MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. TRANSACTIONS 1886-7. THE SUMMER MEETING, 1886. [NOTE. This Society will not be held responsible for individual opinions which are found in this report.-Secretary.] The twentieth semi-annual summer meeting of the Minnesota State Horticultural Society, in accordance with the action taken by the Society at its annual session in January, was held at the state farm, near St. Anthony Park, Thursday, June 17, 1886. Following is the announcement of the meeting, premium list and rules: In accordance with previous arrangements by the Society, at its last annual session, the summer meeting will be held on the grounds of the state university farm, situated nearly midway between St. Paul and Minneapolis, one mile north of St. Anthony Park and near the state fair grounds. An opportunity will thus be afforded members of the Society and others to visit the state farm and to carefully observe the practical methods there employed for the advancement of the science of horticulture, agriculture and experimental work being conducted there, under the management of Prof. E. D. Porter and the board of regents of the state university. The location of the farm is convenient to both St. Paul and Minneapolis, trains leaving hourly from the Union depots of each city over the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway. Conveyances will be provided for the transportation of delegates and others to and from the station at St. Anthony Park, to the farm. Trains leave the depots of each city at 8:30 A. M. and hourly thereafter during the day. It is to be hoped that there may be a full attendance of members, and all others interested in the advancement of the cause of horticulture, agriculture, and especially the experimental work being conducted at the state university farm. The ladies are cordially invited to be present and participate in the exercises of the day. It is expected that exhibitors will be prompt and place all their exhibits on the tables by 10 o'clock A. M., so that the judges to be appointed can make their awards and report thereon by 12 o'clock. While entries are being made and the judges are engaged in their duties, the visitors and members of the Society will be conducted over the farm, and an opportunity afforded them to examine the state buildings, and to visit the orchards, vineyard, gardens and other objects of interest about the premises. The location of the farm is a sightly one, affording a fine view of the surrounding country. The grounds and buildings are very pleasantly situated, and well adapted to the comfort and convenience of all who may see fit to attend the meeting. After the awards of premiums have been made, the strawberries on exhibition will be appropriated for the purposes of the informal basket picnic, to be served at 1 o'clock. This will not be the least attractive feature on the program. The meeting will be called to order by the president of the Society at 2 o'clock P. M. A paper upon the subject of "Small Fruits for Market and Home Use," by J. S. Harris, of La Crescent, will then be read, to be followed by a short but sharp discussion. Members in attendance at the meeting from a distance will be provided by the secretary, on application, with certificates which will enable them to return to their homes over the various lines of railway at one-fifth the regular rates, they having paid full fare coming to the meeting. The annual report of the transactions of the Society for 1886 will not be ready for delivery till about July 1st. S. D. HILLMAN, Secretary, Minneapolis. WYMAN ELLIOT, President, PREMIUM LIST. PROF. E. D. PORTER, Superintendent of Exhibits. STRAWBERRIES. 1st Prem. 2d Prem. Best general collection of not less than five named varieties, The same premiums may be awarded upon other varieties of equal merit. VEGETABLES. Best collection, not less than six varieties grown by ex The awarding committee shall close their labor and report to the Society at 12 o'clock M. They shall have power to recommend special premiums for seedlings, and articles of merit, not provided for in the schedule of premiums. They shall not award premiums to contributions unworthy of exhibition, even if there is no competition. Competition shall be open to all, but the annual membership fee of $1 will be deducted from premiums awarded to persons who are not members of the Society. PROCEEDINGS AT THE SUMMER MEETING. THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 1886. The purpose had in view in holding the summer meeting of the State Horticultural Society at the state farm was to afford. the members of the Society, and others, an opportunityto observe the practical in horticulture, and to take some notes concerning the methods pursued in the various departments of agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, etc., conducted at the experimental farm of the Minnesota State Agricultural College. The day was very pleasant, and everything conduced to an enjoyable occasion. There were nearly one hundred persons present at the meeting during the day, among the number several from a distance. The forenoon was devoted to making entries of articles for exhibition, and taking observations of the progress made in horticultural work, and experiments being conducted upon the farm, under the management of Prof. Porter. About sixty entries were made for premiums. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES. President Elliot announced the following committees: On Fruits—Ditus Day, Farmington; W. B. Quinn, Rose Town; John T. Blaisdell, Minneapolis. On Vegetables-W. E. Brimhall, St. Paul; J. G. Bass, St. Paul; J. F. Gilmore, Richfield. On Flowers-Mrs. W. G. Hendrickson, St. Paul; Mrs. Isabell L. Blaisdell, Minneapolis; Mrs. Lizzie S. Smith, St. Paul. On Resolutions-H. H. Young, St. Paul; J. W. Boxell, St. Paul; F. G. Gould, Excelsior. The total amount awarded in premiums was $51.50. Following is the list: |