tL^ LIBRARY OF THE J863' DATE DUE 1 UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY SB 354 M?34 1891 TRANSACTIONS OF IBE Maine State Pomological Society, FOR THE YEAR 1891. Including the Proceedings of the Union Winter Meeting held in Smith & Warren's Hall, Cornish, February 17th and 18th, 1892, EDITED BY THE SECRETABT, D- H. KNOWLTON. AUGUSTA, MAINE: BURLEIGH & FLYNT, STATE PRINTERS. _LIBRARY_ \ u-iyERsifToF SI Come, let us plant the apple-tree ! Cleave the tough greensward with the spade; Wide let its hollow bed be made ; Then gently lay the roots, and then Sift the dark mould with tender care, And press it o'er them tenderly, As round the sleeping infant's feet We softly fold the cradle sheet. So plant we the apple-tree. — Bryant. CONTENTS. PAGE, Transactions FOR THE Ykar 1891-1892 3 Officers for 1892 9 Mkmbers of the Society 10 treaslfrer's report 13 Report OF Annual Exhibition 15 liist of Premiums Awarded 17 Business Transactions 25 Meetiii|^s of Exnciicive Commitu e 25 Public Meetings 26 Report of Fruit Committee 26 Committee on Rf'solutions 28 Division of Pomology, letter from 29 Papers, Discussions, etc., at Winter Meeting 31 Union Winter Meeting — Intro'Uictory 33 Programme 33 Address of Welcome, by Georj^e F. CiilFord 35 Response, by B. Walker MoKee 1 36 Annual address, by the President, Chas. S. I'ope 38 Report of Committee on President's Address 41 Our Labors and our Rewards in Frnit Culture, by J. W. True, 42 Our Kxtiibiiioiis, l>y D. H. Knowlton 47 Our Chosen Family, by Willis A. Luce 54 Pear Culture, by 8. H. Dawes (54 Experiments in Spraying, by Prof. W. M. Munson 71 Grape Growing, by H. W. Brown gg The Marketing of Apples, by Chas. E. Wheeler 88 Maine Apples in the English Marker, by Edward Peake 92 Fruit Growing in Maine compared with other Agricultural Industrie-, by L. F. Abbott 95 How to Keep the Boys on the Farm, by Pnjf. Elijah Cook ... 105 Condensed Fruit List ]12 Apples 112 Pears H;^ 2 CONTENTS. Condensed Frlit LiXSt— Concluded. page. Plums 115 Cherries 115 Strawberries US Raspberries 116 Blackberries 116 Currants 116 Gooseberries 11<5 Grapes 116 The Secretary's Portfolio 117 Window-Garden Department 1 iO A New Work in Maine 1"20 Children and Flowers 121 Directions, etc 122 Distribution of the Plants 125 Maine's Wild Flowers. '•••• 125 Approved Varieties of Strawberries 127 Sulphuring in Fruit Drying 129 Fertilizers for Fruits 131 Spare the Birds 131 Mildew in Gooseberry 132 Crystallizing Fruit 133 Appetizing Ways in which Apples may be Served 133 MAINE STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Transactions for the Year i«gi-g2. INTRODUCTORY. The present volume will give to the general public some idea of the work of this Society, though its true measure of usefulness can hardly be measured by the printed page or the spoken word. In the affairs of the Society the officers have aimed at the great needs of the State, and while the means would not permit of doing all these needs called for, the work has been effioieot and in many cases the results apparent. So varied are the conditions in different parts of the State, that it is exceedingly difficult lo make full recognitioa of them, but there has been an effort to give prominence to common truths in fruit cul- ture, A careful study of all the conditions essential to fruit culture has convinced the officers of the Society that fruit culture in the State may be made a leading industry with profit to the grower. It is to be regretted that so few grasp the possibilities of fruit culture in the State. It may be due to the great conservatism of those engaged in rural pursuits, that better culture and improved methods are not more generally employed. By the use of these there are thousands of acres in Maine, that now barely pay more than the taxes that could be converted into a profitable fruit growing industry. Fruit cul- ture as the leading business of the farmer is not a popular idea in Maine, and sometimes as one beholds the neglected orchards it is astonishing to note that, in many cases, even these for the labors expended prove to be the most profitable parts of the farm. To us the fact is suggestive of the grand results possible to those who devote themselves to fruit growing as a leading industry. With this in view it has been the aim of the Society to give special prominence 4 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. to fruit growing as a business, which will yield sure returns for labor and capital. The financial affairs of the Society are in good condition. It has been the effort of the officers to make a strict application of the life membership fees to the benefit of the permanent fund. So far as the Society has a debt it is represented by the deficiency in this fund. The founders of the Society intended to make this fund a source of revenue to the Socieiy, and it is believed that the same fostering care in future will bring the fund up to the amount required under our by laws. There has been an effort to administer all the affairs of the Society with economy, and with this in view the expenditures have been kept within its income. The executive committee have been called together only when absolutely necessary, and at the meetings of the committee the business of the Society has been given careful attention. The institute work conducted under the Secretary of the Board of Agriculture has shown the wisdom of the Legislature in granting a larger appropriation for this purpose. Speakers representing our Society and the interests of fruit culture have been fully recognized in the programmes, and so far as the secretary is able to report they have faithfully served the interests iutrusted to them. As this insti- tute fund is to be used in the interest of agriculture it seems entireb; proper that fruit growing should be given a place in the work com- mensurate with its importance. A large number of fruit trees were set in 1891, but they were mostly in small lots upon farms where fruit growing is one of the sources from which the farmer has products to sell. There is also abundant evidence of wide-spread interest in fruit culture from all parts of the State, but there are very few who make it the leading industry of the farm. These fruit growers, by the way, are among the most successful farmers, and as they find that orcharding pays better than general farming are enlarging their business and aiming at the production of more and better fruit. This, we believe, is true that those who have produced the best fruit, and the most intelli- gently overcome the difficulties, have received the most profit from their labors. As the area of fruit production in the country increases year by year we must not expect very high prices, for not alone do we compete with apples grown from Maine to California, but there are oranges, bananas, grapes and other fruits that are selling so eneaply it is not strange that people buy them for dessert in place STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETT. 5 of the inferior apples displayed beside them. So that it may be better to protect the trees we now have, give them high culture, destroy the insects and fungi that injure the fruit, grow better fruit and sell it for higher prices. The apple crop was hardly an average in quantity in 1891, but the quality was inferior in const quence of the coddling worm and other pests. Less than fifty per cent of the fruit was No. 1. So Large was the crop in other parts of the country that a foreign market was sought. It is a source of regret that packers have been care- less and in many instances the price has been low. Maine shippers generally, we think, have made money the past season though on the last shipments made in February and March, 1892, there were considerable losses. But the unfortunate thing about the whole matter is to be found in the fact that our Canadian neighbors, Just over the line, have won a better reputation for apples than Maine. Our investigations lead us to conclude that the cause is chiefly in the inferior quality of the apples shipped from the State. By this we mean that it is unwise and in the end unprofitable to send to a dis- tant market anything but the best fruits carefully packed. One of the largest buyers in Maine said to the writer, '•There are only two farmers in this part of the State who know how to pack their fruit. If all would pack as well as they, Maine fruit would lead in the markets of Europe." At the first meeting of the World's Fair Managers held in Augusta in May, 1891, three members of < the executive committee were present, and by courtesy of the Board presented for their considera- tion the interests of Maine fruit growers in connection with the Fair. They urged the Board to make an appropriation of $2,000 for the purpose, and that the exhibition of Maine fruits should be entrusted to the Maine State Pomological Society. Again at a later meeting the executive committee was represented by President Pope, and by correspondence the committee have been in communication with the managers. The executive officers have urged at all times early action, and they believe that the organized fruit industries of the State are entitled to all they ask in their behalf. The officers of the Society have not deemed it advisable to appear at other meetings of the managers, as the funds are necessarily applied to other pur- poses. The latest information at this writing (April 1, 1892) is that the committee on fruits have unanimously recommended that $2,000 be set apart for the fruit exhibition and here the matter rests. 6 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETT. Should other action be necessary on the part of the Society, the executive committee will endeavor to secure what justly and honestly belongs to the fruit growing industry of the State. Under date of December 16, 1891, the following letter was received from the World's Columbian Commission : Mr. D. H. Knowlton, Farmington, Me. : Dear Si7': As the available space for exhibits in the horticultural building, and the grounds assigned to the department of horticulture, is being rapidly taken, by intending exhibitors in this and foreign countries, let me urge upon you the necessity of immediately apply- ing for the space needed for your State. States that are tardy in making application will have only them- selves to blame if they do not secure all the space to which 'he Board or the State Horticultural Society thinks they are entitled. I would respectfully direct your attention to the following rule adopted by the Board of Reference and Control, and the Board of Directors of the World's Columbian Exposition, for the establish- ment and maintenance of separate state exhibits : "All exhibits intended to be competitive and within the jurisdic- tion of juries or committees authorized to award prizes, must be located in some one of the general Exposition buildings, and be grouped according to the official classification, except such exhibits as can only be properly and advantageously displayed in the grounds ; pro- vided, however, that this exception shall onlj' operate in those cases where, in the judgment of the director-general, he shall deem it expedient to grant the exprtss permission." Inclosed please find application blanks. Note well each rule. It is my earnest desire that your state make a grand horticultural dis- plav. Very respectfully, J. M. Samuels, Chief, Dep't of Hurt i culture. In response to this communication we could only sa^' that our Society hoped the fruit interests of the State would be provided for under the Maine Board of Managers. That we had reason to expect that a good exhibition would be made under their direction. Mr. Van Deman, Pomologistof the Agricultural Department, since his visit to Maine in 1890, has been earnest in his efforts to have Maine make a good exhibit of fruit at the World's Fair. As indica- tive of this interest we publish the letter following : U. S. Dkpartment of Agriculture, Division of Pomology, Washington, D. C, Feb. 23, 1892. Mr. D. H. Knowlton, Secretary of State Pomological Society, Farmington, Maine. Dear Sir: Many of the states are already active in their move- ments as to preparing for the great fruit show at the Columbian STATE POMOLOGICA.L SOCIETY. 7 Exposition and I trust that Maine is doing the same. Not having any definite information as to this, I write to find out the real status of the case. I remember having had two conversations with Gov- ernor Burleigh in regard to this matter more than a year ago and he seemed very anxious that the fruit exhibit should be in the hands of your Society and that it should be well supported financially. He asked me how much money it would take and I told him tben that two thousand dollars would be a small figure, but that possibly 3'ou could make some kind of a show with that amount, but I think you ought to have twice that much. Having had coi?siderable experience in making large fruit shows and contending with other states than my own, I know something of the requirements and hope that those who have the control of the funds will be liberal with the fruit growers of Maine. You have a good State for growing many kinds of fruits and it would be a great advantage to have them shown up in good style so that all who see and hear of this show will be assured that Maine can produce some- thing else than pine trees and icicles. If I can do anything to help on the good cause of Pomology in that corner of our country let me know. Very truly, H. E. Van Deman, Pomologht. This communication with other matter upon the subject was for- warded to Hon. Henry Ingalls, chairman of the fruit committee of the World's Fair Board of Managers, with a request to submit to the board at the proper time. During our winter meeting in Cornish, the following communica- tion was received : Mr. D. H. Knovti.ton, Secretary State Pomological Society, Cornish, Maine. Dear Sir : I have your programme of the meeting this week and wish you would remember me to the members. No doubt you will have a good meeting. One thing w^e greatly need at this office from your State, namely : About five good specimens of the svaudard varieties of tlie apple and pear from which to make models for the Columbian Exposition. Colonel Brackett of Iowa is now engaged in such wotk and we want to have your State represented in the collection and as yet we have almost nothing from there. Can you not make it a point at the meeting to pack a box with characteristic specimens and send them here by express at our cost f^r carriage? Next summer and fall we would like the same thing to be done with other varieties. Very truly, H. E. Van Deman, Povwlogid. In response to this call the executive committee sent specimens of the following varieties of apples : Tompkins King, Northern Spy, Mother, Ben Davis, Yellow Bellflower, Nodhead, Baldwin, Pound 8 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Sweet, R. I. Greening, Starkey, Fall Pippin, Hubbardston Nonsuch, N. Y. Pippin, Munson Sweet, Baker Sweet, Bailey Sweet, Talman Sweet, Calif Sweet, Sweet Baldwin, Boardman, Fameuse, Roxbury Russet, Lord Russet, Twenty Ounce and several seedlings. The following extracts from letters received from Mr. Van Deman show that the fruit reached its destination in safety. "Your letter ot the 19th February is just received and I trust the apples will arrive soon. We will try to make models which shall be characteristic, but if the specimens are badly bruised this will be hard to do, as the molds will take the slightest impression. Next fall I want to be sure to have good specimens from your State. I want Nodhead and all of the standard varieties so that Maine may not be left behind and especially in those varieties which succeed the best." "They will be used in making models as we are now getting ready for the Columbian Exposition." D. H. K. OFFICERS FOR 1892, President. :.. CHARLES S. POPE, Manchester. Vice Presidents. S. H. DAWES, Harrison. D. P. TRUE, Leeds Centre. Secretary. D. H. KNOWLTOlsr, Farmington. Treasurer. A. S. RICKER, Turner. Executive Committee. The President and Secretary, ex officio : H. W. Brown, Newburg ; A. E. Andrews, Gardiner ; J. W. True, New Gloucester. Trustees. Androscoggin County, I. T. "Waterman, East Auburn. Aroostooli " J. W. Dudley. Castle Hill. Cumberland " S. R. Sweetser, Cumberland Centre. Franklin " M. C. Hobbs, West Farmington. Hancock " F. H. Moses, Bucksport. Kennebec " E. A. Lapham, Pittston. Knox " Elmas Hoffses, Warren. Lincoln " H. J. A. Simmons, Waldoboro', Oxford " C. H. George, Hebron. Penobscot " C. A. Arnold, Arnold. Piscataquis " H. L. Leland, East Sangerville. Sagadahoc " A. P. Ring, Richmond. Somerset " James S. Hoxie, North Fairfield. Waldo " D. B. Johnson, Freedom. Washington " L. S. Allen, Dennysville. York " B. F. Pease, Cornish. Member of Experiment Station CoiinciL D. H. Knowlton, Farmington. Committee on Nomenclature. 1. A. Zilbert, North Greene; D. P. True, Leeds Centre; C. M. Weston, Belgrade. Committee on Neio Fruits. D. H. Knowlton, Farmington; L. H. Blossom, Turner; J. W. True, New Gloucester. MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY. Note. — Any errors or changes of residence should be promptly reported to the Sec- retary- Members will also confer a favor by furnishing the Secretary with their full Christian names where initials only are given. LIFE MEMBERS. Andrews, A. Emery Gardiner Andrews, Charles E. Auburn *Atherton, H. N Hallowell Atherton, Wm P Hallowell Atkins, Charles G Bucksport Atwood, Fred Winterport Averill, David C. Temple Bennoob, John E Orono Boardman, Samuel L Augusta Briggs, D. J South Turner Briggj!, John Turner Burr, John Freeport Butler, Alonzo Union Carter, Otis L. Etna Chase, Henry M North Yarmouth Chase, Martin V. B Augusta *Clark, Eliphalet Portland Cole, Horatio G Boston, Mass Crafts, Moses Auburn *Crosby, Wiiliam C Bangor Dana, Woodbury S Portland Dawes, S. H Harrison DeRocher, Peter Bradentown, Fla Dirwanger, Joseph A Portland Dunham, W. W North Paris Dyer, Milton Cape Elizabeth * Emerson, A Ibert Bangor Emerson, Charles L South Turner Farnsworth, B. B Portland Frost, Ofcar P Monmouth *Qardiner, Robert H Gardiner Gardiner, Robert H Boston, Mass George, C H Hebron Gilbert, Z A North Greene *Qodfery, John E Bangor Gurney, Lemuel Hebron Hackott. E C West Gloucester Hanscom, John Saco Harlow, S C Bangor ♦Harris, N. C Auburn Harris, N W Auburn Harris, William M Auburn Harvey, F. L Orono *Hersey, T. 0 Portland Hobbs, M. Curtis West Farmington Hoffses, Elmas Warren Hoxie, James S North Fairfield Hoyt, Mrs. Francis Winthrop Ingalls, Henry Wiscassot Jackson. F. A Winthrop * Je wett, George ... Portland Johnson, Isaac A Aubarn Jordan, Francis C Brunswick Kenniston, E. H Arnold Knowlton, D. H Farming ton Lapbam, E. A Pittston Lombard, Thurston M Auburn Low, Elijah Bangor *Low, S. R Bangor McL^iughliu, Henry Bangor Merrill, T. M West Gloucester *.Metcalf, xVI. J Monmouth Moody, Charles U Turner Moore, William G Monmouth * Deceased. STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 11 LIFE MEMBERS— Concluded. Moor. F. A Waterville Morton, J. A Bethel Morton, William E Portland. *N oyes, Albert Bangor Perlej, Chas. I.. . .Seward's (Vassalboro') Pope, Chas. S Manchester Pulsifer, D W Pohnd Purington, E. F West Farmington *Kichards, F. G Gardiner Bichards, John T Gardiner ♦Richardson, J. M Gardiner Rieker, A. S Turner Roak. Georgo M Auburn RobinaoD, Henry A Foxcrof t Rolfe, Samuel Portland Sawy r, Andrew S Cape Elizabeth Sawyer, George B Wiscasset *Shaw, Stillman W West Auburn Simmons, II J . A Waldoboro' *Smith, Alfred MoDinouth Smith. Henry S Monmouth Starrett, L. F Warren Stetson, Henry Auburn *Stetsou, Isaiah Bangor Stilphen, Asbury C Gardiner Stanley, Charles Winthrop Stanley, 0 B Winthrop Staples, G. K Temple Strout, S. F West F.ilmouth Strattard, Mrs. A. B .... Monroe Sweefser, S. R Cumberland Center * Taylor, Joseph Belgrade Taylor, Miss L. L.. . (Lakeside) Belgrade Thomas, William W., Jr Portland Tilton, Williams Boston, Mass True, Davis P Leeds Center True, John W Now Gloucester Varney , James A The Dalles, Oregon Vickery, James Portland Vickery, John Auburn Wado, Patrick Portland Walker, Charles S Peru Waterman, Willard H Eist Auburn *VVe3ton, James C Bangor Wharflf, Charles S Gardiner Whitney, Edward K Harrison Woodard, Mrs. S. M Gardiner Woodman, George W Portland ANNUAL MEMBERS, 1891. Allen, W. H Augusta Leech, H. T East Monmouth Arnold, C. A Arnold Lemont, J. M Wesl Bath Ballentine, Walter Orono Manning, C. H Lfwislon Bartlett, B. W ... East Dismont Merritt, E. W Houlion Bartlctt, M. E East Dixmont Merrow, J. H South Smith field Chandler, Lucy A Free port Munson, W. M Orono Cook, Elijah Manchester Nelson, 0 C ..Upper Giducester Coombfe. Philip Bangor Nutting, James E;ist Perham Crosby, Mary G Bangor Perkins, L. J Portland Dunning, Mrs. ./ames Bangor Ridley, B H Jay Dunton, John Lo wist on Ring, A. P Kicbmond Dudley, A. M Mapleton Swain, R E We.st Leeds Fairfield, F. S Orono, Ont. Townseud, Mrs. B. T Frceport Fuller, H. W Readfield True, J. W New Gloucester Grant, Mrs. '.ienson Lewiston Watermin, Mrs Elbert East Auburn G rover, Mrs. F. D Bean's Corner Weston, C M ... Belgrade Hawkins, M. P Auburn Wharff, W. R Gardiner Judkins, C. E A uburn Wheeler, Charles E ChestervilU Knight, Lizzie M Portland Wheeler, Joseph B Curiuth * Deceased. STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. ANNUAL MEMBERS, 1892. Abbott, L. P...... Lewiston Larrabee, P. P . . Allen, W, H ..t Augusta Munson, W. M. . Brown, Henry W Newburg Plaisted, R. C. . Cook, Elijah .....Manchester Small, John C... Harlow, F. L„ Turner North Sebago Orono Gardiner .. ....Cornish ANNUAL MEMBER, 1893. Allen, W. H... Augusta Annual Statement of the Maine State Pomological Society for the Year Ending Dec. 31, 1891. RECEIPTS. Cash reeeired State Treasurer, bount j for 1890 $500 00 Agricultural Society "• 500 00 Manufacturers' National Bank note 250 00 life nnembers 20 00 annual members 40 00 dividend VViscasset Savings Bank 2 30 Farmington Bank Stock 12 00 Balance due Treasurer Dec. 31, 1891 3 57 EXPENDITURES. Cash paid Secretary's salary, 1891 $125 00 clerk 9 90 expenses 85 72 premiums 562 00 Enowlton, McLeary & Co , printing 20 47 C. S. Pope 37 60 A.E.Andrews 22 60 A.E.Andrews 4 35 J. W. True 20 00 11. W. Brown 13 35 A. S. Ricker 10 23 Miss C. L Pope 5 00 W. H. Allen 2 85 Mrs. C. D. Waterman 1 00 Hall A Knight 93 R. C. Pingree & Co 1 30 E.W.Wood 2825 C. F. Packard 12 75 C. H. George 6 00 F. R. Partridge 14 80 Lewiston Journal 2 25 Smith A Reid 7 87 Wiscasset Savings Bank in favor of Permanent Fund 72 30 Manufacturers' National Bank note 250 00 discount '«"'^«^«- Cornish, February 17, 1892, Maine State Pomological Society. Report of the Nineteenth Annual Exhibition Held in Lewiston, September 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, 1891. In accordance with recent custom the Society again joined with the Maine State Agricultural Society in holding a consolidated fair in Lewiston on the State Fair Grounds, September 7-11, 1891. There have been larger displays of fruit, but the care of the exhibitors in selecting specimens for exhibition and arranging them upon the tables made the fair one of the most attractive to visitors. The time was a little early to show fruit to the best advantage, but there was a profusion of flowers which were so arranged as to relieve the sameness of continuous fruit displa3's. The work of the committees was done promptly and with general satisfaction. So far as the officers know every one having aught to do with the pomo- logical exhibition was well pleased. Four counties — York, Washington, Piscataquis and Hancock — were not represented in the fruit exhibitions. Much regret was expressed in consequence, especially as the fruit shown from York county at our winter meeting was of excellent quality. We hope these counties may be represented at future exhibitions. The efforts of the Society to enforce its rules relative to the number of specimens of the ditferent varieties meet with the approval of exhibitors. It was a pleasure to have among our exhibitors, Mr. Elijah Low of Bangor, one of the oldest members of the Society. His exhibi- tion of plums was one of the best ever shown at our exhibition. It is a pleasure to state that he also won honors in Massachusetts, receiving from the Massachusetts Horticultural Society a silver medal for best collection of plums. To those interested in plum culture we commend his paper on the subject published in last year's transactions. 