The varieties more commonly found in Minnesota are, Acaule, rose purple; Candidum, small white; Arietinum, red and white; Parviflorum, small yellow; Pubescens, large yellow; and Spectabile, description of which is as follows:  Plants stout, leaves oval, acute; sepals, roundish, white; petals, oblong, white; labellum, white or pale pink purple.  Very showy.

It is unfortunate that the Minnesota State Flower does not take kindly to civilization and cultivation, as it is very difficult to transplant.  About ten years ago at Lake City, Minnesota, we tried to propagate the moccasin flower.  We dug the roots and transplanted them in ground especially prepared in a nearby grove where we could watch their development, but the plants were a failure.

A state flower should be one of the common flowers of the state, so familiar to all, that its name would suggest a picture of the flower itself.  Probably not 10 per cent of the people of the state have ever seen it.  On this account it is to be regretted that this variety was chosen as the flower emblem of the state.  A state flower, like the state flag, should be accessible and familiar to everyone, and yet, probably, the state flag of Minnesota is a stranger to many residents of the state, for Minnesota did not have a state flag until 1893.

An emblem should mean something to the individual.  The family coat of arms and the iron cross are distinctive emblems.  The shamrock in sentiment is as dear to an Irishman as his native land.  If an emblem means something to the individual, how much more it ought to mean to the state and nation.

The flag is an emblem of loyalty and patriotism.  Men fight for it.  They lay down their lives for it because it stands for home and country.  I fancy if men did not know what the flag looked like, the fight would not be a very fierce one.  Do you know what the state flag of Minnesota looks like?  A description of it can be found in the Legislative Manual for 1915.  This flag bears a wreath of white moccasin flowers (Spectabile) upon a blue background, in the center of which is the state seal.  The design was chosen by a committee of six ladies.  It is appropriate and beautiful, and was designed by Mrs. Edward H. Center, of Minneapolis.

The state should furnish an attractive picture of the state flower and the state flag to every high school in the state, free of charge.  The influence would be good, creating a deeper loyalty to the state.

Wisconsin State Horticultural Society.

REMARKS AT ANNUAL MEETING BY SECY.  F. CRANEFIELD, MADISON, WIS.

President Cashman:  We have with us today, Prof.  Cranefield, secretary of the Wisconsin Society.  I am sure everybody will be pleased to hear from him.

Mr. Cranefield:  Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen:  I thank you, Mr. President, for your very kind introduction.  I know you meant well when you introduced me as professor, but I really must plead “not guilty” to the charge.  There was a time, long ago, when I was connected with our Agricultural College, in a minor relation, that I was not in a position to resent it, but I have reformed since, and as secretary of the Wisconsin Horticultural Society I am trying to live down the past.