Wis.

Improvement of Vegetable Varieties by Selection.
Richard Wellington, Horticulturist, University Farm.

Some Phases of Onion Growing.
W. T. Tapley, Asst. in Horticulture, University Farm.

Irrigation in the Market Garden.
C. E. Warner, Osseo.

The Cultivation of Cabbages.
Nic Lebens, Minneapolis.

Growing Radishes.
Chas. Hoffman, White Bear.

A Winter Garden In the Cellar.
N. A. Rasmussen, Sturgeon Bay, Wis.

Home Canning.
Mrs. Louis M. Glenzke, Hopkins.

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SESSION.

1:30 o'clock.

The Question and Answer Exercise to occupy this half-hour will be on "The Flower Garden," and led by Mrs. H. A. Boardman, St. Paul.

2:00 o'clock.

President Cashman In the Chair.

My Spraying Experience--four five-minute paper.
1. Harold Simmons, Howard Lake.
2. E. Yanish, St. Paul.
3. A. H. Reed, Glencoe.
4. J. J. Dobbin, Excelsior.

Orchard Pests In Minnesota During 1916.
1. Diseases.
Prof. E. C. Stakman. Head of Section
Plant Pathology, University Farm.
2. Insects.
A. G. Ruggles, Asst. Entomologist,
University Farm.

3:15 o'clock.

MINN. GARDEN FLOWER SOCIETY.

Mrs. E. W. Gould, Pres., Minneapolis.

Some New Plants at Home and Abroad.
Professor N. E. Hansen, Brookings, S. D.

The Home Setting As the Architect Sees It.
Mr. Harry W. Jones, Minneapolis.

A Composite on Composites--Useful Plants for Fall Bloom.
Mrs. Phelps Wyman, Minneapolis.

Lantern Talk by E. G. Cheyney, Prof. of Forestry, State University. Illustrated with many views from the forest regions of Northern Minnesota.

WEDNESDAY EVENING SESSION.

7:30 o'clock, Dec. 6, 1916.

N. W. PEONY AND IRIS SOCIETY.

Fifteen-minute musical program by orchestra.

The Modern Iris.
Mr. C. S. Harrison, York, Neb.

Peonies, Their Care and Culture.
Mr. John E. Stryker, St. Paul, Minn.

Peonies for Pleasure.
Mr. Lee Bonnewitz, Van Wert, Ohio.

Peonies for Profit.
Mrs. Wm. Crawford, La Porte, Ind.

Peonies and Their Possibilities.
Mr. D. W. C. Ruff, St. Paul, Minn.

Music. Selection by Orchestra.

General Discussion.

THURSDAY FORENOON SESSION.

9:00 o'clock.

A thirty-minute "Question and Answer" exercise on "Success in Orcharding," led by J. F. Harrison, a successful orchardist, Excelsior.

9:30 o'clock.

President Cashman in the Chair.

Evergreens for Prairie Homes.
M. Soholt, Madison.

Windbreaks by the Mile.
T. A. Hoverstad, Minneapolis.

Arrangement of Farm Buildings and Grounds for Convenience
and Artistic Effect.
E. M. Reeves, Waverly, Ia.

Report of Committee on Fruit List.
J. P. Andrews, G. W. Strand, T. E. Cashman.

Adoption of Fruit List.

Annual Reports.

Report of Executive Board, J. M. Underwood, Chairman, Lake City.

Report of Secretary, A. W. Latham.

Report of Treasurer, Geo. W. Strand, Taylors Falls.

On account of the very full program the annual reports of the vice-presidents, superintendents of Trial Stations and Auxiliary Societies, will be filed with the secretary for publication without reading. (See list on page 20.)

The Successful Orchard. (30 min.)
S. A. Beach, Prof. of Horticulture, Iowa
State Agricultural College, Ames, Ia.

Development of Horticulture in Western
Canada.
Prof. F. W. Brodrick, Horticulturist,
Manitoba Agricultural College.

Contestants, Gideon Memorial Fund--by Students at University Farm School.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON SESSION.

1:30 o'clock.

Discuss these subjects.

"Ornamentation of Home Grounds" will be the subject of the half-hour "Question and Answer Exercise," led by C. H. Ramsdell, Landscape Architect, Minneapolis.

2:00 o'clock.

President Cashman in the Chair.

Horticultural Work with the Boys' and Girls' Clubs in Minnesota.
T. A. Erickson, State Club Leader, University Farm.

Boy or Girl prize winner in the state-wide garden and canning contest.