16 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. The exhibition of flowers was very large, and the taste shown by exhibitors in arranging and caring for them deserves special mention. Of open-air flowers the display was especially large and fine. The officers of the Society are under special obligation to Mr. E. W. Wood of West Newton, Mass., and W, H. Allen for valuable assistance in examining exhibits and awarding premiums. The officers of the Society also desire to express their appreciation of the courteous relations existing between them and the trustees of the Maine State Agricultural Society, . List of Premiums Awarded at the Nineteenth Annual Exhibition, 1891. APPLES— General Collections. Best general exhibition of apples grown by the exhibitor in any part of the State: S. H. Dawes, Harrison, $15; J. S. Hoxie, North Fairfield, $10. COUNTY EXHIBITIONS. Best general exhibition of apples grown by the exhibitor in Androscoggin county : D. J. Briggs, South Turner, $8 ; John Dun- ton, Lewiston, $6. For same in Aroostook county : James Nutting, Perham, $8 ; Allen M. Dudley, Mapleton, S6. For same in Cumberland count}' : S. R. Sweetser, Cumberland Center, $8. For same in Franklin county : B. H. Ridley, Jay, $8 ; E. F. PuringtoD, West Farmington, S6. For same in Kennebec county : E. A. Lapham, Pittston, $8 ; W. R. Wharff, Gardiner, $6. For same in Knox county : Alonzo Butler, Union, $8. For same in Oxford county : C. H. George, Hebron, $8 ; Lemuel Gurney, Hebron, $6. For same in Penobscot county: E. H. Kenniston, Arnold, $8; C. A. Arnold, Arnold, $6. For same in Sagadahoc county: A. P Ring, Richmond, $8 ; J. M. Lemont, West Bath, 86. For same in Somerset county : J. H. Merrow, South Smithfield, $8. For same in Waldo county : M. E. Bartlett, East Dixmont, $8 ; B. W. Bartlett, East Dixmont, $6. 18 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. For best collection crab apples : J. S. Hoxie, $1 ; E. H. Kennis- ton, Arnold, 50c. SPECIAL PREMIUMS. For best dish of Baldwins, Gravensteins, Northern Spy, Rhode Island Greenings, Roxbury Russets, Tompkins King, consisting of twelve specimens each. Baldwins : G. K. Staples, Temple, $o ; S. H. Dawes, $3. Gravensteins: S. H. Dawes, S3 ; D. J. Briggs, $2. Northern Spy: S. H. Dawes, $3 ; S. R. Sweetser, $2. R. I. Greenings : E. H. Kenniston, $5 ; S. R. Sweetser, $1.50 ; Lemuel Gurney, $1.50. Roxbury Russets : Lemuel Gurney, S3 ; H. T. Leech, East Monmouth, $2. Tompkins King : S. H. Dawes, $3 ; C. I. Perley, Cross Hill, $2. SINGLE VARIETIES. Alexander- W. R. Wharff, $1 ; C. M. Weston, Belgrade, 50c. American^ Golden Russet: C. I. Perley, SI ; Hall & Wheeler, Chesterville, 50c. Ben Davis : S. R. Sweetser, $1 ; C. I. Perley, 50c. Deane : J. S. Hoxie, $1 ; A. C. Day, South Turner, 50c. Duchess of Oldenburg : S. H. Dawes, $1 ; J. S. Hoxie, 50c. Early Harvest: B. H. Ridley, $1 ; E. F. Purington, 50c. Fallawater: . C. I. Perley, $1 ; C A. Arnold, 50c. Fall Harvey : B. H. Ridley, $1 ; Hall & Wheeler, 50c. Fameuse: f S. H. Dawes, SI ; B. H. Ridley, 50c. Garden Royal : D. C. Averill, Temple, $1 ; C. I. Perley, 50c. Hubbardston Nonsuch : S. H. Dawes, $1 ; T. M. Lombard, Auburn, 50c. Jewett's Fine Red : S. H. Dawes, Si ; A. R. King, No. Mon- mouth, 50c. King Sweeting: C. J. Perley, $1 ; E. F. Purington, 50c. Large Yellow Bough: S. H. Dawes, $1 ; Alonzo Butler, 50c. Mcintosh Red: S. R. Sweetser, SI; H. G. Fairbanks, North Monmouth, 50c. Milding: C. I. Perley, $1. Mother: W. R. Wharff, SI ; S. R. Sweetser, 50c. Munson Sweet: B. H. Ridley, $1 ; S. R. Sweetser, 50c. Peck's Pleasant : J. S. Hoxie, SI ; A. E. Andrews, Gardiner, 50c. STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 19 Pomme Royal: C. H. George, $1. Porter: Hall & Wheeler, $1 ; S. H. Dawes, 5Uc. Pound Sweet: S. H. Dawes, $1 ; C. I. Perley, 50c. President: I. T. Waterman & Sons, East Auburn, Si. Primate : S. H. Dawes, $1 ; E. F. Purington, 50c. Pumpkin Sweet: E. F. Purington, 81 ; S. H. Dawes, 50c. Red Astrachan : S. R. Sweetser, $1 ; A. P. Ring, 50c. Red Canada: H. G. Fairbanks, $1 ; C. A. Arnold, oOc. Rolfe : S. R. Sweetser, $1. Russell : E. F. Purington, fl ; D. C. Averill, 50c. Somerset: H. G. Fairbanks, $1 ; S. R. Sweetser, 50c. Starkey: C. I. Perley, $1. Talman's Sweet: E. H. Kenniston, 81 ; Hall & Wheeler, 50c. Tetofsky: J. S. Hoxie, $1 ; E. F. Purington, oOa. Wagener: Hall & Wheeler, $1 ; S. H. Dawes, 50c. Wealthy : T. M. Loiibard, $1 ; S. R. Sweetser, 50c. William's Favoriie : S. H Dawes, §1 ; C. I. Pdrley, 50j. Winthrop Greeniug ; A. P. Ring, 81 ; H. G. Fairbanks, 50c. Yellow Bellflower: E. A. Lapham, $1 ; A. E. Andrews, 50c. Yl How Transparent : E. F. Purington, SI- PEARS— General Exhibitions. S. H. Dawes, 810; L. J. Perkins, Portland, $S ; C. M. Weston, $5. SINGLE VARIETIES. Clapp's Favorite: A. S. Ricker, Turner, 83 ; S. H. Dawes, 82. Bartlett: S. H. Dawes, S3 ; A S. Ricker, 82. Belle Lucrative: Alonzo Butler, 81 ; C. I. Perle}', 50c. Beurre d'Anjou : H. T. Leech, 81 ; S. H. Dawes, 50c. r Beurre Superfin : D. P. True, Leeds Center, $1 ; S. H. Dawes, 50c. Beurre Clarigeau : CM. Weston, 50c. Buffum : D. P. True, 81 ; C. I. Perley, 5ac. Doyenne Boussock : S. H. Dawes, 81 ; H. T. Leech, 50c. Duchess d'Angouleme : S. H. Dawes, $1. Eastern Belle : J. S. Hoxie, $1. Fulton : L J. Perkins, $1. Glout Morceau: C. I. Perley, $1. 20 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Goodale: S. H. Dawes, $1 ; C. M. Weston, 50c. Howell: S. H. Dawes, $1 ; J. S. Hoxie, 50c. Lawrence : 8. H. Dawes, Si ; John Dunton, 50c Louise Bonne de Jersey : S. H. Dawes, SI ; C. H. George, 50c. Nickerson: C. M. Weston, SI. Seckel : D. P. True, $1 ; S. H. Dawes, 50c. Sheldon : S. H. Dawes. SI ; C. M. Weston, 50c. Souvenir du Congress: L. H. Blossom, Turner Center, $1. Urbaniste : William Stuart, Lewiston, 50c. GRAPES— General Exhibitions. For best collection of air-grown grapes : S. H. Dawes, $3. SINGLE VARIETIES. Black Hamburg: C. H. Manning, Lewiston, SI. Golden Hamburg: C. H. Manning, $1. Sweet Water: C. H. Manning, $1. Royal Hamburg: C. H. Manning, SI. PLUMS— General Exhibition. Elijah Low, Bangor, S6 ; S. H. Dawes, $4. SINGLE VARIETIES. * Bavay's Green Gage: E. F. Purington, SI. Bradshaw : E. F. Purington, $1 ; Elijah Low, 50c. Green Gage: C. A. Arnold, $1 ; D. H. Knowlton, Farmington, 50c. Prince's Imperial Gage : T. M. Lombard, $1 ; D. P. True, 50c. General Hand : Lemuel Gurney, SI. Guii: John Dunton, SI ; E. F Purington, 50c. Jefferson : Elijah Low, $1. Lawrence: Elijah Low, $1. Lombard: Elijah Low, Si ; C. H. George, 50c. Magnum Bonum : Elijah Low, Si. McLaughlin : Elijah Low, $1 ; Mrs. James Dunning, Bangor, 50c. Moore's Arctic: Mrs. James Dunning, $1 ; Elijah Low, 50c. STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 21 Niagara: John Dunton, SI. Penobscot: Elijah Low, $1. Washington : Elijah Low, SI ; E. F. Parington, 50c. Yellow Egg: Lemuel Gurney, SI. MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES— Canned Fruit, Preserves, etc. For most artistic displa}- of fruits and tlowers : Alonzo Butler, $4. Best dish of peaches : S. H. Dawes, $2. Abyssinian banana: R. E Swain, West Leeds, $2. Collection canned fruits, etc. : Mrs. Benson Grant, Lewiston, $8; Mrs. Herman Corbett, Farmington, $5. Collection apple jellies : Mrs. Benson Grant, S2 ; Mrs. F. D. Grover, Bean's Corner, $1. Canned blackberries : Mrs. E. F. Puringtou, West Farmington, 50c. ; Marcia Rose, North Greene, 25c. Canned blueberries: D. C. Averill, 50c. ; Miss Annie E. True, South Turner, 25c. Canned cherries: Mrs. E. F. Purington, 50c.; Mrs. Elbert Waterman, East Auburn, 25c. Canned gooseberries : Mrs. Herman Corbett, 50c ; Mrs. Francis Hoyt, Winthrop, 25c. Canned peaches : Mrs. J. B. Hunton, Auburn, 50c. ; Mrs. Elbert Watermap, 25c. Canned pears: Mrs. J. B. Hunton, 50c. ; Mrs. C. E. Judkins, Auburn, 25c. Canned plums : Mrs. Francis Hoyt, 50c. ; Mrs. Elbert Water- man, 25c. Canned quinces : Mrs. Benson Grant, 50c. ; Mrs. Francis Hoyt, 25c. Canned raspberries : Mrs. E. F. Purington, 50c. ; Mrs. Elbert Waterman, 25c. Canned strawberries : Marcia Rose, 50c. ; Mrs. Francis Hoyt, 25c. Canned tomatoes : Mrs. Francis Hoyt, 50c. ; Mrs. Elbert Waterman, 25c. Preserved apples: Marcia Rose, 50c. ; D. C. Averill, 25c Preserved currants : Miss E. B. Butler, Union, 50c. ; Mrs. Her- man Corbett, 25c. 22 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Preserved cherries : Mrs. Herman Corbett, 50c.; Mrs. Francis Hoyt, 25c. ; Preserved pears : Mrs. D. S. Thomas, North Auburn, 50c ; Mrs. Herman Corbett, 25c. Preserved plums : Mrs. Francis Hoyt, 50c. ; Mrs. ^Elbert Waterman, 25c. Preserved quinces : Mrs. Francis Hoyt, 50c. Preserved raspberries : Mrs. Herman Corbett, 50c. ; Mrs. [Elbert Water man, 25c. Preserved strawberries : Miss E. B. Butler, 50c. ; Mrs. Herman Corbett, 25c. Assorted pickles : Mable K. Grover, Bean's Corner, 50c. ; Mrs. Benson Grant, 25c. Tomato catsup: Mrs. Francis Hoyt, 50c. ; Mrs. C. E. Judkins, 25c. Apple jelly : Miss E. B. Butler, 50c. ; Mrs. D. S. Thomas, 25c. Currant jelly : Mrs. Benson Grant, 50c. ; Mrs. Elbert Water- man, 25c. Grape jelly : Mrs. Francis Hoyt, 25c. Quince jelly : Mrs. Francis Hoyt, 50c. ; Mrs. Benson Grant, 25c. Raspberry jelly : Mrs. F. D. Grover, 50c. ; Mrs. Elbert Water- man, 25c. Rhubarb jelly : Mrs. Benson Grant, 50c. ; Mrs. Elbert Waterman, 25c. Strawberry jelly : Mrs. Francis Hoyt, 50c. ; Mrs. Elbert Water- man, 25c. Maple syrup: C. H. George, 50c.; W. B. Fletcher & Son, Stark, 25c. CUT FLOWERS. Best display cut flowers : Charles S. Walker, Peru, $10; Mrs. Charles Stanley, Winthrop, $8 ; Mrs. B. T. Townsend, Freeport, $5 ; Mrs. A. B. Strattard, Monroe, $3. Exhibition of roses : W. E. Morton & Co. of Portland, |5 ; John Burr, Freeport, $3. Dahlias: Mrs. Chas. Stanley, $2; Mrs. B. T. Townsend, SI. Chinese pinks : Charles S. Walker, SI ; Mrs. B. T. Townsend, 50c. Carnations : Mrs. Lucy A. Chandler, Freeport, $2 ; W. E. Morton «fe Co., $1. STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 23 Lilies : Charles S. Walker, $2 ; Mrs. Charles Stanley, $1. Asters : Charles S. Walker, $1 ; Mrs. Lucy A. Chandler, 50c. Pansies : Mrs. H. W. Fuller, Readfield, ^1 ; Charles S. Walker, 50c. Zinnias: Mrs. Charles Stanley, $1 ; Mrs. Francis Hoyt, 50c. Phlox Drummondii : Mrs. Elbert Waterman, $1 ; Mrs. Charles Stanley, 50c. Balsams: Mrs. Elbert Waterman, $1 ; E. C. Pope, Manchester, 50c. Petunias: Mrs. Elbert Waterman, SI; Mrs. D. H. Knowlton, Farmington, 50c. Gladioli: Charles S. Walker, $2; Mrs. Lucy A. Chandler, Si. Verbenas : Mrs. H. W. Fuller, S2 ; Mrs. Francis Hoyt, $1. Calendulas • Mrs. Charles Stanley-, 50c. Nasturtiums: E. C. Pope, Si ; Mrs. Elbert Waterman, 50c. Vase of cut flowers (amateur) : Mrs. D. H. Knowlton, $3 ; Mrs. H. W. Fuller, §2 , Mrs. Francis Hoyt, $1. Best twelve button-hole bouquets : John Burr, $2. Floral design (professional; : John Burr, S8. Floral design (amateur): Miss Lizzie Knight, 617^Congress St., Portland, $5 ; Mrs. Lizzie M. Walker, Peru, S3. Floral wreath: W. E. Morton & Co., $2 ; Lucy B. Burr, Free- port, $1. Floral dinner table decoration : Mrs. H. W. Fuller, $2 ; W. E. Morton & Co., SI. Dish of cut flowers : W. E. Morton & Co., $2. Basket of cut flowers: W. E. Morton & Co., S2 ; Mrs. D. H. Knowlton, $1. Artistic exhibition of dried grasses : Mrs. Charles Stanley, S2. Artistic exhibition of everlasting flowers : Mrs. Charles Stanley, $1 ; Mrs. H. W. Fuller, 50c. GREENHOUSE AND POT PLANTS. Exhibition greenhouse plants : John Burr, $15 ; Charles S. Walker, SlO. Pot plants : Mrs. Lucy A. Chandler, $10 ; Mrs. Anthony Cum- mings. Auburn, $8. Ferns : John Burr, $3. Geraniums : John Burr, $2. 24 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Begonias: John Burr, $2. Coleus : Charles S. Walker, $2 ; John Burr, $1. Dracaena : John Burr, 50c. Double Geranium : John Burr, 50c. Single Geranium : John Burr. 50c. Salvia Splendens : John Burr, 50e. Foliage Begonia : John Burr, 50c. Flowering Begonia: John Burr, 50c.; Mrs. Charles Stanley, 25c. Coleus : Charles S. Walker, 50c. ; John Burr, 25c. Fuchsia: John Burr, 50c. Carnation : John Burr, 50c. Single pot plant : Charles S. Walker, $1 ; Mrs. Lucy A. Chandler, 50c. Wardian Case : Charles S. Walker, $1. SPECIAL PREMIUMS. Floral design arranged by boy or girl under fifteen : Lucy B. Burr, $3 ; lola Agnes Walker, Peru, $2. Cut wild flowers : Mrs. C. E. Waterman, East Auburn, $3. Pressed wild flowers: John G. West, Lewiston, $1. Summary. Apples S254 00 Pears 56 50 Grapes 7 00 Plums 30 00 Canned fruits, etc 45 00 Flowers 169 50 8562 00 Business Transactions. MEETINGS OF EXKCUTIVE COMMITTEE. Maroh 12, 1891. The committee met at Leeds Junction for the revision of the premium list for 1891. It was voted to accept an invitation of the trustees of the Maine State Agricultural Society to hold the next annual exhibition of the Societj' in connection with the exhibition of that 83ciety in Lewis- ton, September 7-11, 1891. In reply to the above the Secretary received the following letter from the secretary of that society under date of May 16, 1891 : Mr. D. H. Knowlton, Secretary^ Maine State Pomological Societg, F'armington. My Dear Sir : — It gives me pleasure to report that, at the meet- ing of the trustees of the State Agricultural Society, held in Lewiston, Monday, May 11th, it was unanimoush' voted to extend an invita- tion to the Slate Pomological Society to hold a joint exhibiton on the Fair Grounds, Lewiston, September 7-11, inclusive, upon the same conditions as in 1890. Very respectfully, Gr. M. Twitchell, Secrttary. May 27th, Messrs. Pope, Andrews and the Secretary appeared before the Board of Managers of the World's Fair held in Augusta, and presented to the Board the interests of Maine fruit growing, and urged upon the committee the importance of giving the industr}- a conspicuous place in our Maine exhibition. October 28th, the committee met at Augusta in the rooms of Secretary of the Board of Agriculture. The accounts of the Society were audited and the treasurer was authorized and directed to make a temporary loan not exceeding three hundred and fifty dollars to meet the current bills of the Society. 26 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. The treasurer was also instructed to pay the premiums awarded at the last exhibition to the amount of $562.00, as per schedule furnished bj' the Secretary. Plans for the winter meeting were discussed and the details were referred to the president and secretary. Late'', on invitation of Mr. B. F. Pease, member of the Board of Agriculture for Yoik county, representing the Ossipee Valley Agri- cultural Society and citizens, arrrangements were perfected for holding the meeting in Cornish. PUBLIC MEETINGS. September 11, 1891. Annual meeting of the Society, held in Park Hall, Lewiston, at 6.30, P. M. Officers for 1892 were elected. See p. 9. After the election of officers, the Society was addressed by Mr. E. W. "Wood, chairman of the fruit committee of the Massachu- setts Horticultural Society. Prot. Munson and others were present at the meeting and joined in the discussions following the address. February 17 and 18, 1892. During the winter meeting held in Cornish the following business was transacted : Report of treasurer was presented and accepted. See p. 13. The secretary read a letter from G. M. Twitchell, secretary of the Maine State Agricultural Society, inviting our Society to hold a joint exhibition with them in Lewiston, September 6-9, 1892, on the same terms as in 1891. It was voted to accept the invitation and ta refer the details of the exhibition to the executive committee. Prof. W. M. Munson, Prof. Elijah Cook and A. S. Ricker were appointed a committee to examine the fruit on exhibition and reported as follows : REPORT OF FRUIT COMMITTEE. The exhibit of fruit while not large, is in the main of a good character. Some of the standard varieties, however, are poorly represented. Only two plates of Northern Spys do that variety full justice. The display of Bellflowers deserve special mention. The quality being above the average. The largest collection exhibited was that of S. H. Dawes of Har- rison. This exhibit while very creditable in itself was injured by STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 27 frost and was not placed in competition with the other smaller collections. Aside from the collection named, your committee would name as first in point of excellence the collection of C. E Jones of Sweden ; second, that of William Warren of Cornish, and third, that of W. R. Wharf of Gardiner. Creditable collections were also exhibited by D. P. True, Leeds Center ; Charles S. Pope, Manchester ; W. R. Sturdivant. SINGLE PLATES. Bellflower — A. E. Andrews of Gardiner, exhibited some specially fine fruits. Baldwins — Exhibited by J. W. True of New Gloucester, and C. E. Wheeler of Chesterville. Those shown by Mr. True were of special merit. Ben Davis — J. W. True, New Gloucester. Pound Sweet — J. W. True. Wealthy — James Nutting, Perham, Aroostook count}'. The specimens are well selected and of interest as showing the variety on which the growers of northern Aroostook depend for winter fruit. Bottle Greening — John Hanscom, Biddeford. Biddeford, Me., February 18, 1892. Dear Sir : I sent you day before 3'esterday a small box of "Bottle Greening" apples, thinking the variety is not so well known in Maine as its merits entitle it to. The trees are hardy and thrifty ; good bearers — Sifull crop one year and a smaller one the next. The apple stands well in our maikets, where they are now quite well known. The bark of the Bottle Greening tree is of as light color as a common willow tree. I hoped to have been able to have attended the Cornish meeting, but other engagements prevent. Yours truly, « John Hanscom, Former Editor and Proprietor of '■'■The Maine Sentinel." Three baskets of Baldwins said to be of the original type, exhibited by R. G. Smith of Cornish, are deserving of mention ; as are also the specimens of Vicar pears shown by D. P. True of Leeds Centre. An intert sting feature of the exhibit is the collection of forced vegetables from the forcing house of the State College. This col- lection consists of three varieties of tomatoes, two varieties of radishes, one variety of carrot, three varieties of cucumbers, one 28 STATE POMOI.OGICAL SOCIETY. variety of snap beans. A specimen of Pepino or "Melon Shrub" from the same source is of interest. E. Cook. A. S. RiCKER. W. W. MUNSON. A. E. Andrews, W. A. Luce and D. H Kaowlton were appointed a committee on resolutions, and reported as follows : Resolved.