Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 21, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 December 1899 — FOLIAGE RECALLS BISMARCK. [ARTICLE]

FOLIAGE RECALLS BISMARCK.

Branches of Trees Spell Name of German Statesman. Germany’s man of blood and iron is still remembered in the fatherland In many unique ways. Bismarck, it appears, has left his imprint upon Germany to the extent of controlling the shape of its apple trees. This isn’t the pleasantest thing in the world for young Kaiser Wilhelm to realize, particularly when the knowledge is forced upon him in so abrupt a manner as it was the other day at Geisenheim. The Kaiser was journeying to Alsace. On the way he stopped at Monrepos, Geisenheim, the greatest fruit nursery In Germany. The Emperor has rather a fancy for horticulture, and, indeed, includes it among his numberless special hobbies. His host was Baron Yon Lade, proprietor of the orchards. When the circuit of the orchards and gardens had been made Baron Von Lade said: 4 ‘Now r , I beg leave to show your majesty the finest grown fruit tree in the world.” The Kaiser amiably consented to look at the tree and found it an enormous growth trained to grow in the outlines of the eight letters of Bismarck’s name. This very Teutonic feat had been accomplished by planting four little trees close together and clipping and training them constantly. Next to this prize tree was one which Baron Lade called the “Bismarck cup.” It was ingeniously trained to the form of a communion cup. These wonders did not interest the Emperor as the Baron had anticipated. Indeed, the great man was obviously vexed. Then the Baron bethought himself. He turned to a tiny tree in the adjoining garden. “But here, your majesty,” he said, with unction, “Is a tree that will eclipse these and all others. 1 have called it ‘Wilhelm der Grosse.’ Your majesty can see that the letters are already partly formed.” After which the Kaiser went on bte way propitiated. t A soft heart and a hard head make