Compulsory Spraying for Fruit Insects and Diseases.
K. A. Kirkpatrick, Agricultural Agent,
Hennepin County, Wayzata.

Annual Election of Officers.

3:00 o'clock.

Semi-Centennial Anniversary Session.

J. M. Underwood, Lake City, Presiding.

Song.
Trafford N. Jayne.

Some History.
A. W. Latham, Secretary.

The Heroes of Minnesota Horticulture.
Clarence Wedge, Albert Lea.

Personal Recollections.
A. J. Philips, West Salem, Wis.

The Ladies of the Society.
Mrs. Jennie Stager, Sauk Rapids.

Greeting from University Farm.
A. F. Woods, Dean.

The Minnesota Society and the Northwest.
Prof. C. B. Waldron, Agri. College, N. D.

Looking Ahead.
C. S. Harrison, York, Neb.

To conclude with a lantern slide talk, "Veterans of Minnesota Horticulture." Slides prepared by Prof. LeRoy Cady.

FRIDAY FORENOON SESSION.

9:00 o'clock.

A thirty-minute "Question and Answer Exercise" on the general subject of "Birds a Factor In Horticulture," led by R. E. Olmstead, Excelsior.

9:30 o'clock.

President in the Chair.

Potato Selection.
P. E. Clement, Moorhead.

Vinegar a By-Product of the Minnesota Orchard.
W. G. Brierley, Horticulturist, University Farm.

Our Horticultural Building.
A consultation.

Plant Breeders' Auxiliary.

Clarence Wedge, President, in the Chair.

Annual Report, 1916, Minn. Fruit Breeding Farm.
Chas. Haralson, Supt., Excelsior.

Report of Committee on Fruit Breeding Farm.
S. A. Stockwell, Minneapolis.
C. S. Harrison, Excelsior.

Fruit Breeding.
Prof. S. A. Beach, Horticulturist, Ames, Iowa.

Pedigree in Plants.
Prof. C. B. Waldron, Agricultural College, N. D.

Origin and Development of Hardy, Blight Resisting Pears.
Chas. G. Patten, Charles City, Ia.

New Creations in Horticulture for 1916.
Prof. N. E. Hansen, Brookings, S. D.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON.

1:30 o'clock.

The "Question and Answer" half hour will be occupied with this subject, "The Home Orchard," led by Henry Husser, Minneapolis.

2:00 o'clock.

The Minnesota Orchard.
J. F. Bartlett, Excelsior.

The New Farmers Fruit.
Freeman Thorp, Hubert. (30 min.)

The Unfruitful Tree and How to Correct It. (30 min.)
Prof. S. A. Beach, Ames, Ia.

Orcharding In Minnesota.
Richard Wellington, Horticulturist, University Farm.

The Minnesota Apple Crop in 1916.
R. S. Mackintosh, Horticulturist, Extension Division, University Farm.

4:00 o'clock.

Two-minute speeches by members.

4:30 o'clock.

Closing remarks by the President.

PREMIUM LIST, ANNUAL MEETING, 1916.

Thos. Redpath, General Supt.

Geo. W. Strand, Clerk.

FLORAL DISPLAY.

W. H. Bofferding, 710 No. 2nd St., Minneapolis, Supt.

PLANTS.

To be staged Monday p.m., Dec. 4, 1916.

1st. 2nd. 3rd. Collection of 12 specimen Palms $10.00 $7.00 $4.00 Collection of 12 specimen Ferns 10.00 7.00 4.00 Collection of 12 specimen Blooming Plants 12.00 9.00 6.00 (Covering 25 square feet.)

CUT FLOWERS.

To be staged before 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 5.

1st. 2nd. 3rd. 12 Roses, Red, any variety $3.00 $2.00 $1.00 12 Roses, Pink, any variety 3.00 2.00 1.00 12 Roses, White, any variety 3.00 2.00 1.00 12 Roses, Yellow, any var'ty 3.00 2.00 1.00

To be staged before 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 6.

1st. 2nd. 3rd. 12 Chrysanthemums, Yellow $4.00 $3.00 $2.00 12 Chrysanthemums, any other color 4.00 3.00 2.00 25 Carnations, Red, any variety 3.00 2.00 1.00 25 Carnations, Pink, any variety 3.00 2.00 1.00 25 Carnations, white, any variety 3.00 2.00 1.00

To be staged before 10:00 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 7.

1st. 2nd. 3rd. Basket arranged for effect, diameter not to exceed 12 inches $10.00 $7.00 $4.00

Best Bridal Bouquet--Diploma. Best Corsage Bouquet--Diploma. Best Bridesmaid's Bouquet--Diploma.