^ That the thanks of the Maine .State Pomological Soci- ety are hereby tendered to the Ossipee Valley Agricultural Societ}' for their kind reception and thoughtful attention shown during this meeting. Resolved^ That our thanks be extended to the citizens of Cornish and vicinity for their cordial reception. Resolved, Further, that our thanks be extended to the Maine Central and Saco River Railroad for the courtesy shown to us of reduced rates over their lines to attend this meeting. Resolved, That our thanks be extended to the press for their notices of the meeting and to their representatives for their excellent reports. Resolvtd, That our thanks are especially due to the Cornish Glee Club for their most excellent music, adding so much to the enjoy- ment of the occasion. A. E. Andrews. Willis A. Luce. D. H. Knowlton. After discussing the subject the following resolution was passed : That a committee of three be appointed to consider the advisability of petitioning the next legislature for an increased appropriation for the Society, the committee to report at the annual meeting. The following committee was chosen ; D. H. Knowlton, Chas. E. Wheeler, Willis A. Luce. The President read a letter from Gen. Chas. P. Mattocks, to the effect that he expected to be with us and present an outline of work for the Columbian P^xposition. The matter of making an exhibition at the World's Columbian Exposition was referred to the executive committee. A communication fiom the division of Pomology was read as follows : STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 29 U. S. Department of Agriculture, Division of Pomology, Washington, D. C, November 1, 1891 To the Eorticultural Societies of the United States : As the means of seeuriog concerted and mutually beneficial action between the Department and persons interested in Pomology and kindred subjects throughout the country, it is suggested — 1st. That, through the State Horticultural Society or similar organization, provision be made in each State and Territory for supplying to the Department for the Division of Pomology a complete and annually corrected list of officers and members of State and local organizations of fruit-growers, with their post-office addresses and the specialties in which the^- are interested. 2nd. That the Secretary of each State Society send to the Depart- ment for the Division, as soon as determined, the name of the place and the date of each meeting, and, as soon as issued, the programme for the meeting. 3rd. That each Society, State and local, supply the names and addresses of members of a standing committee, consisting of reliable and experienced fruit-growers, to respond to the circulars of inquiry which ma}' from time to time be sent out for the Division. The Department, as far as practicable — M^kes free distribution of bulletins and other publications of the Division of Pomology as well as those of other and kindred Divi- sions, upon the basis of lists of members furnished. Invites the sending of specimens of new varieties for estimates of probable value ; of unrecognized varieties for identification ; and of known varieties from localities in which they are specially success- ful, for examination and description. On application, mailing boxes and franks will be sent for such purposes. Distributes, at certain times, a limited supply of seeds, scions, or plants of imported or little- known fruits; and these are placed for testing in localities where they are likely to receive proper care and suitable conditions of climate and soil. The proposed co-operation will be greatly aided if the regular meetings of the societies of adjacent states are so timed that they do not occur on the same dates. This will make possible in some cases the attendance of a representative of the Department at a series of State meetings, and it is suggested that the executive boards of State societies consider this when arranging for the dates of their annual meetings. Very respectfully, Edwin Willits, Assistant Secretary. 30 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. U. S. Department of Agriculture. Division of Pomology, South Haven, Mich., November 21, 1S91, President Chas. S. Pope : Dear Sir: Believing that the suggestions of the "enclosed circu- lar offer inducements of much value to societies in the way of increased inducements to membership, I request that you cause the matter to be laid before your Sjciety when in session, and I be informed of the action taken and of the further wishes of the Society in the case. Very trulv vours, T. T. Lyon, Agent in special charge. In conformity to the foregoing request a committee was appointed as follows : Willis A. Luce, South Union ; James^Nutting, East Perham, and Willard H Waterman, East Auburn. PAPERS, DISCUSSIONS, REPORTS, ETC , a^iv>., PRESENTED AT THE UNION WINTER MEETING OF THE Maine State Poiiioloffical Society and the State Board of Agriculture, HELD IN SMITH &c WARRBN'S HALL, CORNISH. February (7th and iSth, 1892. Mine host — it was an apple-tree — He smilingly received me, And spread his choicest, sweetest fruit To strengthen and relieve me. And when I rose and would have paid My host so open-hearted, lie only shook his lofty head — I blessed him and departed. — From the German. The Union Winter Meeting. INTRODUCTORY. In order to extend the influence of the Maine State Pomological Society in the western part of the State the officers of the Society were unanimously in favor ol holding the 1892 winter meeting in York count}'. In due time there came a cordial invitation from Mr.. B. F. Pease, member of the Board of Agriculture, in behalf of the Ossipee Valley Agricultural Society and citizens lo hold the winter meeting in Cornish. Under these circumstances it was a pleasure to accept the invitation, and largely to the cordial co-operation of citizens the Society is indebted for one of its most successful meetings. Secretary McKeen of the Board of Agriculture took an active personal interest in shaping the programme and conducting the meeting. The relations existing between the Society and the Board are very cordial. A union of forces adds strength and enables both organizations to do the most efficient work. It is hoped these pleasant relations may continue in the future. Under these favorable auspices the winter meeting was held in Smith & Warren's Hall, Cornish, Wednesday and Thursday, Feb- ruary 17th and 18th, 1892. The following programme was announced in due time : PROGRAMME. Wednesday, A. M. Opening Exercises. Reports of Officers. Address of Welcome, George F. Clifford, Esq., Cornish. Response, B. Walker McKeen, Secretary State Board of Agriculture. President's Annual Address, Cliarles S. Pope, Manchester. AFTERNOON. Our Labors and Onr Rewards in Fruit Culture, J. W. True, New Gloucester. Fruit Exhibitions, D. H. Knowlton, Secretary Maine State Pomological Society 3 34 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. EVENING. Our Chosen Family, Willis A. Luce, South Union. Pear Culture, 8. H. Dawes, Harrison. Thursday, A. M. Experiments in Spraying, W. M. Munson, Professor of Horticulture, State College AFTERNOON. Grape Culture, Henry W. Brown, Concord, Mass. Selling Our Fruit, Chas. E. Wheeler, Ex-Member of the Board of Agriculture, Chesterville. EVENING. Fruit Growing in Maine Compared with other Agricultural Industries, L. F. Abbott, Agricultural Editor, Lewiston Journal. How Shall We Keep the Boys on the Farm? Prof. Elijah Cook, Manchester. The papers and addresses were followed by discussions which were joined in by a large number of fruit growers from various parts of the Slate. The papers and discussions bore directly on practical fruit topics and were listened to with interest. The exhibition of fruits though not as large as at some former meetings was of excellent qualit}'. This is especially true with reference to Yellow Bellflowers, Tompkins King, Baldwins and one or two other varieties. It was a pleasure to note the fine fruit shown by the fruit growers in and about Cornish. Several varieties were especially deserving of notice. The officers of the Society desire to express their gratitude to the officers of the Ossipee Valley Agricultural Society and the citizens of Cornish, for their heartj'^ co-operation in carrying on the meetings. Interest in the meetings increased until the last and all seemed well- pleased with the results. The Portland Press and Eastern Argus were represented by special reporters and gave extended reports of each session. Other papers in the State were represented and gave excellent reports of the meetings. It should be borne in mind by the reader that the papers and dis- cussions following are the ideas of individual fruit growers, and do not necessarily bear the approval of the Society. They are, how- ever, the results of large experience in fruit growing and deserving of careful consideration. STATE FOMOLOGICA.L SOCIETY. 35 OI»ENING EXERCISES. At the appointed hour February 17, 1892, in Smith & Warren's Hall, in Cornish, George F. Clifford, Esq., in behalf of the Ossipee Valley Agricultural Sociely and the citizens of Cornish and vicinity save the foilowins; ADDRESS OF WELCOME. In simple, honest words, such words as come unbidden to the lips when out of the fullness of the heart the mouth speaketh, and in that word of all word else, that in such similitude pervades so wide a range of distant differing tongues, in arctic chill and tropic heat, on Greenland's icy mountains and India's coral strand, alike the type and essence of a hearty greeting to a stranger guest, in behalf of the people of this vicinit}- I bid you welcome among us. I believe that one of the great privileges attaching the human race is intercommunity ; the leciprocal interchange of ideas and belief. Man is a social being and to be a man he must be social. He who is otherwise in taste and tendency is a perversion. 8 'litude breeds selfishness. Selfishness breeds envy. P^nvy is the parent of hate and at the feet of hate there sprout a multitude of vices and of crimes. The purpose and the method of a man like this are warped to suit the bent of his depraved mentality. Honor and manhood sink beneath a swelling tide ot wrong, to cover which hypocrisy outspread her tattered mantle and when that convict garb is once assumed, the devil has foreclosed his mortgage and redemp- tion has expired. How opposite the picture of the life of him who carried out the purpose of his being and mingles as a man among his fellows. An honest, manly pride becomes the mainspring of his being. Before his eyes in constant panorama pass the work, the gi-aces and accomplishments of his associates. Their example is his inspiration, and to be like them is the goal of his ambition. At the feet of wisdom, from the scholar's lips and in the teachings of experience he learns the way and travels it to its grand end Somehow, some- where in that life journey, by the operation of a law not mad*- with hands, something is done, some particle is added to the great mosaic of our social life without whidi it would be unfinished, incomplete as far as wrought. 3 3 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. I mean that when a man perverts his nature to its baser possibili- ties society suffers an injury ; and when a man gives to his faculties their true direction and development the race is benefited, and I say that in social intellectual intercourse there does exist and can be found a great promoting power of mankind's dearest interests. The field is broad and marvelous in its diversity of surface and capacity. By far the greater portion of its vast expanse is yet unbroken by the plow. But each new year brings in new ground^ and ever}- year brings new conceptions of the truth that head and hand can work together everywhere and that each occupation has as much its field of thought and study as of manual toil. There comes new meaning to the dictum that man shall eat his bread in the sweat of his blow. This great truth you, xny friends, who are to-day our honored guests, have come to demonstrate to us and in behalf of our people and their agricultural and pomological interests and in behalf of social intellectual development and progress everywhere, I thank you for your presence and bid you God-speed in your noble work. RESPONSE BY HON. B. WALKER McKEEN. It seems hardly fitting that I should be called upon to utter a word at a meeting devoted to the interests cf fruit growing. Being a novice in the business I can only say a few words, by wa}' of respond- ing to the eloquent words of welcome, with which the honorable gentleman has greeted us. It is always pleasant to receive such words of welcome and encouragement, coming, as they do, with such evidences of heart}' sympathy for our work. The study of pomology is fraught with many difficulties, but is, I believe, very enchanting to all those who have a genuine love for the trees, shrubs and flowers with which God has beautified and adorned our hill- sides and valleys. The science has a marked and prominent place in our country's history, as well as in the history of the world. Particularly the apple takes its place as an exponent of all that is beautiful and desirable. From the time when it tempted our first parents, until to-day, it has been a constant source of help and encouragement to all mankind, and I trus'. that I may be pardoned if I say that, in my judgment, it is destined to play a still greater part in our history, from this time on, until it shall become a most potent factor in bringing us back to Eden. STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 37 When the Israelites sent out their spies to explore the promised land they brought back a single cluster of grapes, so large that it was carried on a pole between two men. I have often studied this picture when a boy and wondered at the fertility of the soil which was capable of producing such beautiful specimens of this most lus- cious fruit. The value of our farms must be rated, not by their acreage, but by the amount of their available fertilit}'. And as we grow more proficient in the art of growing fruit, it has become a symbol of our fertile soil and our national prosperit}' ; just as the grapes of Eschol were considered by those weary, foot-sore but courageous and clear-headed men of old, to be the best evidence of the fertility of the promised land. Mr. President, I believe there is one point which we, as a people, overlook. It is a point worthy of our careful consideration. As we study out the mysteries of our ait and become more and more proficient in it we must of necessity become better men and better women, capable of higher and nobler achievements. Thus the scale of humanity becomes raised and a long stride is taken in the advance- ment of civilization. The American Pomological Society was formed in 1850, and has had much to do with the rapid advancement in the knowledge of the best methods of cultivating fruits. Its history is replete with items of great moment and it has had for active workers in its ranks some of the best men this country has produced. Who does not know and honor such men as Wilder, Hancock, Barry, Thomas, Warder, Elliott, Prince, Manning, Field, Campbell and Strong? In fact, these men and the cause for which they labored, have so far inter- woven themselves into our history as to become a part of our national existence. There are many reasons why the study of pomolog}' should be encouraged in our State. Here are found the soil and climate which are adapted to growing, to perfection, nearly every variety of fruit, both large and small. Many acres of unoccupied land are only wailing for the hand of the tree planter, to bloom into a second Eden, from which no serpent will lure us, and to which all eyes will turn with pride. Gentlemen, the Society comes before you with some of the best representative pomologi.sis in our State, and will endeavor to present lectures which shall contain valuable instruction ; but remember that none of the speakers profess to be infallible. They come as learners, as well as 38 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. teachers, and if, at any time, smy of 30U wish to ask questions or make suggestions 1 trust \ou will feel at perfect libert}' to do so. Please remember that this is your meeting, and that it is ray wish as well as the wishes of the representatives of the Pomologioal Society that it be conducted as you desire. The only favor we ask, is that you carefully consider all the points which may be brought up, and, if any of them commend themselves to you, as worthy, that you put them into practice. Your duty to this meeting continues after it is closed. If you will do it full^', you must endeavor to carry to your homes the facts as presented, and put them into your every day practice. Weave them into your life work, and thus become a factor in promoting the higher and more noble development of your town, your count}', and your State. Mr. President, again thanking you, and through you the citizens of Cornish and vicinity for this most cordial welcome, I will say that we are ready for the business of the day. Mr. Charles S. Pope, President of the Society, being introduced, gave his ANNUAL ADDRESS. Ladies and Gentlemen, Members of the Pomological Socielif : As I greet you again on this our nineteenth anniversary, it is natural to take a retrospective view, to learn what we have accom- plished, and note the advancement that has been made in every branch of horticulture. There has been a wonderful increase in our orchard products since the organization of this Society, with new markets opened, which now take our surplus, with as good prices as in formar years. The prevailing low prices of the present season have discouraged many apple growers and led them to believe that the business is overdone and that an apple orchard is now poor property. But let us compare this with the other farm crops. In favorable seasons the price obtained for many of these, is below the cost of production. But even this, however, is not wholly lost. Our fruit in such sea- sons reaches many who are unable to pay the higher prices. Our surplus can be shipped with a profit to more distant markets, and this may accrue to our advantage in future years. The most marked progress has been in the growing of small fruits. Twenty years ago a garden of small fruits was rarely seen outside STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 39 the villages, where now are found acres of berries for which we have a good market at remunerative prices. The strawberry in particu- lar is found to be a very profitable crop when rightly managed, as our people consume lai'ge quantities of this berry, and now depend largely upon other states for a suppl}'. Therefore, so long as the demand is larger than the supply, we have the advantage of being able to furnish fresh berries directly to the consumer, and conse- quently at better prices than are realized by those in the older fruit growing sections, where there is more competition. The growing of plums which had been nearly abandoned, has been started again with good prospect of success. We are now able to control the "black knot" and destroy the curculio, and judging from the fruit displayed at our exhibition the past two years, our people will soon supply themselves and the markets with an abun- dance. It is now expected that this Sociei}' will be called upon to take charge of collecting and forwarding the fruit for exhibition to the Columbian Exposition in 1893. This will give the people of Maine a grand opportunity to show the world that the State of Maine, if unable to raise the largest fruit, can excel in coloring and quality, and can raise some of the winter apples for shipping, to better advantage than any other state in the Union. If our fruit growers are alive to their interests and are willing to give us their assistance, we shall be able to make an exhibition which will be of great advantage to the State and perhaps open new markets for our fruits. We must at least show, and this we can do, that we can produce the best shipping fruits of the country. It will require more labor and time, than any of our officers are able to give, and we must have the co-operation of all the best fruit growers of the State. Our greatest effort in former years, has been to induce the farmers to set more trees and vines. Our aim now should be, to urge them to take better care of those already set if they would get the best returns for their investment. With the great increase of insects and the injury from fungi and other diseases we predict that the common farmer will grow less apples in the coming years and the business will pass more into the hands of specialists, who have more time and taste to contend with these pests. No doubt in future years, the spraying apparatus will be considered as necessary in fighting these enemies of the orchard, as the planter and harrow in the cornfield. 40 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. In tuost of our old orchards the natural fertility of the soil is somewhat exhausted. Diseases have multiplied and insects have increased wonderfully. The situation has changed, and he who would reap much of a harvest must be able to meet all these new conditions. More attention must be given to fertilizing the orchard, and with the aid of the scientist, we shall be able to combat both insects and di'^eases. What is the lesson for fruit growers in the bountiful crop and low prices of the past year? We find many discouraged ones who will neglect the orchard and fruit garden, until a year ot better prices, to find then the trees and vines weak and dying for want of proper care. With seasons of such low prices the people will learn to con- sume more fruit, and thus it will become a necessity to such, and will help to keep up the price in future years. The cost of raising and marketing fruit must be reduced to a minimum. First by better care and fertilizing, to raise more and better fruit ; by the use of arsenical poisons to destroy the insects and some fungicide to hold diseases in check and more care in the selection of varieties which will find a ready market. In many cases the thinning of apples will pay a large profit, as a tree overloaded will bear fruit too small for market, and also injure the tree, both by exhausting its vitality and breaking its branches. Thinning fruit has been practiced for many years in our pear orchards, and we think will give the best of results to those who wish to raise choice apples that will bring fancy prices. After reading the reports of the sales of Maine apples in Liver- pool this season I am most thoroughly convinced that some plan should be devised to keep u[) the reputation of our apples abroad. I am aware that Maine fruit was, on the whole, very poor this 3'ear. The fall was quite warm and the winter fruit matured rapidly and was not as firm as usual, so that after remaining a week or more on the warm steamer, much of it arrived in very poor condition and the shipper realized little, if anything, for his apples. I saw many apples packed this winter and do not wonder that a large part of the sales were reported "slack" and "wet." Is it good policy for the orchardists to sell his apples to the shippers and have everything sent abroad to glut the market? One-half the apples packed for No. 2 on many farms the past winter were only fit for the stock or to be ground for cider. Many of these were sold for less than the cost of the barrel, added to the freight charges and STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETT. 41 other expenses, and this cheap fruit thrown upon the market injures the sale of the better grades. I think we should take more pains to urge upon the fruit growers the necessit}' of packing his No. 1 apples only, and have them strictly No. 1 and make some other disposition of his poorer fruit. With the facilities we have in this State for fruit growing we can surely compete with any other section, and we should with our ability to raise high colored, high flavored, firm apples, have a reputation second to none in the world. I believe this ruinous policy of grasping for the whole, in our methods of packing is very short- sighted, and will work great injury to the business in future years. