The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1893-06-29
FRUITS OF The NORTHWEST.
A Comparison of the Fruits
of Three States.
An Opponent Admits OuI
Dangerous Excellence

The following from recent issue
of the Seattle Post t-Intelligencer is the
opinion. of a rival of Idaho fruit at
the Worlds Fair:
"Much adverse criticism has been
lavished upon the display of fruit
made by the state of Washington,
and in some respects it may be de-
served. On the whole, however, 1t
is to early in the season to prophesy.
Much of the criticism is the result of
feeling that Idaho is ahead in the
competition for prizes, and that
Washington is somewhat in the rear
of the procession. At the present
writing there is absolutely no grounds
for such a fear. Idaho has truly
made a magnificent exhibition. She
has, in fact, surprised every one, not
less from the character as the variety
of her fruits. 1t has been well chosen,
we'll packed, and the jars are con-
spicuous for their handsome appear
ance. The Washington section ad-
Joins that of Idaho. 1t is larger than
Idaho's, and more fruit has been
placed on exhibition than in either
Oregon or Idaho. Counting out
California with its oranges and lemons,
interest seems to be centered around
the states mentioned. Idaho people
are loudly Boosting that they are in
the lead in every line, and Colenel
Rabcock, of Arkansas, who judged
the fruit ten days after it was on the
tables, is considerably chagrined
over the inference that he has been
talking too freely. AS a matter of
fact opinion seems to be divided as
to which of the three states has the
best exhibit, In pears the "ldaho
pear" is variety which we have not,
but in Bartletts Washington seems to
be ahead as as regards to size and
flavor. In apples the Idaho folks
are making great boasts of Blue
Pearmains, but for variety and sweet
ness Washington and Oregon seem
to be both ahead of Idaho. Wash
ington strawberries are just now the
marvel of everybody not more fol
d their remarkable size as for theil
flavor. Oregon comes close in this
respect, and Idaho, while it has {
good exhibit, is not in anyway up tt
!. either. Peaches and watermelon!
are claimed by the Idaho people, bu
the Washington and Oregon officials
t, are quite confident of the success 0
. their respective exhibits. In grape
: also Washington is ahead of Idaho
while her prunes are certainly equa
to, if not superior. Idaho ha
twenty two different variets of apples
is and Oregon has something like thir
T. ty. In dried fruits if Idaho get
ahead of Washington at all it will b
on account of the higher altitude q
which the fruits are grown. 1t i
not at all likely, however, that Idah
will be first in the aggregate, and a
for Oregon, she will have grea
" deal to do to beat the Washingto
exhibit One reason for Oregon
= grand exhibit is the fact that the dis
play is the result of numerous count
and state fairs. Idano seems to hay
her whole fruit crop at the Fair
any fault can be found with th
Washington fruit exhibit, it must /
D on account of the greater neatnes
- displayed by other states, and til
greater care with which the fruit
have been selected. This, howeve
is no fault of the commissioners.
u is the fault of the growers. A gre'
cd competition will take place when I'll
ro spring fruits come in. A word
time will be of great value to Wasl
ington fruit growers. The World
. Fair is something more than a count
or state fair. States are in compel
q ton here, not counties. Only Il
very best should be selected, and IL
greatest care should be exercised
regard to getting it to the Fair
r. good condition. One thing that
ill noticeable in the Washington exhih
ird is the fact that the jars have not
ca many cases been properly liable
ner Everything has fruit lables, wheth
bo. it be peaches, potatoes, or peas,