VEGETABLES.

Entries to be made by Tuesday, Nov. 28. N. H. Reeves, Mpls., Supt.

1st. 2nd. 3rd. 4th. Beets, 1 peck $3.50 $2.00 $1.00 $0.50 Cabbages, 3 heads 3.50 2.00 1.00 .50 Carrots, 1 peck 3.50 2.00 1.00 .50 Celery, 1 doz. stalks 3.50 2.00 1.00 .50 Celeriac, 1 doz. roots 3.50 2.00 1.00 .50 Lettuce, 1 doz. heads 3.50 2.00 1.00 .50 Onions, 1 peck Red 3.50 2.00 1.00 .50 Onions, 1 peck White 3.50 2.00 1.00 .50 Onions, 1 pk. Yellow 3.50 2.00 1.00 .50 Onions, 1 peck White Pickling 3.50 2.00 1.00 .50 Parsley, 1 doz. bnhs. 3.50 2.00 1.00 .50 Parsnips, 1/2 bushel 3.50 2.00 1.00 .50 Potatoes, 1 bu. early variety 3.50 2.00 1.00 .50 Pie Pumpkins, three specimens 3.50 2.00 1.00 .50 Radish, fresh, 1 doz. bunches 3.50 2.00 1.00 .50 Salsify, 1 doz. bnchs. 3.50 2.00 1.00 .50 Hubbard Squash, 3 specimens 3.50 2.00 1.00 .50 White Turnips, 1 pk 3.50 2.00 1.00 .50 Rutabagas, 1/2 bu 3.50 2.00 1.00 .50

EARLY WINTER SEEDLING.--The fruit shown must not have been kept in cold storage. Premium $50.00, to be divided pro rata.

LATE WINTER SEEDLING.--Same conditions as for early winter seedlings except that if found necessary the fruit shown may be retained and final decision reserved until later in the winter. Premium $50.00 to be divided pro rata.

In each of the above two classes the varieties receiving the three highest awards will be designated as having received the first, second and third premium respectively.

APPLES (not including crabs).

No inferior fruit can be shown.

1st. 2nd. 3rd. Each variety (may or may not have been in cold storage) included in the 1916 fruit list of the society, or in the 1916 premium list of the Minnesota State Fair $0.75 $0.50 $0.25

Collection, not to exceed ten nor less than six varieties $20.00 to be divided pro rata

Pecks of Apples.

Peck of any variety of apples, the fruit exhibited to be at the disposal of the society. An exhibitor may enter a peck of each of as many different kinds as he pleases. $25.00 to be divided pro rata.

Top-Worked Apples.

Collection of named varieties grown on scions top-grafted on other trees. Accompanying the name of each variety, shown on the same label (to be furnished by the management), must be noted the name of the variety on which it is top-worked. $25.00, to be divided pro rata.

BOXES AND BARRELS OF APPLES.

Must have been packed by the exhibitor.

Only one variety (not less than 2-3/4 in. in diameter) can be shown in a box. Bushel boxes of the standard size must be used. Awards will be based on the quality of the fruit, packing, etc.

SINGLE BOX of any variety of apples, including seedlings, $25.00, to be divided pro rata. Also 1st $15.00, 2nd $10.00, 3rd $5.00.

1st. 2nd. 3rd. 4th. BARREL of apples, any variety, $25.00, to be divided pro rata. Also $20.00 $15.00 $10.00 $5.00

GRAPES.

1st. 2nd. 3rd. Collection, not more than 10 nor less than 6 varieties $8.00 $6.00 $4.00

$100 SEEDLING APPLE PRIZE.

The fifth prize of $100.00 will be awarded this season "for the best late winter seedling apple keeping till March 1st under ordinary cellar conditions" under the offer made first in 1905, restricted, of course, to the contestants who have duly registered.

NUTS.

1st. 2nd. 3rd. 4th. Each variety of edible nuts, one quart $1.00 $0.75 $0.50 $0.25

* * * * *

Program Notes:

You can become a life member of the State Horticultural Society by payment of $10.00, in two annual payments of $5.00 each if you prefer. This will entitle you to a file of our bound reports, a library in itself.

The annual business meeting of the Minn. Garden Flower Society will be held Wednesday morning at 10:00 o'clock in an adjoining room.

Are you a member of the Garden Flower Society? If you are growing flowers you should join it at once. Consult the secretary, Mrs. M. L. Countryman.

Membership fees to be paid to the Assistant Secretary In the Hallway.