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PRESIDENTS ADDRESS. The President's Annual Address was submitted for examination to a committee consisting of Z. A. Gilbert, W. M. Munson and H. W. Brown, who later in the meeting submitted the following: The committee to whom was submitted the President's annual address for examination and report, having attended to that duty, submit the following report : In a general way we commend the address to the attention of the fruit growers of the State as well worthv of their confidence. The suggestion that less attention be given to the further planting out of trees, and instead that we encourage the expenditure of more effort in the care and culture of the trees we now have in hand. We want fruit, and there are but few orchards to be found in the Slate which are receiving so much of fertilization and of careful and con- stant attention as its profitable production will pay for. We join with the President in the conclusion that the profits of business call for more of attention to the trees we have rather than more trees planted out. In regard to piotecting our Maine fruits from the damaging effects of association in the market with the inferior fruits with which they go to market. We believe the influence of this Society should be exerted to keep the inferior fruit commonly designated as No. 2, out of the market in their present form. We fully believe if the No. 2 fruit of New England of the last crop could have been out of the market that the good fruit remaining would have realized more money than both qualities have brought as they have been marketed. This inferior fruit can be put into forms of usefulness and of value, 42 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. and where it will uot drag down the price and choke the demand for the better fruit. We recognize the fact that bu\ers have a responsi- bility in this matter and it is onl}' in conjunction with them that any change in this direction can be accomplished. In the matter of packing we recognize the importance of the subject yet see no way to control or improve present practices so long as the packing is controlled by, and only subject to, the approval of the buyer. Growers seem to do their duty when they conform to the requirements of the buyer. It is more than we should undertake to require to ask or urge that sellers make the quality of the fruit put up better than is asked for. We do not therefore charge off the defective packing wholl}' to the account of the producer. Z. A. Gilbert, W. M. MuNsoN, }- Committee. H. W. Brown, OUR LABORS AND OUK REWARDS IX FRUIT CULTURE By J. W, True, Xew Gloucester. While looking over our account of fruit sold the past season, the question presented itself whether our reward was a fair compensa- tion for our labor in raising and preparing it for market, and many were the thoughts that were called up. In the first place our reward for labor should not always be counted in dollars and cents. Those people that have accomplished the most for their fellowmen have not taken their pay in the "Coin of the Realm" but in a more last- ing and satisfactory way. The inventor is never satisfied with his invention, no matter how much money it brings him but pushes on making improvements here and there, and the reward in which he takes the most satisfaction is that he has accomplished something new that will give him a name and fame that will live after he has passed away. The Navigator will push out for the coUl North with just the hope that he may be able to discover new lands or get just a little nearer to the North Pole than any of his predecessors, if he succeeds it is ample reward for him ; he counts money as nothing compared to his victory over the forces of nature with which he has been contending. The fruit grower should have something of that spirit. The forces of nature give us the small natural fruit, STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 43 in many cases entirely wor;hless for family use, and many of the noted varieties can be greatly improved by care and culture. The first to be done in all cases is to decide that you ^vill make fruit growing profitable and then study up on that subject so that you will thoroughly understand the needs and requirements of the particular branch that you have decided to engage in ; if it is the apple, the soil should be well undei'stood, and the kind best adapted to that purpose selected and then fit it thoroughly as for some crop ; then when your tree starts you will take pride in it every time your eye beholds it ; you feel that your labor is being rewarded with a thrifty tree before there is any indication of fruit to be sold. If possible have all rows straight, especially if in a place that you visit often ; if not too expensive I would at least clear all obstruc- tions from the points or places that the trees should occupy in order to make the rows perfectly straight. In our own case we have made every line straight, in some cases requiring the stone tools with powder and quite an amount of team labor to accomplish it. After the stone was out the place would be filled in with soil, and then put in the tree, and now after a number of years we can pick out those trees and admire them as they occupy the space once taken up by a stone. In one case the boulder seemed almost too large and requiring too great an expense to remove, and so the tree was planted about two feet out of line and just as close to the rock as it could be set ; it grew well for three or four years ; it was in a row that anyone could see from the farm road, and every time apparently that we passed that way we saw it, or if we took our friends that way they would remark "there is one iree out of line," then an explanation would follow. It happened to te a Baldwin tree from a Western nursery, and one spring it failed to put forth its leaves and upon examination was found to be winter-killed, root and branch ; then at an expense of about three dollars that stone was removed and a new tree set out, and a portion of the interest is paid on that outlay regularly every time we pass that way. The trees should be procured from some reliable nursery or per- haps seedlings and then top graft, for if a particular variety is bought, that particular variety is expected to grow. We had a little experience in that line the very first purchase that we ever made — a half dozen pear trees were bought of a tree peddler one of them was to be a President. The tree was well cared for and it grew finely ; in a year or two a single pear appeared ; it was watched 44 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETV. with a great deal of interest all summer and when with its rosy cheek we thought it was ready to be taken from the tree we gathered it and wr.apped it in a woolen cloth, put it into a dark place to ripen. After a few days it was examined and it was decided to be already to test ; the family was called together and the pear cut, it was a Clapp's Favorite and perhaps you can imagine its condition, it had a shell and that was all. That "tree peddler" will always be remembered, so that if we expect to make fruit raising profitable either in money or pleasure, we should be very cautious where we get stock for setting. As to varieties, have quite a number of kinds for home use for it is noticeable that those families that are dependent on the market for a supply of apples usually have but one variety in their fruit dish and it is "Hobson's choice, those or none" while the fruit dish of the farmer's or fruit raiser's family will have a half dozen different varieties and it is a great satisfaction to hear one member of the family say, I prefer this kind, t.iking a Mother apple ; another says, a Spy is good enough for me, and still another, I'll take a Bellflower, and so on, each with a fancy of his own. Such an experience is worth just as much in a family when apples are worth but $1.00 per barrel as it is when they are quoted at $5.00 and costs no more. Beyond what is wanted for the family have two or three good commercial varieties, so that if there is a demand for the surplus stock it is worth much more by being all of one or two kinds, as buyers prefer to handle large lots of single varieties rather than small lots of many kinds. In set'ing the trees the greatest care is necessary to get the lines straight. So far as the planting goes a tree can be set just as well in five minutes after the hole is dug as to be a half hour doing it, but it takes two to do it and do it well. The first few shovelfuls should be worked around the roots by hand and then when the large roots are covered step right in o the hole and tread the soil down just as fast as your attendant can shovel it in. In some localities where exposed to bleak winds in two or three 3'ears there will be a tendency in some of the trees to lean a little out of line. It is a good wa}' in such cases, just as the host is outof the ground in the spring to move the trees back into line and brace them up and by the time the growing season is over it will be all right with- out the brace. In shaping the top and pruning, the habits of growth of the different varieties should be kept in mind that you STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 45 may work with and assist nature to produce as nearly a perfect tree of its kind as it is possible to do. Pruning, like weeding, takes care of the small branches and the large ones will take care of themselves. It will soon become a source of pleasure to look a tree over every time you visit it with your pocket knife in hand, and if necessary take off a little twig here and there, and when the tree ge;s to be a few years old you will take a genuine satisfaction in reflecting ihat you have formed that tree just about to suit your ideas of what a iree should be, a satisfaction ihat would cost lots of solid cash to purchase ; it is the same sort of satisfaction that a man gets when he pays Si 00.000 for a trotting horse, just as satisfying to the mind of man as many things that are purchased with the cash that the fruit brings. And to make sure that your outlay so far shall pay regular dividends you must give it care and dressing, for a neglected fruit tree will never have a thrifty, tidy appearance. When the orchard comes to bearing if it has been kept in the con- dition described, it will not be in debt to the man that has cared for it, one cent ; he has got his pay as he went along A person that enjoys such work, as he will after he gels interested in it, could not, in our opinion buj' more genuine pleasure in any other way with the money that it has cost. From such an orchard there will be a large proportion of No. 1 fruit that can be readily exchanged for cash and be sure to send an occasional barrel to some poor family. The reward is ample ; it will pay in ihe end ; you will have pleasant memories in the decline of life that money cannot buy. So that in looking at the picture in all its bearings, not only with the apple but the pear, plums and small fruits, the rewards for our labors are ample taking health and pleasure at a low cash value. Even if we get but one dollar per barrel I see no cause for discouragement to the one that is thoroughly interested in his work. There will be many half-hearted ones that will either drop out by the way or fail to give the business that care and attention that success calls for to give a fair remuneration even in dollars and cents. DISCUSSION. Prof. Cook of Manchester participated in the talk and took occasion to severely condemn the practice of marketing inferior fruit. Others who took part were Messrs. Gerrish, Wheeler, War- ren, Pope, Gilbert, Clifford and Prof. Munson. Several speakers 46 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. expressed st'oug opinions against New York nursery stock, saying that Maine trees skillfully grown were far superior, and suffered far less in transplanting. Others on account of the difficulty of obtain- ing good Maine trees said it was better to purchase New York trees of reliable nurserymen Mr. GiLBERf. I do not believe in the cultivation of the Flemish Beauty. In quality, when well grown, it is one of our best pears, but in recent years it has cracked so badly as to nearly ruin the fruit. Prof. MuNSOX. It is too bad to lose so good a pear as the Flem- ish Beauty. Thereisabeliefthatsprayingfor the fungus that causes the cracks will pove an effective remedy. It is worth saving and we hope to do it. Mr Cj.ikford. Some 3'ears ago I was induced by the fine plates to order a few trees of an agent who called upon me. The trees o-rew well in my garden, and I enjoyed watching them very much. In the course of years they began to bear Cruit. The Flemish Beaut}' is a beautiful tree, it bears an abundance of fruit, but I regret to state to you that the fruit is barely large enough to show the cracks. I hope the wisdom of you fruit growers will teach me what to do with my trees. Mr. John Pike of Cornish raises pears successfully and in years past has brought fine fruit to our market. One of these varieties is the Flemish Beauty. From this it appears that while my fruit is ruined by the scab, he and others are not troubled by it. Whether it is due to his treatment or to the favorable con- dition of his soil I am unable to say. STATE rOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 47 OUR EXHIBITIONS. By D. H. Knowlton, Farmingtoii. Thoreau says, "PI very man is entitled to come to cattle show." This idea is so popular that people by the thousands leave the farms and the shops and the desk and hie awa}' to the fair. It is an inexpensive outing where people come together for a little recreation. A prominent man tells us it is no place to gain a person's attention in a business way, for all are -'on pleasure bent." We often think in this connection that recrea ion is made altogether too prominent, that there is a little too much horse trot and too liitle agriculture. The management of most fairs entertain the idea that there must be sport for the crowd and they seek to secure it b}' the horse trot. We do not object to a horse trot, but we doubt the wisdom of making it the most prominent feature of the fairs. The writer has noticed that as the horse trot is given prominence other important features are lost sight of and in some instances have entirely dis- appeared. It is a pleasure to see a crowd of people at a fair. They are out to see their friends, to shake hands with one another and to enjoy themselves. The outing will do them good no doubt, and they will go home all the better for it. But whatever ma}' be said of the fairs in other respects the most important features connected with them are competition and education. A generous competition is in itself a source of educa- tion. For as a man shows his products by the side of his neighbor's he is able to judge of a rival's qualities. If they are better than his own, he recognizes them and whether he wins the prize or not he goes home a wiser man. In other words he has gained some knowledge that in future years will develop into some power greatly to his advantage. If there has been an evolution anywhere in the affairs of men it may be found in the modern agricultural fair. Originally the fair in European countries was a place of barter. From this, in Ameilca, it has grown into an exhibition combining many attractions, in order to give It popularity and insure a large attendance. We may now say fairs are held for the purpose of (1) traffic, (2) recreation, (o) competition and (4) education. Traffic for a time was nearly lost sight of but now It Is among stock growers and breeder?! an 48 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. important feature of our fairs. Without any clamor or display many animals change hands at the fairs, and in this way many people are able to improve their stock. At the last annual exhibition our Society awarded premiums to the amount of $562, while the State Agricultural Society, with whom we held the exhibition awarded $5,530. The smaller sum represents all the fruits and flowers and with a hundred dollars or such a matter from the larger sum, the products of the soil seem to have a very small encouragement. It maj' be all right for the animal industries to have the major part of the premiums but a question is suggested whether the discrimination may not in the end work an injury to the cause it is intended to benefit most. But that which concerns us most is our own exhibition and to that I wish now to call your attention. It has been the purpose of the otTicers, so far as possible, to make it a complete exhibition of Maine fruits and flowers, so that people from other states who visit the fair may have an intelligent idea of the wide range the State has of these products. Further than this there has been an effort to arrange the exhibition so as to make it attractive and pleasant for the visitors. For one, it is my belief that it should be as near a perfect model as possible, but there are so many details connected with it, it is difficult to make the exhibition in this respect what it should be. As illustrative of this, arranging the fruit, i. e., putting it in the place assigned to it, often requires a large amount of work and were it not for the willingness of exhibitors to assist the officers it would be an exceedingly difficult task. For many years it has been a special work of the Society to correct the names of fruit, when wrongly named, and each year there seems to be just about as much confusion of names as ever before. The canned fruits and preserves have been a troublesome class of exhibits to care for, but the last two years the best results have been reached in the history of the Society. These and the fruits likely to be stolen by those disposed to yield to temptations at such times have been exhibited with satisfactory result behind poultry netting. The dis- play has lost nothing and the articles have been safe. Although we have made special efforts to secure an exhibition of fruit from all parts of the State, no county collections of apples have been shown in recent years from Hancock, Piscataquis, Washington and York counties. It would be a pleasure to see fruit from these counties, as we have the very best reason for supposing good STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 49 apples are raised in each couaty. Of one thing we are certain if we know what they do raise, tbe Society may be able to be of more service to them than in the past. A condition of our collective exhibitions is that there shall be not less than twtnty nor more than forty correctly named varieties of apples. While we have had many fine collections of fruit in the pa-t, it seems to me that it might be better to change the numbers, making the less nwmhi'V fifteen and the larger thirty, but as a further condition requiring thnt the collection shall consist of standard apples. Possibly it would be a good plan to limit the collections to varieties for which the Society offers premiums for single plates. In this connection I have also tliouglit it might be proper for the Society to offer a premium for collections of fruit not enumerated in our premiums for single plates. The objects of such premiums would be first to show the varieties grown in the State and second to aid in the identification of varieties. The Society in this way can largely extend its influence without encouraging the production of more varieties. Make it a department visitors would examine for names and information. Great care should be taken to have them correctly named. In these times when hundreds of tree agents are selling nursery stock such an exhi'ntion would be of great service, for it may be important to know what not to plant as well as to have the affirmative knowledge. List year the Society offered premiums for forty four varie'ies of apples. Five specimens of each variety were required, except where special premiums were offered, ar.d of these twelve specimens of each were required. The specials were offered for Bsildwin, Northern Spy, Gravenstein, Rhode Island Greening, Roxbury Russet. Tompkins King. It would be a grand idea as fast as funds permit to add other varieties of standard fruits to the special list. As yet we do not believe the perfect apple has been found. There a-e many Maine seedlings of merit of which little is known, and if the collection of apples (thos' not named in our list) does not bring them out for exhibition the Society should take further measures to secure this most desirable result There are several seedlings of Maine origin that have great merit. Among them are the Rolfe. Wealthy (grown from Maine seed). King Sweet, and others we might enumerate. Careful examination of our seedlings