Reports that come to the Agricultural Extension Division indicate that there will be a surplus of apples in some sections this year.  We want to assist in the distribution of the surplus and shall continue the Apple Clearing House again this year.  If you have more apples than you can sell locally please let the division know what you have to sell.  Address the Agricultural Extension Division, University Farm, St. Paul.

Apples for market must be graded and packed properly if they are to be sold through the regular trade routes.  The barrel is the standard package in most parts of the country.  The bushel basket is being used for early fruit in some markets.  All fruit for sale should be hand picked from the tree (not from the ground) and allowed to cool.  Grade according to size and freedom from insect and other injuries.  Pack carefully so as to avoid bruising.  When cover is put on press firmly in place.  Do not allow fruit to shake about while in transit.  Pick early maturing fruit while more or less green.  Ripe fruit will not keep well during hot weather. (See page 321 of this number.)

Late August and September is the time when practically all our county fairs are held.  It is hoped that the exhibits of fruits, vegetables and flowers will be large and of good quality.  Follow the premium list very carefully.  Put on the plate the right number of specimens.  Pick apples so as to leave stems attached.  Quality means specimens of perfect shape for the variety, free of insect or disease injuries, without bruises and well colored.  Vegetables should be well selected in every particular.  Select the specimens that you would like to use.  The overgrown specimens are not always the best.

[Illustration:  A VALLEY LAWN WITH SHRUBBERY ON BORDER OF WOODS.  FORMERLY OCCUPIED BY HENHOUSE AND YARDS.

View on same grounds with garden pergola shown on page 331.]

While it is not the intention to publish anything in this magazine that is misleading or unreliable, yet it must be remembered that the articles published herein recite the experience and opinions of their writers, and this fact must always be noted In estimating their practical value.

THE MINNESOTA HORTICULTURIST

Vol. 44 SEPTEMBER, 1916 No. 9

The Pergola—­Its Use and Misuse, Convenience and Expense.

CHAS. H. RAMSDELL, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, MINNEAPOLIS.

Let me take you by a brief word picture to Italy, the first home of the pergola as we see it hereabouts today.  On the hills and vineyards above the sea, in that sunny land, I can see a beautiful home or villa, seemingly about to tumble off the rocky point on which it rests.  Indeed, so scant is the space about the building that none is left for trees to shade the white house from the heat of the tropic sun.  But shade must be had to break the glare of the noonday.