GARDEN HELPS

Conducted by Minnesota Garden Flower Society

Edited by MRS. E. W. GOULD, 2644 Humboldt Avenue So. Minneapolis.

The Garden Flower Society will have an all-day meeting at the Agricultural College the first Friday in January next. This meeting is to be held with the session of the Farmers' Short Course in Room 20, Horticultural Building. Arrangements will be made so that lunches may be had on the grounds, probably at the dining hall.

The program covers a wide range of subjects, and as time will be given for discussion and answering of questions brought up, this will prove a most helpful meeting to all of our members.

Our own annual meeting will be held on Wednesday, December sixth. The business meeting and election of officers being held in the morning, the program in the afternoon--at the West Hotel--in connection with the Horticultural Society.

Will not each member make an especial effort to bring in a new member at that time or before? The only reason we have not a thousand members is because we and our work are so little known. If you will tell your friends who have gardens what we are doing, you will have no difficulty in helping us add to our membership. Since last January we have received sixty-six new members. Can't we make it an even hundred for this year? With _your help_, we _can_. The program for our annual meeting will be found in the official program, printed elsewhere in this number. Here is the program for the meeting at the Agricultural College, Friday, January 5th. Come and bring your garden problems with you.

* * * * *

(Program for Meeting, January 5, 1917, 10 a.m., Agricultural College.)

1. Perennials for Busy People Mrs. H. B. Tillotson 2. Perennials from Seed to Seed Mr. E. Meyer 3. Native Perennials for Garden Use Miss M. Fanning 4. Best Hardy Vines and Their Use Mrs. E. W. Gould 5. Best Annuals Mrs. H. A. Boardman

1:30 P.M.

1. Fruits for Ornamental Planting Mr. Phelps Wyman 2. Native Shrubs for the Home Grounds Mr. Paul Mueller 3. Proper Preparation of the Garden Soil Professor F. J. Alway 4. A Watering System for the Garden Mrs. C. E. Warner 5. Growing Bedding Plants for the Market Mrs. F. H. Gibbs 6. Growing Cut Flowers for the Market {Miss Sabra Ellison {Mr. F. H. Ellison 7. Special Purpose Plants-- Honey Plants Prof. Oswald Medicinal Plants Dr. Newcomb

Question Box.

SECRETARY'S CORNER

THIS IS YOUR VACATION.--If you are a fruit grower or a flower grower or vegetable grower or interested in home life or in any of the varied matters directly or indirectly connected with horticulture, the annual meeting is just the place for you. _Make it a real winter vacation._ Bring your wife and others of the family if possible and stay with us at the West Hotel for the four days of the meeting. It will be one of the bright spots in your life, as you recall the pleasures of this great and fruitful gathering.

ANNUAL SOCIETY BANQUET.--Special pains have been taken in preparing the program for this banquet on account of the fact that this is our anniversary session in part, and you will not be disappointed if you anticipate a rich treat, with two or three hundred of the most congenial people on earth, who will sit down to supper together at the West Hotel at 6:30 p. m., Thursday, December 7th,--a wholesome repast and an intellectual feast, don't miss it. You will feel that you really belong to the brotherhood after dining with us.

DELEGATES TO THE ANNUAL MEETING.--Besides the delegates at our annual meeting from abroad referred to in the November number, there is to be with us also as representative of the Iowa State Horticultural Society, Mr. P. F. Kinne, of Storm Lake, Iowa. We have pretty good assurance also that Secy. Greene, of the Iowa Society, will visit with us at some time during the meeting, and we don't know how many more of the good Iowa people will find their way here. A late note from Chas. G. Patten assures us of his attendance at the meeting, when he will give us a full report of his experimental work in growing seedling pears at his station at Charles City, Iowa. We are looking forward confidently to something of large practical value from his work.

PROGRAM OF ANNUAL MEETING.--The program of the coming annual meeting of the society will be found in an abbreviated form in this number of our magazine. It has been sent, however, in all its completeness, in a separate enclosure to all the members of the society, accompanied by a blank form to be filled out by members who purpose to attend and desire to have their names in the Badge Book, and also for those who renew their memberships. Quite a number of questions are asked on this blank form, and it is important that they should all be answered. It is especially important that the names of friends whom you would like to see members of the society should be given to the secretary on these blanks and at an early date so that copies of the program can be sent them in good season.

The program, as you will note, is an exceedingly diversified one, special emphasis being laid on orcharding, vegetable growing and ornamental horticulture. An increasing interest in flower growing is emphasized by the programs of three auxiliary societies devoted to these branches of horticulture.

