mall fruits were not
enough to supply the market as a whole. Raspberry and strawberry growing
seems to be on the decline, owing to the prevalence of insect pests
which do _not_ receive attention to keep them in check. The importance
of this is all the more apparent, because with the shorter distances of
this district being the rule, the danger from rapid spread is more
pronounced.

The growing conditions of the season have been of the best, and all
stock goes into the winter in excellent shape with a good amount of soil
moisture and a promise for better conditions next season.

Several market reports have been received which give valuable
information. Prices of fruit, vegetables and floral stock have been low
in almost all cases. The public demand has been rather below normal,
although it has been steady and fair in volume. There seems to be a good
deal of complaint about the care of the railroads, etc., with fruit and
perishable products, but, on the other hand, a good deal of local
produce is not put up in good shape. The uniformly good packing of
western fruit reveals the cause of its popularity on the local markets.
Certain kinds of fruit almost glutted the market this season, notably
Florida grape fruit, western box apples and peaches. I quote one market
statement as very pertinent:

If Minnesota apple growers would gather their apples before they are too
ripe, carefully grade and pack uniformly through the barrel, thus making
it possible for the wholesaler to ship out on orders, they would
undoubtedly realize more for their product than to market them
themselves in the usual manner in which apples are marketed.

Ornamental horticulture in my district is making rapid progress. Large
lots of nursery stock are yearly put in with excellent results. The
influence and interest of the "Garden Flower Society" and of these
horticultural meetings is nowhere more felt than in Hennepin County. The
gardens of the Minneapolis park board, in Loring Park, at Lyndale
Farmstead, and near the Parade and Armory, give the horticultural public
much valuable information. Even the wild flower garden in Glenwood Park
is yearly receiving an increasing number of visitors. The increasing use
of perennials is creating a new gardening enthusiasm. The perennial
exhibit at the summer meeting of the Horticultural Society was worthy of
much study. Careful use of hardy evergreens is increasing also, adding
value especially to our winter landsca