may give us an apple of the shipping qualities of tlie Ben Davis 50 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. and the sprightly flavor of the Northern Spy. If such a seedling does not grow in Maine, a little encouragement by our Society might lead to its propagation in the future. Of the other departments of our exhibition I will only add a few words concerning the flowers. The past few years our agricultural organizations have been urging the passage of laws requiring the study of the natural sciences as related to agriculture in the public schools. Laws have been passed requiring it, and in many parts of the State agriculture is being studied in the schools. In this connection our Society lias offered for several years premiums for botanical work npon our Maine fl ra, the conditions requiring an exhibition of cor- rectly named specimens of dried or cut wild flowers. There have been several good exhibitions, but we are not satisfied with the results, for the competition should be more general. Tt is possible the premiums should be larger, but our funds will hardly permit of this. For several years the Massachusetts Horticultural Society has done an excellent work in window gardening. It has given the children in Bosion potted plants in the spring with a few cultural directions to aid them in their care. In the autumn the children brought back the plants for exhibition, and to those whose plants were found to be the best cared for, etc., small cash premiums were awarded. The children learned to love and care for the plants, and in many cases the plants cheered the sick with their beautiful flowers and the suffering was much easier to bear. But more than all this the children learned many things about plants and what make them grow. As one result, it is claimed that many homes, otherwise cheerless and forlorn, are adorned with beautiful plants, which are tenderly cared for by the children. More than all this we believe the children are better and happier for the care they bestow upon the plants. This work is one I have watched with deep interest for I know how much the little folks may learn of the wonderful works of nature, it' only a guiding hand may lead them. It is surprising how a little knowledge gained of one plant will teach the child to study others, and step by step as the child develops there come new powers of observation, until the child acquires the habit of observing everything in nature. The plant, the tree, the flower and every living thing leads on the child until there comes the question what mak s the plant grow and the flower bloom ? Life then becomes STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 51 real to the child, and the great source of life naturally becomes the object of love and worship. We ought never to be quite satisfied with what we are doing, for with each year's experience we ought to be able to do a little more and to do it just a little better. And this suggests whether our Society may not undertake some such work with the children in Lewiston and Auburn. It might be small in the beginning, but this need not deter, for if the means will permit we have only to advance step by step. Should we be the agency through which the children may be led to love the care and study of plants, or should a desolate home be cheered by some floral beauty, our work would be of unmeasured worth. It would be like the leaven of the Scriptures ; yea, it would crown the Society with floral tributes and adorn the hearts of the children with beautiful and loving thoughts of the Great Creator. God might have bade the earth bring forth Enough for great and small, The oak-tre3 and the cedar-tree, Without a flower at all. We might have had enough, enougli For every want of ours, For luxury, medicine, and toil. And yet have had no flowers. Then wherefore, wherefore were tliey made, All dyed with rainbow liglit, All fashioned with suprensi.-st grace Upspringing day and niglK ; — Springing in valleys green and low. And on the mountains high, And in t!»e silent wilderness Where no man passes bj ? Our outward life requires them not, — Then wherefore had they birth? — To minister delight to man, To beautify the earth; To comfort man, — to whisper hope. Whene'er his faith is dim. For who so caretli for the flowers. Will care much more for him, Mary Howitt. 52 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. DISCUSSION. Mr. Pope. There is great confusion in the nomenclature of our apples. This is sometimes amusing and sometimes annoying. For example the Gravenstein is often confused with the Duchess of Oldenburg, and the name of ''Mann Apple" is given to numerous varieties. It would be a help if the Society could do more to cor- rect the names now wrongly given to many fruits in the State. Prof. MuNSON. There are good seedlings in Maine, and we ought to encourage the growth and originating of new varieties. In this way our fruit is improved. Who knows what the future may bring forth in this direction ? Mr. Briggs. The number of varieties is now so large that some extensive growers of fruit are deterred from making collective exhibitions. Twenty varieties — the minimum number — may be too large, and I am not sure but we would have more exhibitions if the number of varieties should be limited from fifteen to thirty, instead of twenty to forty. Mr. Pope. I doubt whether it would be practicable to make out a list of twenty or m^re varieties, and require the collective exhibits to be composed of these varieties. The difficulty is to make a list that would be adapted to all parts of the State. Mr. GiLDERT. It has always been the custom of the Society to admit all varieties, thus affording a complete display of good and bad alike In this way we are able to learn what to preserve and what to discard. It should be remembered that the old varieties are still the best and it will be a long while before we have any- thing better. It is a vicious practice we are getting of viewmg apples solely with reference to their shipping qualities. There must be some other qualities as well as these. Let us give prominence to their qualities. Mr. Pope. The Society has followed the practice of limiting the premiums so far as possible to the best varieties, and from time to time the premium list has been amended with this in view. Inferior varieties have been struck out and more desirable ones substituted in their place. Mr. McKeln. I am very glad this matter of the study of the natural sciences in our common schools has come up here. I have been very much interested in the remarks of Mr. Knowlton and I most certainly wish to endorse and emphasize them. I have for a STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETT. 53 long time, looked upon the absence of the study of botany, physi- ology and their kindred studies from our schools as a matter of regret and more especially, the absence of anything which might enable our young people, the boys and girls of our farms to learn something of the character, the structure and the nature of the plants, the grasses and the trees of our fields and forests. Growino" up in the mid?t of nature's beauties and her grandness, they are as ignorant of them as though they did not exist. "Seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear." To this lack of simple study into the hidden processes of nature's work-shop, in which we live, must be laid the general tendency of our boys and girls to leave their farm homes, those homes which must have something of a peculiarly strong and potent character about them, which must have woven into their very centers some subtle force of which tlie world knows but little, because there is constantly going out from them an ever increasing reinforcement to the i-anks of our business men and of those who wield the power of the nation ; reaching like the tendrils of the trailing vine into every avenue of our nature, the center being the farm homes of our nation. In order to increase this feeling and put our business on a level with the other industries of our country it becomes necessary to have the means for obtaining accurate information into the hidden processes of nature, for our young people, in school and workshop. As far as the idea has been pushed, the results have been highly satisfactory. The pupils are ready for this new departure and will grasp eagerly any opportunity that may present itself to leavn the mysteries of field and flower. So I say to the officers of the Pomological Society, and all others who are interested in this noble work, you are on the right track, let nothing turn you from it, you may meet with opposition from even the very classes your efforts tend to aid, but a decided stand and a constant placing before all, the results of your labors will overcome every opposition and you will have the pleasure of scor- ing, at no distant date, a complete success, and of seeing the teach- ing of the simple, natural sciences a part of the course in every school in our State. 54 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. OUR CHOSEN FAMILY. By Willis A. Luce, South Union. What a number of pictures does memory present to us when we bring before the mind the word family. Instinctively we turn toward our own home and see father, mother, brothers, sisters, as we recall them in the earlier associations of life. Then we note other families familiar to us by ties of friendship, and it has been a pleasing pastime to study the characteristics of these several fami- lies and the circumstances under which they were developed. We might select from the prominent families of history one for our chosen family, whose virtues we might strive to imitate as the family of Abraham, but that would not fulfil the purpose of this paper however interesting and profitable such study might be. The word family has quite a general signification throughout nature and natural objects. Thus we speak of certain noted ani- mals as belonging to such a family ; having characteristics intensi- fied by careful breeding whether it be for batter, beef, strength or speed. It also embraces language. And we often mention a group of similar character as forming a family. Thus we have in the aggregate of our State a family of counties. This meeting then in some respects might properly be called a family reunion by repre- sentatives, as York county is the parent of all the counties of our noble State, embracing as it did prior to 1760 the whole area of Maine. It is not unlikely that our efficient secretary in arranging for this meeting, thought we ought to visit our parent in the inter- est of pomology and agriculture and see how she is prospering. I sincerely hope it may be a rallying point in the interest of those subjects we have to present that we may be of mutual benefit ta one another. To one who loves the State of Maine, this family of counties in which our homes are embraced would present to look into its history and development an inexhaustible source for thought. But whatever choice others may have of family and family ties that of the Maine State Pomological Society culminates in the Rose Family. This group is coeval with man and honorable mention was made of a member 3,000 years ago in these words : "As the apple-tree among the trees of the wood so is my beloved among the sons. I sat me down under his shadow with great delight and his fruit was sweet to my taste." (Song of Solomon, 2:3.) And I doubt not if we could STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETT. 55 have been permitted to sec that wondrous garden of Eden we should have found our chosen family the largest in all that glorious domain. It seems somewhat singular that nearly all the important fruits of the temperate region should be embraced in this one group but it is true. We have a royal family indeed that would suit the fastidious taste of even Dr. Holmes. The "Rose Family" then is the chosen one of this Society and it is that we may understand the characteristics and laws that govern the growth of its members (the apple, pear, plum and cherry, also the more lowly members, the strawberry, raspberry, blackberry and rose that gives the family its name^ that so much thought and investigation is put forth. We see in these fruits which in our lati- tude cover the entire season the hand of an all-wise Creator, and the more we cultivate and study these choice gems of nature, the more do our hearts flow out in gratitude and love to the great "giver of every good and perfeci gift." While I am interested in, and grow to a greater or less extent, all the memliers of this family I have mentioned, what thoughts I present at this time will be upon the growth of those very humble ones known as small fruits and the rose. At nearly every meeting of this Society some prominent fruit grower of. New Enlgand (as Mr. Augur and Hale of Connecticut and Dawes of our own S ate) has given a most excellent exposition of this subject. These men have had long experience, and those who have studied the reports of the Society have found valuable information in all these papers. Allow me, Mr. President, to diverge a moment and speak of reports. What observation I have had would lead me to think that the reports of our S(,cieties are not valued as they should be. One often comes across them in out-of-the-way places, in heaps of rub- bish, etc., and when opened they will snap with glad surprise, show- ing that they have never been opened before since they left the print- ers' hands. They must be studied in order to be of benefit to the farmers and fruit growers of Maine. Let us study then what mature minds with large experience give us through the reports. But some one may raise the question why waste this valuable time on so insignificant a subject as small fruits. Surely no fruit is insignificant that can be raised, comparatively speaking, from the equator to the poles. I wrote Mr. Van Deman for statistics as to the value of the small fruit crop in this country for 1890, but I could not get them as they are not yet completed. We feel it our 56 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. duty to keep this subject before you uutil every family in the State is fully supplied. The health of the people demand it. Listen to one of America's greatest pomologists, Marshall P. Wilder, on this point : "Think once more, ray friends, of the great blessings which you may confer on mankind by the multiplication of good fruits. Next to saving the soul is the saving of health, and I know of no better m ans than an abundant supply of ripe fruits. Fruits are the over- flow of nature's bounty ; gems from the skies which are dropped down to beautily the earth, charm the sight, gratify the taste, and minis er to the enjoyment of life , and the more we realize this, the more shall we appreciate the Divine goodoess to us, and the duty of providing them for others." This duty the fruit growers of Maine met when in the year 1873 they organized the Maine S ate Pomological .Society. Grand work have they done in promoting the growth of fruits in our State and showing the importance of the industry. First amoi g the small fruits or berries comes the strawberry both in season and demand, but before taking up its cultivation, as ours is a botanical family, we will look into the botany to a certain extent of the strawberry and other small fruits, as given by Gray. It^ b 'tanical name is Fragaria (named from the fragrance of its fruit). When we speak of fruit we mean the ripened ovar}' with its contents. Some fruits as tbey are common y called are not fruits at all in the strict botaniial sense. A strawberry, although one of the choicest of fruits in the common acceptati n, is only an enlarged and pulpy receptacle, bearing the real fruits (that is the ripened pistils) scattered over its surface and too small to be much noticed. This small, dry achene is plainly a ripened ovary showing the remains of its style or stigma or the place from which it has fallen. In the raspberry and blackberry each grain is a similar pistil in the flower, but unlike the pistil in the strawberry it ripens into a miniature stone fruit or drupe. So iu the strawberry we eat the receptacle or end of the flower stalk, in the raspberry a cluster of stone fruits, like cherries on a very small scale, and in the blackberry, both a juicy receptacle and a cluster of stone fruits covering it. We see again the wisdom of our Creator in the succession of fruits coming through the entire season. STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 57 CULTIVATION OF THE STRAWBERRY, The liglit, sandy or gravelly soils are the lea'-t desirable, and the alluvial soils or those containing a larger percentage of vegetable mould the best. It ought to be worked two years to completely rot the sod, remove the white grub, and check the weeds. To furnish an abundant supply of plant food, apply from twenty to forty cords of good manure to the acre, and plow in ten inches deep. This after being thoroughly cultivated and smoothed will give you a grand feeding ground for the strawberry. You may think this amount of manure exc ssive and that the stawberry is a rank feeder. It is not exhaustive to the soil but when we cover one season with growth and without added fertility get a crop of berries the next, you see plainly that there must be, to secure good results, a large amount of plant food in the soil Again this plant does a large amount of work in a very short time. We uncover the plants about the first of May and begin picking the lasst of June. Doing .so much in so short time, putting forth the buds, blossr.ming, developing the fruit, ripening, all within about ten weeks, calls for an available and full supply of food. VARIETIES. There are a host of possibilities and often anticipated results in this one word that we never realize. There are failures here the same a-t in every other enterprise. Talk about varieties running out; they can't help it the way some people handle them. Give them a herd of Jerseys that would average twenty pounds of butter a week and they would run out in the same way. Improper care and an utter disregard of the laws that govern production. People often come to me asking for plants from an old bed. I tell them they can have all they want but they are good for nothing. It is better to pay a dollar a hundred for good plants than get these old ones for nothing We want strong, vigorous stock to start with and then put all our powers at work to strengthen the good points, by selecting those neare-t our ideal to propagate from. By this method a variety instead of running out may ba wonderfully improved. For general cultivation I have never fruited a kind that would compare with CresL-ent in vigor of plant and yield of fruit. I have found a her- maphrodite sort at last, (Michel's Early) that is its equal in vigor 58 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. of growth aud from experiment station reports, should judge it to be a good companion for the Crescent in field culture, as it blossoms at the same time and produces a grea^ amount of pollen. As aru'e the hermaphrodite varieties are not so productive as the [)istillates. 