_Aren't you coming to this splendid meeting?_ Study the program and consider the advantages of intercourse and companionship with those who have so much in common as the members of the Horticultural Society. Don't fail to _attend promptly the first session_, which is always a full one, right on the minute.

JOURNAL OF ANNUAL MEETING, 1915

Minnesota State Horticultural Society

Held on Second Floor of the West Hotel, Minneapolis, December 7, 8, 9 and 10, 1915.

Tuesday Morning Session, 10 o'clock.

Meeting was opened at 10 o'clock a.m., December 7, 1915, by President Thomas E. Cashman. Invocation was made by Rev. C. S. Harrison, of York, Nebraska, which was followed by a song by Mr. Trafford N. Jayne, of Minneapolis. The president then read his annual greeting. (See index.)

President Cashman: How may University Farm and the Minnesota State Horticultural Society be mutually helpful in developing the farms and homes of the Northwest? by our good friend, the dean of agriculture of this state, Mr. A. F. Woods. (Applause.) (See index.)

Discussion.

President Cashman: Anything further before we pass to the next subject? If not, we will now call on one of our oldest members and one of our best friends, Mr. George J. Kellogg, of Wisconsin, who will tell us something about the strawberry business. (See index.)

Discussion.

President Cashman: I am sure we are all very much indebted to Mr. Kellogg. Now, we have another very good friend with us from Nebraska. He is going to tell us about "The Nurseryman as King." Mr. C. S. Harrison, of York, Nebraska. (See index.)

President Cashman: This morning we heard from our good friend, Dean Woods, then we heard from Wisconsin and later from Nebraska. We have enjoyed all three, all very instructive and very entertaining, and we hope to hear from them again. We hope later to hear from another Wisconsin man, Mr. Philips. Those three men have always contributed a great deal to the success of our meetings. I understand that Wisconsin has sent another representative, Mr. A. C. Graves, of Sturgeon Bay. It has been announced that he is with us. If so, we will be pleased to have him come forward and have a word of greeting from him, representing the Wisconsin Horticultural Society.

Mr. Graves: Mr. President and members of the Minnesota Horticultural Society: I am very pleased to be here this morning and listen to this program and these deliberations. I expect to spend some enjoyable days with you, and on behalf of the Wisconsin Horticultural Society I am pleased to bring to you their greetings on this occasion. Thank you. (Applause.)

President Cashman: We hope to hear from you later, Mr. Graves, and would be pleased to have you take part in our deliberations. I presume that there are other delegates here, but if so they have not been announced. If there are others I hope they will hand their credentials to the secretary so we may call on them later.

Meeting adjourned until 1:30 p.m.

December 7, 1915, Afternoon Session.

_The Minnesota Orchard._ Discussion led by J. P. Andrews, Faribault, Minn. (See index.)

The President: Ladies and gentlemen, the time has now arrived to continue with the regular proceedings of the society. Mr. Rasmussen, president of the Wisconsin State Horticultural Society, is with us and will be on the program later, but we will have a few words from him now. (Applause.).

Mr. Rasmussen (Wisconsin): Mr. President and members of the Minnesota Horticultural Society: I didn't expect to be caught this way. I was going to be real shrewd, I was not going to let you know I was coming. I told the secretary of our society not to let you know I was coming, but he notified your secretary that I was coming and that is the way they happened to get me on the program. I was going to sneak in and get all the good out of it and was not going to give anything back; I will admit that is not a fair game. I feel about like a fellow who had to make a talk at a banquet. He said he was not a speaker, but they insisted. They would not let him back out. So he got up and feeling kind of shaky, like I am now, he reached his hand down to get hold of his chair, as he thought, but touched his wife's shoulder, and she got up. She thought she had to. He started, "Ladies and gentlemen, this thing was forced on me. (Laughter.)" So this was kind of forced upon me. I know that your program is full so I will not detain you any longer. My time is tomorrow, and I will take you through my garden tomorrow. (Applause.)

The President: We are all pleased to have Mr. Rasmussen with us, and we hope we will hear from him often during the deliberations of the meeting. I was pleased indeed to see so many present this forenoon. Secretary Latham thought he had plenty of room for all who might attend, but I don't think there was a vacant chair here this forenoon. I was pleased indeed to note so many new faces, so many young men present. You are the people we want to see. The older men have always contributed and done their part and have made these meetings a grand success, but it will soon devolve upon the younger men of this society to take their places. We want you to help them at these meetings, and I was glad that you did so this forenoon. We hope that the young men will feel at home and that they will continue to take part, that they will ask questions and tell us about their successes and their failures, and I hope the older members will help make it pleasant for these young men.