1 have known many failures among farmers in fruiting a fine bed of plants simply because they were a pistillate sort and no perfect flowering variet}' near. So after repeated failure they became dis- couraged. Several such instances have come to my notice the past year. This is a point in the botany of flowers that farmers especially need to know, for many failures in crops may be traced directly to it. LIST OF VARIETIES. IlermaphrocUte^-WWson, Sharpless, Jesse, Downing, Michel's Early, Gaudy, Parker Earle, Bidwell, Belmont, May King, and Miner's Prolific. PistiUatH — Crescent, Bubach, Warfield, Farnsworth, Eureka, Manchester, and Middlefield. DESCRIPTION OF VARIETIFS. Bubach : Makes runners slowly, but sets strong stocky plants. Fruit deep scarlet, average large. A very promising variety but rather soft for long shipment. Season late. Wilson, Downing, Miner's and Manchester with me are more subject to leaf blight than any others. This weakens the plant so they do not mature a iull crop and the fruit is dry and inferior. Some seasons when they are not affected I hey give a arood crop of fine fruit especially the Wilson. Its firmness makes it a very superior berry for canning. Sharpless : This is one of the strong-growing healthy sorts and with me takes the lead in size of fruit. It is inclined to green tips some seasons but not always. For best results it needs a deep, rich soil and plants not too thickly set. Jesse: A seedling from Sharpless. It resembles its parent in growth and size of fruit. It also needs a rich soil and then is only moderately productive. But the fruit is supurb in color, size and quality. Very healthy. Eureka : This is a vigorous growing plant, not very stocky. Makes runners freely. Fruit bright red color and attractive. The past season it was troubled with leaf blight to some extent. STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 59 "Warfield and Farnswortli : Vigorous growers. Strong, healthy plants. Parker Earle and Michel's Early : Very promising. Crescent : This variety is more extensively grown than any other, particularly in the North. It is early, haixly and productive. Fruit with me good both in size and quality. I always take it as a standard for judging other varieties. There are others better in qual- ity, but they lack in some essential point, vigor, productiveness or are troubled with leaf blight. I always advise those who never have raised strawberries to start with Crescent and some good fer- tilizer. If a large berry is desired, use Sharplessor Jesse. If not, I think Michel's Early would give best results. After the question of varieties is settled and you receive the plants get them into natural conditions as soon as possible. Do not leave them standing in water, but untie the bunches, moisten the roots and if your ground is not ready, heel them in somewhere protecting from sun. Wherever your fruit garden is arrange it so as to cultivate by horse power. In preparing the ground have the surface raked smooth or some plants will be set too high and others too low. In either case they would not grow well for the cultivator will either smo her them or they will dry out. Be sure to have the rows straight so the cultivator may be run close to the plants. To secure t'lis either set by line or sight the rows through by stakes and run some heavy truck by the stakes to mark the row. For matted row system of growing have the rows three and one-half or four feet apart, plants from twelve to twenty inches in the row owing to vigor of growth. Mr. Augur in a paper read before the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, February 14, 1891, recommended the triple row system setting in rows three feet apart and one and one-half feet in the row, allowing each spring set plant to throw one strong runner on each side, rooiing a single plant opposite the intervening spaces. In setting be sure and press the soil firmlj' about the roots, to insure a quick start. Soon as the buds appear cut them out, and lA the plant get well established in its new quarters before letting the runners grow. After the runners g^t started spread them out over the surface as evenly as possible as the cultivator tenrls to bunch them. After the ground is frozen cover so as to just hide the plants between the rows, as well as over the plants, with some seedless material, clean straw, meadow hay or boughs. I like straw or hay best as it is much less 60 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. labor and can be raked between the rows in the spring, checking the weeds and keeping the ground moist. This covering is not to protect from the cold, but the alternate freezing and thawing that injures the ten'^er rootlets near the surface wh ch are to do the work when spring opens. PROFIT IN STRAWBERRIES. I believe there is money to be made in fruit-growing and especially in strawberries They do not require a heavy outlay of money and give quick returns on labor and capital, desirable features in any business. I have no very remarkable reports of my own expei'ieuce for the best that I have done on anything of a large scale is at the rate of 175 bushel crates to the acre or 125 bushels on three-fourths of an acre. This with about the same amount of dressing I would use for a crop of corn. If I had had the manure I should have used the amount I mentioned in this paper. Probably we put about twice the work on the piece that we should, had it been planted to corn. I sell my berries at the farm at an average of $3.50 a crate, giving $612 50 value of the beriies at the farm for an acre. This looks like small business beside Mr. Augur of Connecticut and Barnard of Massachusetts, who get from four to five hundred bushels to the acre. Taking the medium. 450 bushels at twenty cents a basket, which I understand Mr Barnard gets under contract and what does it give? Fourteen thousand four hundred baskets at twenty cents gives $2,880 for the product of one acre. Do not think these results are accomplished by any haphazard work. It is science applied to fruit growing. The best I have ever done was to get twenty bushel crates from nine square rods This would be 355 bushels to the acre. I thought this a remarkable yield, and it was for Crescent and Sharpless under matted row system. For this is considered the poorest method for great results, yet the most con- venient because of less work. RASPBERRIES. Next in succession comfs the raspberry. This is a very easy fruit to raine of the standard mark t sorts for th3 north. Hardy, fair quality, very productive. I have also the Agawam and Erie which are fine fruits. Forty and fifty bushels of raspberries and blackberries is considered a good yie'd per acre. A man working a large farm has no business wi h small fruit growing beyond the full needs of hi-* family. The strawberry and hay crop come together, and other fruits follow in quick succession. Neglect is bad for the hay, but when you neglect berries it means total loss. I believe in making a specialty of one and putting your whole heart in it. But everyone who has land ought to raise small fruits for the family. Specific list of fruits for family : o. u • ' '^0 Crescent, .60 Strawberries, , -,, oi i on ' ( oL) Sharpless, .20 „ , . (50 Marlboro, -70 Raspber.ies, -^ .^^ ^,^j^,^^ ^-^^^^^^ -^ Blackberry, 50 Snyder, 1.00 Gooseberry, 6 Houghton, 1.00 Currant, 6 Cherry, 1.00-5.00 62' STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. This may seem a small quantity of plants but with good cultiva- tion they will yield a large amount of fruit. THE R08E. President, Prince, Duchess, General, Baron, Duke, Earle, noted men and women of every age are represented in this branch of our chosen family even to our beloved Wash'ngton and the family "Belle." QUEEN OF FLOWEKS. Delight of childhood, joy of middle life, solace of age. They mini ter to a thousand pleasing fancies. Not only do they crown the joy of the bride but as we send them to sick and afflicted they bear messages of love and sympathy. They also revive the heart by their b auty and fragrance. And when called to tender our last sad ministerings to departed friends in no way can we express our feelings so well as by these beautiful emblems of love and purity. Th^ cultivation of this plant has received a large share of atten- tion the past decade and as a result some very choice new varieties. The climbers, Hybrid perpetual, and Moss are the most desirable for Maine, being hardy and embracing all the colors except yellow. This is found in the Persian Yellow which is a very beautiful rose. Roses can be grown with little care ; every one who wishes can have them. They ever respond in buds and flowers in. proportion to the care we give them. The soil needs to be very rich. In making a rose bed, remove the soil the size you desire to the depth of two feet. Fill in one foot well rotted cow manure then a mixture of manure and rotted sod in which set the roses having them slightly lower than the surrounding surface that the moisture may not run off but sink about the roots. Most people set them too high. They need to be put well into the ground. Some of the best varieties. n^■ . ( Baltimore Belle, Climbers -^ ^ ^ *u t) •„;„ { Gem of the Prairie. S Marshall P. Wilder, Gen. Jacqueminot. Paul Neyion, Crested Moss. Baron De Rothschild, Mdme. Plantier, Persian Yellow. The Polyantha or fairy roses are very beautiful, sweet and hardy. One other member of this family 1 must mention, STATE POMOLOGICaL SOCIETY. 63 THE SPIREA. A more beautiful hardy shrub it is hard to find. A real delight are ite masses of white flowers. The most desirable is the Spirea Van Houtii. It is stated that but one-third of the working class can profitably be engaged in agricultural pursuits. If this is the case many of the sous and daughters of the larmersof Maine will fiad some other vocation. If they must go how different will be the feelings of those reared among the refining influences of fruits and flowers, from those who have occupied some of these dreary country homes we often see. Tlie first as they reflect upon their early life are filled with joyful rec Elections and with sadness do they leave the associations of childhood. The others are only too g'ad to escape from the dis= agreeable surroundings and work. Let us then surround our homes with the beauties of nature, fruits and flowers, so lovingly bestowed upon us that our sons and daughters may look back upon a child- hood filled with happy memories. discussion- Prof MtJNsoN. The influence of the pollen is a matter of special interest and importance to the strawberry grower. An inciease of pollen tends to increase the size of the fruit This is thought to be the explanation of the wonderful productiveness of the Crescent S edliug when properly pollenized. There is much yet to be learned of t le influence of the pollen upon the pist Hate varieties. Of one thing we are quite sure and that is the necessity of having some perfect flowered variety growing near them. Size, quality and quantity are wonderfully increased in this way. G4 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. PEAR CULTURE. Bv H. S. Dawes. Harrison. I am aware that my subject is a dry one to most people, from the fact that so few in our State are interested and engaged in the cul- tivation of pears, I am also aware that the object of this meeting and Society is to interest, and extend its usefulness to those not engaged in the profitable and delightful occupation of fruit growing. I regret ray inability to present the subject to you in its true merit*, and to bring out anything new or interesting, for I find myself in the condition something as the good old lady was when engaged in making her soap, and one of her neighbors called in and asked her how she did it, replied that she could not tell how she made it, but it come by observation, and all I can tell you about pear culture is what I have observed and learned since I have been in the business. Give me a moist, thoroughly under-drained soil. I don't care whether it is cla}', loam, gravelly or sandy, located on a fair elevation, and you can raise pears just as well hire in Maine as you can anywhere in New England. If you wish to engage in the business, I should select an acre, more or less, according to your circumstances, of such soil and loca- tion as I have described, and prepare it as follows : I should plow it as dtep as you can. by going twice in the same furrow, and turn under a heavy coat of dressing. After you get it plowed, spread on another good coat of well decomposed barnyard manure, to make it rich enough to bear good corn without any fertilizer in the hill, and plant it to corn or potatoes the first season. After the crop is har- vested in the fall, plow in another coat of barnyard dressing, also plow again the following spring, and if you give it another coat it won't hurt it. Harrow it over five or six times after each plowing, and cart off the rocks and >ther debris. It is no small job to pre- pare an acre suitable to grow pears, especially if the soil is rock3', but it does not pay to half do it. After you have given your ground the finishing touch with the smoothing harrow, it is all ready to la}' out, and how shall it be done? That depends on the kind of trees you intend to plant. If you feel an interest in your posterity, and wish to benefit your heirs, I should set standard trees, twenty feet apart each way. But if you want to get the fruits of your own STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. G5 Habor, and the largest possible profit from your acre, I should set ^ dwarfs, ten feet apart each way. When I first commenced in t\\e" business, twenty-s'x 3'ears ago, I did not lik^ the sound of dwarf trees, and looked on them as a curiosity that would do lo set out in the flov\-er garden. Accordingly, I set two on the edge as a novelty. One of them was a Duchess, and is a good, healthy bearing tree ; the other was a Louise Bonne de Jersey, which bore itself to death, and died last year for the want of proper treatment. When they came into bearing, whica tbey did after the third year, and I saw that there was nothing dwarf about the fruit, I began to change my mind, and did not care what they called the tree as long as it bore the largest fruit, the most of it, and almost invariably took the arst premiums. My experience with those two trees, and about one hundred and fifty more, set ten 3'ears later, as compared with about the same number of standards, (as I have about an equal number of each,) has convinced me that you can get five times as much profit from an acre of dwarfs as you can from an acre of standards. I am so selfish that I want the benefit of my labor while I live, and don't care to invest, or recommend others to, in anything that does not promise quick returns and good profits. As a consequence, I have never invested in life insurance, and shall put no m'^re money into standard pear trees. After you have decided which kinds you will set, provide yourself with as many small stakes as you have trees to plant, and lay out your grounds. Drive your stakes just where you want each tree to stand when set, and be sure and have your rows straight, and the trees of equal distance each way. Dig the holes six inches deeper than you want the tree to set, and put the top soil in a pile by the edge of the hole, the bottom soil close to it, and have the diameter of the holes three and one-half to four feet. Be sure and replace the stakes, and keep them in line both ways. Provide leaf mold enough to apply half a wheelbarrow load to each tree, and dump it close to the edge of the hole, also five large shovels full of thoroughly decomposed barnyard manure, and put that beside the leaf mold. Having previousl3' provided good, healthy trees, prepare them by pruning and cutting them back as they should be. Cut off all the bruised ends of the roots, take a wheelbarrow load of ashes, a bucket of water, a round stick two feet long, one and one-half inches in diameter, made on purpose to tamp the dirt around the roots, one 66 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. man with hoe and shovel to set your trees. Fill up j-our hole with your best top soil and leaf mold, till you get it high enough so that your tree will stand just as you want it. Now remove the stake and set the tree in the same spot, taking care to keep it in line with the stakes. Commence to set your tree with 3'our best soil and leaf mold, tamp it firmly around the roots, taking care to keep them in their natural position. When 3-ou have the tree two-thirds set, pour on a dipper of water and let it settle around the roots ; fill up the hole with alternate layers of soil, leaf mold and manure, taking care not to have the manure come in contact with the roots, but leave it mostly on the outside edge of the hole for the future use of the tree in years to come. Spread on about two quarts of ashes near the surface when the tree is nearlj^ set Scrape all the remain- ing soil, leaf mold and manure in a circle around the tree, treading it down firmly with your feet, and smooth it all off with a garden rake. It costs something in money and labor to plant out a pear orchard as it should be. But do your work thorough, and you will have an orchard that you will feel proud of when it is done. The main object to keep in mind in setting out fruit trees of all kinds is to imitate nature, and provide the trees with such fertilizers as will make the soil as near the virgin state as possible, so as to stimulate them to a healthy as well as a vigorous growth. I know of no better way to do this than by making a liberal use of leaf mold, decomposed barn- 3'ard manure, and a few ashes when planting the trees. There is nothing equal to leaf mold for a mulch, and there is no danger of using too much of it. When you procure your trees make a contract with some responsi- ble nurseryman, or party, for just the kind of trees you want ; specify the different varieties, all to be true to name, of the best, clean, healthy stock, and hold him to his agreement, or make him pay damages. You can get standards for fifty cents each, and dwarfs for twenty-five cents, and perhaps less and get good trees. Don't buy them of a tree peddler under any circumstances, for you will be just as likely to get one-half of them crab apple trees, and the other half you will not know any more about than you do of Blaine's health, or whether he is going to be a candidate or not, by reading the papers. You will observe that it takes just 110 standard trees, set twenty feel apart each way, to plant an acre, which will cost, at fifty cents STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 67 each, S55, and if you set dwarfs, ten feet apart each way, it will take 430 trees to plant an acre, just three dwarfs to one standard, and they will cost, at twenty-five cents each, about ^108, making the cost if 3'ou set dwarfs, about $53 more for the trees than it will to plant it with standards ; add to this $100 for fertilizers, labor, &c., will make your orchard, if you set dwarfs, cost you about $208, and if you plant standards it will cost about §150, and that amount, if you have any taste and gumption at all, will do it in first-class shape, and you will get good pay for j'our labor and fertilizers, and you will have an orchard, if you take care of it as it should be, that will prove to be a good investment and a source of pleasure and enjo3'ment. With 3'our orchard all set, the bulk of the labor and expense is over as it requires but very little labor and expense to keep it in order. The trees need but very little prunning except to keep the leading shoots cut back, so as to make the tree stocky with a symme- trical head. Keep the ground entirely clean of weeds, which is easil}' done, for you can cultivate both ways. Give them a good annual manuring round the trees after the third year, and for the first three years you can plant one row of beans or potatoes between each row of trees. After that they will commence to bear, and you should give them the benefit of the whole surface. In regard to varieties much can be said, for their number is legion. But I shall only notice a few of the old, tried sorts that we know are good and pay the best, that do as well on the quince root as dwarfs, and let each individual experiment and test for himself as many kinds as he pleases. There are lots of pleasure and enjoyment in doing that, but more pleasure than money. For a summer pear there has nothing yet been brought out that is equal to the Bartlett, all things considered, either for a standard or dwarf. It is an early and abundant bearer, yields good crops annually, and there is more money in it for me than there is in any other summer variety, and I should set one-fourth of an orchard to this sort. For a fall pear I think, all things considered, there is more money in the Louise Bonne de Jersey than in any other. It is au annual bearer, does it best as a dwarf, and is one of the best selling {«fais in the market. Its worst fault is it tendency to overbear, and the fruit must be thinned to save the trees and have the fruit mature to perfection. The trees are more subject to blight than most others. C8 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. but with all its faults I should set fully one-half of my orchard with this sort Next comes the Duchess d' Angouleme, which is one of the best if not the best, to cultivate as a dwarf. It is a good annual bearer, the tree remarkably free from disease, the fruit needs but little thinning, is of the largest size, sells well in the market, aod when fully matured and ripened is of first quality. Its worst fault is that in some seasons, and under certain conditions that I cannot explain, it does not mature and ripen all of its fruit fully, and then there is little to choose between one and a turnip. You will notice that I have limited you to three varieties, for my object has been for profit rather than pleasure, and if you have that in view I don't think you will regret it. I will now give j'ou a little of my experience with insects and dis- eases. In regard to insects I can tell you but little, for I am no entomologist. I have never taken much interest in their origin and life history. I cannot tell you much about microbes, bacteria, try- petas, etc., for I never went a gunning for such small game, and if you wish to know more concerning them, I will refer you to Prof. Harvey and some of those experts at Orono, who will furnish you with all the scientific and reliable information you desire. I read in the papers not long since, how many thousand microbes there are under a person's finger nails, and mj- daughter thought, if that was so, that mine must be badl}' infested. I have directed my efforts more to find out some remedy to get rid of them, rather than to spend time looking through a compound microscope to stud^' their genealogy and habits. My pear trees have never been troubled much with insects, except the codling moths, and you can easily handle them by spraying judiciously with Paris green. But the disease called the blight, or sun scald (some say that it is an insect)^ has been a serious one, and I have lost quite a number of trees by it. I have tried all the remedies that I could hear of, and made all sorts of applications, all to no effect, and I became thoroughly dis- gusted, and concluded that they amounted to nothing, or I wan't much of a doctor. For a while I tried to console myself with the thought that it is an irrevocable decree of our Creator, that, in His appointed time, all men, animals, vegetation, and even the world itself shall perish, and that I ought not to expect that a dwarf pear tree would be an exception. But I found that something must be done, or I should lose all my trees before their appointed time came. So, on further reflection, I thought I would try once more, on my STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 69 own hook, and go it blind. I went on the principle that an ounce of preventive is worth a pound of cure. I had previously observed that by slitting the bark from the main limbs down to the ground, the new bark that formed was very smooth and healthy, and it seemed to open a new vein of life, so to speak, in the tree. I also recollect that when I was a boj' and attended the town school, my mother used to have me wear a small bag of sul- phur as a preventive to certain contagious diseases that were preva- lent in the district, and the thought occurred to me that somethino- might be done to prevent a healthy tree from being attacked with the fatal disease. So I adopted what I call the Chinese remedy'. I have heard it said that in China they only pay the doctor as long as he keeps you well, and when you become sick his pay stops, and if you are very sick he loses his head ; and if your tree is badly affected you will lose its head and feet both, and the sooner you dig it up and burn it, the better. M3' preventive consists in slitting the bark, and common white wash with ten pounds of sulphur thoroughly mixed with fifty gallons of the wash, and applied to the trees in the spring when the buds are swelling. I first have my man go along and slit the bark from the main limbs down to the ground. I then follow with a large pail ot the wash, with a Lewis pump attached to the bottom, and spray the top of the tree. Another man follows with the wash and applies it with a brush to the main limbs and the trunk, so that the tree is completely whitewashed from top to bottom. It wants to be applied in the spring, before the tree leaves out. It does not injure the buds or the tender foliage in the least. I made my first application three years ago last spring, and have not seen the least symptom of the disease on a single tree that was treated. I also applied it to two trees that were affected so badly that I had to cut off one-half of the branches, and they have fully recovered. I wish to be distinctly understood that I only recommend it as a preventive applied to healthy trees every spring, in connection with the slitting of the bark, and not as a remedy. There may have been other conditions why the trees have not been affected, that I do not understand, and I do notrecommend it as a sure preventive, but simply give you the result of my experiment, for what it is worth. But m}' faith in it is so strong that I am willing to risk ray reputation as to its success, piovided you don't let the trees overbear, and it is applied every spring, and the trees are properly fed and cared for. If a tree overbears two or three crops it will die, and I don't believe 70 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. all the doctors in the world can apply any remedy that will save it. There is nothing that you can do to your trees that pays so well, and gives so good results, as thinning the fruit, especially those sorts that are inclined to overbear, like the Louise Bonne de Jersey, Bart- lett, and some others. Pear.«, like individuals, all need about the same soil and cultiva- tion, but their quality depends almost entirely on the manner they are treated and handled. I think sometimes that a man that is not a good judge of human nature, cannot succeed in cultivating them, so varied are their habits and the modes of handling them. The first specimens of fruit grown on young trees of some sorts, are as good, if not better, than they are after the trees get older. Others, you cannot tell anything about the quality of the fruit by the speci- mens first grown, and the fruit only arrives to perfection as the tree matures. Almost all of the summer and fall pears want to be picked while they are hard and green, and ripened in a warm, dark place in masses. A parrel of pears headed up tight, will ripen up and be of much finer flavor than they will to be turned down loose on the floor and exposed to the air. The winter sorts want to hang on the trees as long as it is safe to let them without freezing ; if the}' are picked before they are fully ripe they shrivel and lack flavor. I took a half bushel of Duchess, Louise Bonne de Jersey and Sheldon, last season to experiment with in ripening. I put part in the cellar, the rest in the attic, except a few that my wife put in the parlor. When we thought they were about right, we began to test them to see which were the best. We both agreed that those in the cellar were inferior ever}' way to those in the attic, and I will say to all, don't put summer and autumn pears in the cellar to ripen. I could not see much difference between those in the parlor and attic, but m}' wife, whose taste is more acute than mioe, insisted that those in the parlor were the better. I knew well that it was no use to argue the case, and I was glad to learn that she had found some practical use for such a needless and expensive luxury. Somehow or other, the most of our farmers and pomologists have got the idea that they cannot raise pears here in Maine successfully as they do in Massachusetts, and so they don't try, and when I come to look around and see how few there are engaged in the business, and the way they do it, I don't wonder the}^ think so. I believe there is something in the location and soil but vastly more in the treatment. I can raise pears almost as cheap as I can apples, and so far my STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY, 71 pears have paid me a better profit than apples, and they would have paid far better if they had all been dwarf trees of the right sorts. All we lack is skilled labor, and those that have a taste for the business, to give our State as gODi a reputation for its pears as we now have for our apples. A man whose taste is all horse, and spends half of his time in the stores and on the street corners talking about him, will not succeed in cultivating thera in Maine, or anywhere else. The horse is a noble animal, and merits a high position in our industrial pur&^uits, but is it not a questiou worthy of the consideration of those who have the matter in charge, whether they are not giving him vastly more than he merits, to the expense and neglect of our other indus- tries, considering all the demoralizing influences there are in connec- tion with it? But this is no time and place to discuss the horse question. I have already wearied your patience too long. In con- elusion, will say that I feel altogether out of place in trying to write and read papers before these professors, and this intelligent audience, for I was trained and educated to use the hoe, and not a pen. I trust that when our honorable secretary makes up his programme another year, he will employ an expert at the business, and not one who has to go to the dictionary as often as I do. EXPERIMENTS IN SPRAYING. By Prof. W. M. Munson, State College, Orono. The number of the insect and fungous enemies of the fruitgrower, and the magnitude of the damage caused by their attacks are suffi- cient reasons for considering certain methods of treatment at this time. While there are fluctuations in the severity of attack, it is patent to all that something must be done, or Maine will lose the proud position she holds as one of the finest apple states in the Union. In Massachusetts, New York, and farther west, orchardists are fully alive to the importance of combatting these pests, and the practice of spraying with fungicides and insecticides is common. It is not to be supposed tha,t conditions of soil or climate would render the work done in other parts of the country of no value as suggest- ing the proper course to pursue in our own State, but it has been 72 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. thouf^ht best to prove for ourselves the effectiveness of the remedies, — if they are effective. Unfortunately there are no large orchards in the vicinity of the college, hence we have labored somewhat at a disadvantage. Much credit is due to the gentlemen who gave the use o' their orchards and so faithfully assisted in the work. I shall give as concisely as possib'e the results of the past season's work in the line of "experi- ments in spraying." CODLING MOTH {Carpocupsa Pomonelld). A Dest which is universal in the southern portion of the State, and one which in many sections is the most serious we have to meet, is the larva of the codling moth. I say in the southern part of the State, for I am informed by growers in northern Aroostook that this pest has not yet reached them. No doubt all are familiar with the larva as it appears in the fruit. The moth itself is small, and very delicate. As it seldom flies during the day, it is not often seen unless one is searching for it. IS SPRAYING WITH PARIS GREEN A PREVENTIVE? To answer this question, trees were sprayed in the orchards of Messrs. W. P. Atherton of Hallowell, Charles S. Pope of Manchester, and F. M. Woodward of Winthrop. In Mr. Atherton's orchard a row of Rhode Island Greenings, and a row of Hubbardston Nonsuch were selected. Four of the Greening trees were sprayed with Paris green in the proportion of 1 pound to 250 gallons of water ; an equal number in the proportion of 1 pound to 300 gallons, and three trees were left unsprayed. Of the Hubbardston, one tree was sprayed with the mixture of 1 pound to 250 gallons, two in the proportion of 1 pound to 3"(0 gallons, and two were left unsprayed. Two applications were made. The first one, June 11th, just as the last blossoms were falling was under my own supervision. A second application was made b^^ Mr. Atherton two weeks later. The fruit was gathered October 3d. With the help at command we were unable to gather the fruit from all of the trees. Therefore in case of the Greenings, two trees of each lot were taken, reference being given to the relative size and productiveness of the tree so far as possible. All of the fruit was picked from the trees, and all that had dropped was gathered separately. Table 1 indicates the comparative results. STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETT. 73 TABLE I. A. RHODE ISLAND GREENING. Treatment. Whole number of fruits. Number woriry. Per cent wormy. Average per cent wormy. A. F. I. GREENING. One Pousd to 250 Gallons. First Tree. Picked 433 67 39 18 Pallen ■ Total 520 727 98 67 25 14 10.96 Second Tree. Picked 7.14 Pallen Total One Pound to 300 Gallons. First Tree. Picked 825 1069 165 39 101 53 4.72 Fallen Total 1234 1100 145 154 47 49 12.48 ■Second Tree. 10 08 Fallen Total l^OT Sprayed. First Tree. 1245 1195 228 96 124 114 7.71 Fallen Total 1423 556 253 238 73 138 16.02 Picked Fallen 20.11 Total 809 211 26.08 74 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. TABLE I. B. HUBBARDSTON. Treatment. Whole number of fruits. Number wormy. Per cent wormy. Average per cent wormy. One Pound to 250 Gallons. Picked 773 36 13 28 Fallen Total 809 681 33 41 11 22 5.06 5.06 One Pound to 300 Gallons. First Tree. Picked Fallen Total 714 836 83 33 75 56 4.62 Second tree. Picked 10.04 Fallen 919 652 169 131 145 122 14.25 Not Sprayed. Picked Fallen Xotal 821 267 32.62 32.52 It will be observed that none of the trees were very seriously attacked. The unsprayed trees having an average of but about twenty per cent of wormy fruit. All sprayed ti-ees had a smaller percentage of wormy fruit than did the unsprayed, but the best results were obtained from the stronger solution. The number of fallen fruits was greatly lessened by spraying, and the proportion of wormy fruits among the windfalls was much smaller in case of the sprayed trees. The figure gives a graphic representation of the results. One pounrl to 250 gallons One pound to 300 gallons Not sprayed A number of Greening trees in another orchard, some distance from the first, was sprayed June llth, and June-25th, with Paris green in the proportion of 1 pound to 250 gallons. In this orchard, three hundred fruits were taken indiscriminately from all parts of STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 75 each tree. The percentage of wormy fruits, while not absolutely final, may be regarded as a fair basis for conpirison. The trees were in parallel rows, thirty feet apart. TABLE II. Sprayed. Not Sprayed. Number Number Per cent Number Number Per cent fruits wormy. wormy fruits. wormy wormy. First tree 300 44 14.7 200 74 37,0 Second tree .. 300 40 13.3 300 113 37.7 Third tree . . . 300 20 6.7 300 85 28.3 As will be seen, more than one-third, (34 per cent) of the fruit on the unsprayed trees was wormy, while only one-ninth (11.5 per cent) was wormy on the sprayed trees. In other words, spraying the trees twice with Paris green saved more than one-fifth (22.5 per cent) of the crop. It had been our purpose to spray some of the trees three times, but as the land was in the meadow, the third application was omitted. From a consideration of the trees already mentioned, and also of a number of Baldwin trees from which all of the windfalls were gathered and counted, we conclude that the average percentage of fallen fruit from the unsprayed trees is nearly double that from the sprayed trees. With the Hubbardston, the difference was even more marked. (See table I ) In order that we might have as manj^ checks on our work as possible, Mr. Charles S. Pope of Manchester, undertook to spray a portion of his orchard with Paris green. One application only, was made June 25th, when the fruits were about the size of acorns. Table III indicates the results obtained. 76 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. TABLE III. Spra YED. Not Sprayed. 2 « U ^ ■JO Variety. a a s 2-2 Remarks. ^•5 S o a a ■3 -2 0 «2 a 0 g .2S, o o ^1 a, 0 «8 p X a Talman's 344 274 70 20.3 392 226 166 42.3 1 ! 2 . 07 All the fruits were nicked from the (1 lb. to 320 gal ) 397 308 89 22.4 681 371 31045.5 trees, and all from the ground that had fallen within two weeks. Baldwin 451 403 48 10.6 431 338 93 21.6 About 2J bushels 1 i 1.61 from all parts of <1 lb to 240 gal.) 409 349 60 14.6 462 374 88 19.0 each tree. No comparison between the two mixtures can be drawn as the trees were not in adjacent parts of the orchard. It will be seen, however, that in both instances there is a marked difference in favor of the sprayed trees. As indicated in the table, the ratio between the sprayed and the unsprayed Talman trees, is as 1 :2.07. In other words, for every wormy fruit on the sprayed trees, there were more than two wormy fruits on the unsprayed. Or, if there were 100 wormy fruits in a barrel of apples from the sprayed trees, there would be 207 in a barrel from the unsprayed. In the same way, for every 100 wormy apples on the Baldwin trees which were sprayed, there were 161 on the trees not sprayed. As a rule, it was observed that the difference in favor of the spray was most marked on trees bearing relatively few fruits — a fact of no small importance in an "off year." Negative Results : Incidental to some other experiments a few trees were sprayed in an orchard belonging to F. M. Woodward of Winthrop. The work was conducted by Mr. C. E. Moore. When spraying for the apple scab, certain trees were sprayed once with a mixture of Paris green and carbonate of copper in suspension. The poison was used in the proportion of one pound to 160 gallons of water. The trees were old, and were surrounded by unsprayed trees. About three bushels of fruit were counted from each of four trees with the following results : STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 77 - Spratbd. Unsprated. Sound. Wormy Per cent wormy. Sound. Wormy. Per cent wormy. 387 218 93 86 19.3 28.2 480 394 75 159 13.5 28.5 As will be seen, the results are indifferent or negative. The con- ditions were such, however, that little reliance can be placed on this test. In no case was the foliage of the spraj'ed trees injured by the weaker mixture. Some Baldwin trees spra3'ed freely with a mix- ture of the strength of one pound of Paris green to 200 gallons water. Were considerably scorched, however. In the use of Paris green or London purple it has been found that a fine, evenly divided spray is less liable to cause injury than is a coarse spray. As a rule, Paris green is to be preferred to London purple, as it is less variable in character and is less liable to damage the foliage. In general, we conclude from the results of the past season's work : Spraying with Paris green is effective in greatly reducing the injury from attacks of codling moth. A mixture so dilute as one pound of the poison to 320 gallons of water, may be effective. A mixture of the proportion of one pound of poison to 250 gallons of water was more effective, in some instances. The use of a mixture of the strength of one pound to 200 gallons water endangers the foliage unless carefully applied. IS SPRAYED FRUIT UNWHOLESOME? The objection is frequently raised that fruit which has been sprayed is unsafe for food ; that enough poison will adhere to render the fruit dangerous. The matter has attracted some attention in England recently, and there has been an outer}' against American apples. One of the Boston papers last winter quoted a writer in the Horticultural Times of London, assaying: "It is admitted that this insecticide (arsenic) is used upon the fruit itself until it is completeh' saturated ; that it is applied to the fruit several times before it reaches maturitj', and if the weather continues dry, the arsenic clings to the fruit and what 78 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. is not absorbed through the skin remains on it, forming a fine coat- ing which must evidently be detrimental to health, especially where the fruit is consumed to any extent. If the American apple, as it comes from the vessel is carefully rubbed with the finger, it will be seen that a fine delicate powder in most cases is removed. This is the arsenic adhering to the skin." There certainly is no doubt that fruit from which a coating of arsenic may be rubbed with the finger would be very unwholesome if eaten in large quantities. The trouble with the objection is, the fine white powder is not Paris green. I have yet to see the fruit which at maturity showed any visible effect of spraying, except compara- tive freedom from worminess. The statement made by the Boston paper, and by certain of the shippers consulted, concerning the time of spraying is as misleading as is the statement of the English Journal, though in the opposite direction. The statement is made, that the trees are sprayed "'only when in blossom, as the purpose is to get at the insect which gets in there." Now we know that this statement is entirely wrong. Spray- ing is never commenced, or should never be, until after the blossoms fall. The position of our English cousins is weak, and it is unne- cessary to go beyond the facts of the case to prove the weakness. The strongest mixture recommended is one pound to 200 gallons water. Personally I think one pound to 250 gallons strong enough. If we apply two gallons of the mixture to a single tree, we should use, approximately one one-hundredth of a pound, or sevent}' grains of the poison on the whole tree, at each application. The fruits are so small at the time of spraying, that it would be impossible to make as much as five per cent of the poison stay on them. There is not sufficient surface to retain a larger amount. But, even supposing this proportion correct, and that the trees are spra3'ed twice, if there are 1200 fruits — about three barrels — to the tree, the amount of poison per fruit would be less than three one-thousandth grain (.0029). But in our calculations we have not taken into account the fact that the fruit is exposed to sunshine and rain for four months before it is ready for use, and I am not sure but Professor Riley was about right when he expressed the opinion that "it would be necessary for a man to be able to eat fifty bushels of apples in order to get an appre- ciable amount of arsenic into his system." There certainly is no reason why fruit sprayed as directed should be unwholesome when STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 79 mature. The great danger from the use of Paris green lies in the methods of application. Great care should be used at this time. WHEN TO SPRAY. In general, the proper time for the first application is just after the fruit has formed, and for the second, some two or three weeks later. In no case should any spraying be done while the trees are in blossom. It is too early to be of any value whatever in checking the work of the codling larvae, and ver}' serious damage may be done in poisoning the bees which are very abundant at that season. Not only the bees themselves are killed but the honey is rendered unfit for use. There are two broods of larva; during the season, but we usually make special effort to check the first one. It this one is held in check, the second one will necessarily be less harmful. The time when the first brood commences depredations is not fully settled by entomologists, but it certainly extends over a considerable period, and varies with the season. It seems not improbable that we shall find that in practice certain varieties will need to be sprayed earlier than others. APPLE SCAB {Fusicladium dentriticum) . I doubt not most of those present are only too familiar with the dark colored spots or "scabs" which appear on some varieties of apples, notably the Fameuse and the Maiden's Blush. These spots represent but one stage in the life history of a plant which grows on and obtains its nourishment from the apple. Its attack is not confined to the fruit, and it sometimes causes ver^- serious loss to the orchardist. The plant is known to botanists as Fusicladium dentriticum. It belongs to a group of parasitic fungi. Sometimes in very cocl, wet seasons, the fungus spreads very rapidly, and attacks the foliage and young fruit early in the season, causing almost total loss of the crop, and greatly weakening the trees. If the attack is late, after the season's growth is completed, no special damage is done, except to injure the fruit. The disease appears on the leaves as brownish or olive colored spots. These spots, if numerous, run together, become blackish in color, and finally the leaf tissue dies. 80 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. For several seasons past, experiments have been conducted in various states for the purpose of determining a successful method of combatting the disease. It has been found that in many instances great benefit is derived from the use of some of the compounds of copper in solution. During the past season a series of experiments was planned with the purpose of determining on an extended scale, the effectiveness of certain mixtures, and some of the problems relative to methods of application. The latter portion of the work was carried on largely in the orchard of F. M. Woodward of Winthrop, the work being conducted by Mr. C. E. Moore. Owing to local conditions, most of the problems relating to methods of application remain unsolved. Though much credit is due Mr. Moore tor the faithful- ness with which he attended to the spraying. In regard to the effectiveness of spraying with copper compounds in checking the apple scab, results were eminently satisfactory. In the orchards of our President, Mr Pope of Manchester, fifty nine trees were sprayed with various mixtures and a suitable number of trees were left without treatment to serve as checks. The trees were of medium size, and bore from one to three barrels of fruit. The time at command was so limited, that not all of the trees could be examined criticall3\ But a sufficient number was examined to give a good basis for our conclusions. Four different mixtures were used : A. A modified form of eau celeste^ made by dissolving two pounds sulphate of copper ("Blue stone"), and two pints strong ammonia, and for use diluting to twenty-eight gallons. B. Ammonio-copper carbonate solution — three ounces carbonate of copper dissolved in one quart ammonia. Diluted to thirty gal- lons for use. C. The same as B, except that only two ounces of copper was used. D. Carbonate of copper in suspension. Two ounces carbonate of copper placed in twentj'-five gallons of water. Table IV gives the average results obtained from the examination of several trees sprayed with each solution, and of the un8pra3'ed trees. STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETT. 81 TABLE IV. ■3 >> .Q ■" .