We will take up the subject of fruits this afternoon, and I am now going to call on a plum specialist, a man that we look to to tell us about the plum troubles in this state, Mr. Dewain Cook, who will tell us about the "Plums We Already Have and Plums That Are on the Way--the Brown Rot a Controlling Factor," Mr. Dewain Cook, of Jeffers, Minnesota. (See index.)

Discussion.

The President: We have heard of some of the troubles of those that plant plum trees. The next speaker will probably tell us how to meet those troubles, how to combat the plum pocket fungus. We are fortunate to have with us a scientific man that makes a study of these subjects. I refer to Professor Stakman, of the University Farm, St. Paul. "The Control and Cure of Brown Rot, etc.," by Prof. E. C. Stakman. (See index.)

Discussion.

The President: I will now call on Mr. C. A. Pfeiffer, of Winona, to talk to us on "The Surprise Plum a Success." (See index.)

Discussion.

The President: "Thirty Years in Raspberries," by a gentleman that knows how to make money by the raising of raspberries, Mr. Gust. Johnson, of Minneapolis. (See index.)

Discussion.

The President: We will now call upon Mr. Simmons to tell us about "My Orchard Crop of 1915--from Start to Finish." (See index.)

The President: As you know, Mr. Simmons is one of the most successful orchardists in Minnesota. Do you wish to ask him any questions?

Discussion.

Mr. Cashman: We are very much indebted to Mr. Simmons for this splendid paper and for his advice. We must hurry on to the next subject, which is "Fruit Growing a Successful Industry in Minnesota," by A. W. Richardson, Howard Lake, Minn. (See index.)

The President: I am sure you will all agree this was a very instructive and interesting paper. We have about three minutes in which to discuss it.

Discussion.

Two lantern talks followed--one by Earl Ferris of Hampton, Ia., on "Evergreens," and one by A. G. Tolaas on "Diseases of the Potato."

December 8, 1915, Morning Session.

Discussion on "The Vegetable Garden," led by H. J. Baldwin, Northfield, Minn. (See index.)

N. H. Reeves, president Minneapolis Market Gardeners' Association, in the chair.

President Reeves: We will now have a paper on "Growing Beans and Sweet Corn," by P. B. Marien, of St. Paul. (See index.)

Discussion.

The President: We will now listen to a paper on "Growing Vegetables for Canning," by Mr. M. H. Hegerle, president of Canning Company, St. Bonifacius. Mr. Hegerle not being present, we will ask Mr. Rasmussen, president of the Wisconsin Horticultural Society, to tell us "How We Grow Vegetables in Oshkosh, Wisconsin." (Applause.) (See index.)

President Reeves: Is Mr. Hegerle in the room?

Mr. Hegerle: Yes.

President Reeves: Then we will listen to Mr. Hegerle's talk on "Growing Vegetables for Canning." (See index.)

Discussion.

President Reeves: "Greenhouse vs. Hotbeds, Investment, Care and Result Compared," by Mr. F. H. Gibbs. (See index.)

President Reeves: "Growing the Tomato," by C. W. Purdham, market gardener, Brooklyn Center. (See index.)

Discussion.

President Reeves: We will now listen to a paper by E. W. Record on "Asparagus by the Acre." (See index.)

President Reeves: You will be entertained with a demonstration of the coldpack method of canning fruits and vegetables by Professor R. S. Mackintosh and Miss Mary L. Bull.

After the demonstration the session adjourned until 1:30 o'clock p.m.

December 8, 1915, Afternoon Session.

Question and answer exercise on "The Flower Garden," led by Mr. G. C. Hawkins, of Minneapolis.

The President: I regret to have to announce that one of the big guns who was to be with us on this afternoon's program, Professor J. C. Whitten, of Missouri, is unable to be with us on account of sickness. Secretary Latham received a letter from him just a short time ago, stating that he was sick abed and the doctor would not permit him to leave. We have another very able gentleman whom I will call upon at this time to take Mr. Whitten's place. His name is H. G. Street, of Hebron, Ill., who will tell us about "Marketing Fruit Direct." (Applause.) (See index.)

Discussion.

The President: We appreciate very much this fine paper by Mr. Street. We have another very important subject this afternoon. We will have a paper by Mr. W. G. Brierly, Assistant Horticulturist at the University Farm, on "The Manufacture of Cider Vinegar on the Farm." (Applause.) (See index.)

Reading by Miss Mary Bonn.

The President: We will now turn the meeting over to the Garden Flower Society and request the president, Mrs. Ruff, to take the chair. (In the absence of Mrs. Ruff, Mrs. E. W. Gould presided.)

Mrs. Gould: Our first number will be a paper on the Minnesota State Flower, by Mr. E. A. Smith, of Lake City. (Applause.)

Mr. Smith: I wish to add one word to the name of my paper and that is "Flag," so that it will read "Minnesota State Flower and State Flag." I have the two subjects so closely associated that I can not separate them. (See index.)

Discussion.

Mr. Smith: I now come to the point in my paper. I move you, Madam President, that the Minnesota State Horticultural Society and its auxiliary societies through its secretary present the following resolution to the next legislature of the state for adoption at that time: Resolved, that, whereas the State of Minnesota has adopted a state flower which, on account of its being a native of the woods and bogs, is not generally known or recognized and, whereas, the State of Minnesota in 1893 adopted by legislative vote a state flag, which emblem is not generally known to the residents of the state, and believing that familiarity with the state flower and the state flag will do good and create loyalty to the state and Union, be it resolved, that we, the Minnesota State Horticultural Society and auxiliary societies, do hereby petition and pray the state legislature of Minnesota to have printed an attractive picture of the state flower and the state flag, properly framed, and present a copy of it to each public school of the state with the request that it be placed upon the walls of the school room, also that it be furnished free of cost to such other public buildings as may be deemed advisable.

I trust, Madam President, that this resolution will not only be seconded but it will meet with the unanimous approval of the society.

Mr. Hawkins: I second the motion.

Mrs. Gould: I do not know that we could vote with the Horticultural Society. This is not a meeting of that society but simply a meeting of the Flower Society. Will some one enlighten me?

Miss White: Madam President, if we could not vote as a society, could we not vote to recommend this resolution to the Horticultural Society?

A Member: Yes, or to the two societies to be taken up at their business meeting, perhaps.

Miss White: Recommend it be passed by the parent society.

A Member: Madam President, why should it not be the flag itself and not a picture of the flag?

Mrs. Gould: Will you make that motion?

Miss White: I move that the resolution as presented by Mr. Smith be endorsed by this Garden Flower Society and referred to the parent society for their adoption. I will offer that as a substitute.

A Member: I second the motion.

Motion was carried.

Mrs. Gould: Our next subject is "The Pergola, Its Use and Misuse, Its Convenience and Expense," by Charles H. Ramsdell, of Minneapolis. (See index.)

Mrs. Gould: Our next paper is "Hardy Perennials," by Miss Grace E. Kimball, of Waltham. (See index.)

Mrs. Gould: This spring our president, Mrs. Ruff, offered prizes for the best papers on planting for color effect. The judges after reading these papers carefully selected three. Miss Starr is first, Mrs. Tillotson second and Mrs. Boyington third. These papers will now be read, Miss Starr giving the first one. (See index.)

Mrs. Gould: Mrs. Tillotson will follow with her paper. (See index.)

Mrs. Gould: Mrs. Wyman will read Mrs. Boyington's paper. Mrs. Boyington was unable to be with us today. (See index.)

Mrs. Gould: Mrs. Countryman will read a paper written by Mr. Swanson on the judging of flowers. (See index.)

Mrs. Gould: Our meeting will close with Professor Washburn's talk on "Bird Conservation," which will be given with slides and music.

Professor Washburn gives lantern talk.

December 9, 1915, Morning Session.

Half hour question and answer exercise on "Truck Crop and Garden Insects," led by Professor Wm. Moore. (See index.)

The President: The committee on fruit list has been working very hard trying to determine why we have particular varieties on the list and the changes, if any, that should be made. Mr. J. P. Andrews, the chairman of the committee, is the man who has been doing most of this work, and we will be glad to hear from him at this time. He is quite radical and in favor of many changes as you will note when he reads his report.

Mr. Andrews: There are very few changes, and you know it has been the policy of this society rather to be conservative and not jump at anything until we know what it is. (Reads new fruit list.)

Mr. Andrews: I move its adoption.

Motion was seconded and carried unanimously.

Mr. Andrews: I would like to call attention to the fact that a great many criticize that we do not change the list from time to time. I have thought that for a long time. Two or three years ago there was a little move towards making it so we could change it. We are putting up some nice, big premiums for late winter apples and early winter apples, and there are undoubtedly some seedlings that would be all right to put upon the list if we knew more about them. It seems to me it is foolish to pay those premiums and then drop it right there. We do not know any more about whether they are hardy or not than if they had been grown in Missouri. They may have grown well through some protection or favorable location, but when you commence grafting from a seedling it does not give satisfaction as a grafted tree and in different localities of the country.

We want to know whether the new seedlings are hardy enough for this climate, not that they are simply of good quality to eat and perhaps will keep. We find that out here, but we do not find out anything about the hardiness.

I think we ought to require a person who has produced a good seedling and gotten a good premium for it to send some of its scions to the superintendent of the Fruit-Breeding Farm for testing and let him send it out to points north of here, between here and the northern part of the state, to see how much hardiness it has. Hardiness is the quality we want more than anything else. We have gotten along so far with the Hibernal, and we ought not to be so particular about quality as about hardiness. They ought to be required to give Mr. Haralson a few of the scions or buds so that he could try them there at the fruit-breeding farm and send them out to more northern locations under number, so that the originator will be just as well protected, and it will add so much to the value of the new seedling that he ought to be anxious to do it instead of holding it back as is now done.

I move you that we have some arrangement whereby those drawing the premiums for the first and second qualities, keeping qualities and eating qualities, etc., shall be obliged to give to Mr. Haralson something to work on, either scions or buds of those varieties, so that they can be tested in that way and we know what they are, otherwise it leaves it for any one to introduce a new variety just about on the same ground that some other varieties have been introduced in the state, made a nice, large thing for the man that introduced them to the public and sold them but afterwards proved a great disappointment to almost every man who ever planted them. I move that we make such an arrangement, and we recommend that the state fair do the same.

Mr. Horton: I second the motion.

The President: It is moved and seconded that some arrangement be made requiring people who enter seedling apples for prizes at the horticultural meeting and the state fair to furnish scions or buds of such varieties to the central station to Superintendent Charles Haralson that he may determine whether the trees are hardy and suitable for this climate or not.

Mr. Andrews: We need this provision so that Superintendent Haralson could visit those trees and see what they looked like.

Mr. Latham: I move that this matter be referred to the executive board to develop a workable plan to secure the purposes which Mr. Andrews has in view.

The President: Do you accept that as a substitute?

Mr. Andrews: I would if it wasn't for this one thing. It was left that way a year or two ago, and it hasn't amounted to a thing. I do not care if it is left to the executive committee if Mr. Latham will vouch for its being put through.

Mr. Latham: Don't you remember as the result of that action we prepared forms to be used by those who examined the seedlings and decided what seedlings should be further tested and all that sort of thing. We have those forms for use if the committee wants to use them.

Mr. Andrews: Those ought to be so as to hold the premium money back until we get some material to test.

Mr. Latham: I will say a few words. It is not such a simple matter as it seems. Here come perhaps fifty people who have grown seedlings. We tell them we are very desirous that all the seedlings in the state that have promise of merit be shown. In the division of the premium money they do not get more than four or five dollars apiece, the best of them do not get more than eight or ten dollars. Then here comes a resolution which says, "Before you draw this money you have to furnish scions to the state fruit-breeding farm with the privilege of sending out to other stations in the state for testing." The average man who owns a seedling that is really a good thing begins to think about it, and we will not get what we want. If a man has a seedling that is better than the Duchess and Wealthy and has hardiness as well there are lots of buyers around here that have their eyes open. There has been a half a dozen I know of picked up in the last few years really first class, fine and hardy. Those trees are being tested out. It would be a splendid thing if we could get a really good seedling, as Mr. Andrews says, but a resolution of this kind will not result in doing what we want to do.

I would like to have it referred to the executive board so they can work out a practical plan. Mr. Andrews is a member of the board. I renew my motion.

Motion is seconded.

The President: The original motion as given by Mr. Andrews is that those people offering seedlings for prizes, before they receive premiums--

Mr. Andrews: The first or second premiums, I said, because that would shut out all of the others.

The President:--before receiving the first or second premiums, that they be required or that they will agree to furnish scions or buds for experimental purposes, these scions or buds to be sent to the central station to Mr. Haralson for the purpose of testing them out as to hardiness, under number. Now, the amendment made by Mr. Latham is to the effect that this matter be referred to the executive committee. We will first put the amendment that it be referred to the executive committee to work out a practical plan.

Mr. Heustis: And report next year.

The President: That they work out a practical plan and put it in operation. Was it your idea that we report next year or that the plan be put in operation?

Mr. Latham: No objection to reporting next year. If they can work out a plan they can also put it in practical operation.