£> us T3 ■^ R Treatment. 3 S 3 a. C3 g J3 =3 .0 .0 in 0 0 °^ Remarks. s> 0 >. to ^ ** *^ — a> e S S =0 5 60 •n ^ u t^ 0) 9 s < 3 ia (W ca "^ a, a, 0 Solution A.. 469 262 125 57 u 57.01) 85.0 Sprayed May 11 and June 15. " B.. 802 383 339 78 6 41,75 90.0 Sprayed May 22, June 15 and July 28. C. 720 237 364 109 10 32.09 83.5 Sprayed May 22 and Juno 15. " D.. 576 24 138 278 133 4.1 28.1 Port sprayed once, part three times. No apparent difference. Not sprayed. 729 30 157 332 210 4.1 2).* As will be seen, there is a marked difference in every instance save one, in favor of the sprayed trees. The highest per cent of fruit entirely free from scab, was obtained from the use of the eau celeste, the gain being fifty-two and nine-tenths per cent, or more than half of the crop. The greatest actual gain so far as marketable fruit is concerned, however, was obtained from the use of the stronger ammoniacal solution of copper carbonate. The actual increase of No. 1 fruit amounting to nearly sixty-five per cent. It is quite possible that this difference is largely due to the later application of this solution. The results obtained from the use of the copper carbonate in sus- pension, will not warrant us in advising that mixture. Other tests were made in Mr. Pope's orchards, as also in Mr. Woodward's orchard at Winthrop. The indications in every instance pointing toward marked benefit from the use of the copper solutions. As showing the necessity of doing something to check the disease, I may note the condition of certain trets in Mr. Woodward's orchard. 82 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. o a ■S-a ^4 i, a 2 51 a n that its officers, or some committee chosen for the purpose, employ a competent person, to be denominated a head packer, if you please, who shall be located, together with suitable help, in one or more places in each of the counties where the quantity of fruit usually raised shall war- rant the outlay, such person or persons to receive the fruit from the STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 91 grower, sort and pack the same, make the sales and be responsible to those who bring the fruit in the payment for the same — [hs Society to receive a certain per cent to cover costs. B3' malving Portland a shipping centre, suitable storage room can be obtained, and when an agent fiora any large purchasing firm is in pursuit of a first-class article, those lots having the brand of ihe Society to recommend them will at once attract attention, and as its reputation for honest practice and deal may become establi.shed, it will prove a medium through which the average orchardist may dis- pose of his product, feeling sure that it stands an equal chance with that of his neighbor, and receive a corresponding amount as a result for his care and labor. I have a strong and confiding faith in the future prosperity of our noble Slate. All I am, all I ever expect or hope to be is bound up in the possibilities, nay, the probabilities that are soon to be grasped. The earlier strivings of ray ambition were directed in the line of securing a herd of thoroughbred Jerseys worth}" a place on an}' farm, and success has attended n\y efforts. My next move was for an orchard, and after purchasing an outlying farm well located and adapted to my purpose, what leisure time I can command is devoted to the pleasing and encouraging work of both grafting and pruning as well as the transplanting of hundreds of trees that take kindly to the soil made ready to receive them. Whatever of weal or woe, therefore, that fickle nature or force of circumstances may bring to the country, I shall try and be prepared to meet the result, always looking forward to that long expected time when farmers will be the "kings of the land" and their reign usher in the day of universal prosperity. 92 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. MAINE APl'LES IX THE ENGLISH MAIMvET. By EuAVAKD Peakk. Portland, Sliippiiig Agont of J. C. Houghton & Co., Liverpool and London. Your secretan', Mr. Knowlion, has kindh' suggested that I should make a few remaiks upon '"Maine Apples in the English Market," and ii will attord me much pleasure to answer to the best of my ability any questions that the meeting may choose to put to me. Tiie dtmand in England for fruit of every description is an increas- ing one every year ; the people of England getting more and more into the way of eating fruit regularl}', and looking upon it as a necessary part of their diet. Nv^ doubt growers think the prices that have ruled this season have been low but if it is taken into consideration that from the beginning of the season until the end of last week over one and one- fourth million barrels were shipped from United States and Canada to the United Kingdom it must, I think, be admitted that the prices paid by the English consumers have been very fair not to say good ; and quite as high as could reasonably' be expected under the circum- stances. When it is remembered that to the price obtained by the grower here must be added the freight, and all charges and shipping expenses it can hardly be said that the prices paid in P^ngland have been extremely low. The present season has proved the capabilities of the English market for the disposing of ver}' large weekly shipments, and all present appearances seem to indicate that growers need have little fear, taking one season with another, of their crops not realizing remunerative prices. The very low prices of some of the fruit this season is accounted for by the fact that such fruit was of such quality that no one could reasonably expect it to return good results either in the English or any other market. The fruit of lirst quality has all along brought fair prices considering the excessively large shipments. Usually the English market is well supplied with common fruit grown in England and on the continent of Europe. Had it not been that Ibis season the supply of this fruit was smaller than usual the inferior Maine apples would have done much worse than has beea the case. STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 93 It is very gratif yiog to find that there is a strong feeling growing up here that the very- inferior fruit should not be sent across the water but be disposed of upon this side. As I am strongly convinced it would prove to the interest of growers both individualh' and collec- tively that only fruit of fair size and quality should be selected for shipment. This would reduce the quantity for shipment and the fruit shipped would procure better prices in consequence. The increased prices for the better quality shipped would, I should say, more than make up the loss on the inferior fruit thiough disposing of the latter here. Independently of this, however, it would follow that if no inferior fruit were shipped Maine apples would further improve their great reputation and this would result in their having a higher relative value compared with apples from other parts than is the case at present. This is undoubtedly a very important matter for the consideration of growers, and being much interesied in the quesliou I am much pleased to find such insistence being laid upon these facts at this meeting. As regards the best varieties for shipment, the hard winter kinds are those in demand. The Baldwin, as you well know, stands first Id the list, there being far more of this fruit shipped than anything else. This fruit has the gieat merit of standing handling well and upon the whole is about the most satisfactory fruit fur export, being a great favorite and always in demand. Kings biing the highest prices of any Maine fruit, but it seems to be generally conceded the results to growers of this fruit are not as great as for Baldwins. Northern Spies, Greenings, Ben Davis, etc., also have a ready sale. The Ben Davis up to the present has done very well but it will not do to trust too much to this fruit maintaining its present position, as should shipments largely increase it is probable that present prices com|)ared with other fruits would not be maintained. I have only mentioned winter fruit as suitable for shipping because under present conditions of shipment the risk of sending fall fruit is so great that I always fee 1 compelled to discourage the experiment of sending it. If it could be got over in good shape it no doubt would do well and give satisfactory results ; but this is such an uncertainty as to approach the impracticable. The da}' may come when it will be possible to send by steamers provided with special holds and contrivances for keeping fruit cool but until then growers 94 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. will do well to raise only such quantities of fall fruit as can readily be disposed of in the home markets. As you can readily understand the barrels have a great deal of handling while in transit from the farm to the English market and it is absolutely necessary to have barrels of sufficient strength to carry the fruit in good shape. As it is an advantage to have clean, neat looking packages new barrels are best if made sufficiently strong. It is, however, better to use flour barrels than new ones which are not equally as strong as a flour barrel. In this case great care should be used to have the barrels properly cleaned out and also to erase any old marks from the head so that when the barrel is put up it may look as neat and clean as possible. All fruit sold in Liverpool is sold from the wharf or quay and not put into store. Samples are drawn from each lot and taken to the sale room where some of the barrels are turned out in the presence of the buyers at time of sale, and the buyers thus have every oppor- tunity of properly appraising the fruit. With respect to brands, some brands have a preference with the English buyers. The explanation of this is that the shippers of the brands referred to always take care to ship only No, 1 fruit under what may be termed their standard brand. For their shipments of second quality they use a ditferent mark altogether. The brand of the first quality apples thus gets a better name than would be the case if the same brand were used for the best and inferior fruit. The apples are sold at public auctions which are held three times a week. There is a large attendance of buyers from all parts of the country acd thus is assured the highest prices being attained that the laws of supply and demand will permit of. In conclusion I may say, that, in my opinion, the prospects for Maine apple growers are encouraging. The prices that have ruled this season have had the effect of largely increasing the consumption and tnis will have a good effect next season and the following years. There is every indication that the taste of the English people for fruit will increase every succeeding year. DISCUSSION. T. M. Merbill. Reference was made by Mr. Peake to the barrels used for packing. I am satisfied with good, clean flour barrels, and I believe they are preferable to the new barrels made in this State. There is often much said against the buyer, and some try to make STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 95 him responsible for the inferior quality of Maine apples that find their way to market. The bu3er is no more to blame than the farmers, and most shippers would much rather have strictly No. 1 fruit than any other. But they have to buy the fruit as they find it and do the best they can with it. Mr. Gilbert. If the shippers insisted on having first quality of fruit the farmers would be glad to furnish it. The shippers are too willing to pack No. 1 and No. 2 apples in the same barrel and in consequence the farmer is the sufferer. The improvement should be with the buyers. Let them improve their practices and require better work of the farmers. FRUIT GROWING IN MAINE COMPARED WITH OTHER AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIES. By L. F. ABBOTT, Agricultural Editor, Lewiston Journal. TakiLg up the subject in a general wa}-, comparison may seem fair and just. But arguing from a given standpoint as applicable to the whole, and basing estimates of successful enterprise in fruit growing in one section of the State with other agricultural branches in another locality, hedged about by differing circumstances of loca- tion as affected by soil and climate, the comparison becomes unfair and misleading. The truth of the matter is, in our grand old State of Maine there is such diversity in soil, climate and other modifying conditions, that comparison between those lines of industry requiring unlike environ- ment for their full development, becomes unjust and out of place. Hence, what 1 have to say this evening will be largely in a general way, not drawing the lines too sharph', because in a State like ours, where industries are so varied and everything of the best, all, in one sense, are on a general level. And again, in view of the diversity of our agricultural interests, and the development of those industries under the fostering care of the best government, both state and national, that long-suffering humanity ever found fault with, it will not be amiss to consider the general status of agriculture, as well as the agriculturist in Maine at the present time. Special lines in agriculture in our State form vast industries in themselves. This may be said of dairying, fruit growing, market 96 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. gardening, etc. But nnderlieing these, forming the basis of all, the great and paramount industry is the live stock of the farms of Maine. The hay crop and the stock it fosters are the two great uuderlieing factors in economic agriculture in Maiae and New England. While on general principles we concede this as a whole, there are individual lines of work, forming large and growing industries in themselves. One of these is fruit grovving. And if any one of the varied industries of the State can be said to be independent of all other industries it is this. B it commercial orcharding has not arrived to that degree of prominence in Maine as to assert its inde- pendence of other interests. Hence, we generally find the orchard an adjunct lo the farm where mixed husbandry forms the rule. It become*, then, a matter of policy in agricultural operations as to which lines of industry to devote the greater attention. So in instituting comparisons between fruit growing and other industiies carried on on the farms of Maine, we cannot, as I said before, draw the lines so closely as to be appropriate to every section of the State. The individuality of the farmer comes in as a potent factor to determine the poise of financial preponderance. One will succeed admirably in caring for cows, an i make a financial success of dairy- ing, while he would be an utter failure as an orchardist. It is very fashionable in times like the present to say that fruit growing does not pay. So the same may be said of ever}' specialty of the farm at certain times. Orchard sts say in seasons of full crops of fruit that the trees only bear every other year, and then themai'ket is always so crowded with fruit when they liave some for sale, that it hardly pays the expense of gathering and marketing. But this argument of crowded markets, and low p ices, has been advanced against almost every crop grown upon the farm, and yet the owners gro\y these same crops, and make money enough to support their families, pa}' their taxes, and some of them a fair per- centage besides. A COUNTER PROPOSITION. If I draw the line of comparison between one or all the varied industiies of the farm and orcharding. I shall be met with a propo- sition something like this : Admitting that fruit is easier raised and that the profits are greater than realized in most farm commodities will not the inculcation of this idea stimulate to over-production of fruit, and prices run down so low, there will cease to be any profit STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 97 in it? Take the season of '91, for instance. Oar crop of fruit was a very large one throughout the country. But it so happened that apples in P^arope were a light crop, so the foreign trade helps us out somewhat this year, but wliat would have been the condition of the apple market if the European crop of apples had been good last year? It is admitted that here is a contingency that is likely to be met in the future. But it should not be overlooked that the rate of con- sumption of fruit is increasing in equal ratio with its production. Look at the export trade in apples this winter. Nearly a million and a quarter barrels of apples have already been shipped from this country to England, and the trade is still going on. There will be seasons when export trade will be less, of course, and full crops of fruit here will send the price down to a low Qgure, but we can rely upon one thing, this year's crop of fruit will not interfere with next year's crop. In years of plenty the evaporator should be called into requisition to modify* the condition of fruit and so enable the orchardist to hold it till better prices can be realized. This is being done. A few days ago one of the largest orchardists in Maine, and one who makes orcharding the specialty of his farm, and has made it a grand success, wrote me as follows : 'Tt is hard to boom orcharding or feel very much elated in regard to it in years like the present, but crops that are perishable like apples, potatoes, etc., are subject to greater fluctuations in price than those that are not so perishable. The market is so extensive, and is still extending more and more for apples, that when there is a partial failure they will pay the intelligent orchardist four times as well as any other crop. Ever since I can remember there have been years that apples did not pay for harvesting. That was when but few were grown. "Three years ago apples were more of a drug in the market than they are tbis year, but the two years following more than made up for it. I expect it will always be so, and I am not so much dis- couraged as some orchardists are, who, when there comes a good year, will be more elatpd than I shall. "It is true that if it had not been for the European market, apples would have been worthless for sending to market, but I think we can always count on the European market later in the season, even when there is a large crop there, for their apples are gone early, and 7 98 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. I expect other markets will be opened up for our fruit, especially evaporated and canned apples. If we can compete with other por- tions of the country in anything we can in orcharding. Orchardists should be prepared so that, when prices are too low, thej' can put their apples in shape to keep till there is a call for them, by evapora- ting or canning, and I think b}^ so doing they can make the business as profitable in any year as any other branch of farming. '•The best of apples can be raised in Maine on land that is not, at present, worth five dollars per acre. Not much capital required for the business, eh? Some brains though, and more perseverance." By way of postscript he adds: "I have evaporated nine tons of apples this year and expect to evaporate more if prices of green apples should not improve." Now, my friend?, let me say right here that I believe in orcharding as an industry on Maine farms. And I will tell you why I believe in it. I will tell you, also, wherein it excels as a profitable factor in our Maine agricultural operations. I do not believe every man who takes up the business simply for the money be thinks he sees in the near future, will succeed in fruit culture. Also the same may be said of most other specialties of the farm. There is a necessity for special fitness and training for special objects. The careless man, the bungler, the easily discouraged and short-sighted farmer, will make a failure in orcharding, as he will be likely to in everything else, because he lacks application and faith in his work. TWO ADVANTAGES. There is a two-fold advantage to be derived from fruit culture, a point in its favor often over- looked by those engaged in it. Besides the value ot the fruit grown, it increases the value of land. But I hear some one say, "I don't want to sell my farm," Perhaps not, just now, but hundreds do, just the same, and there are but few farm homes in Maine but some time in the past have changed hands, or will in the future. Right here occurs to me one example. I know an old homestead in Androscoggin county where the late occupant, the second in lineal descent to foster the paternal acres a few years ago, when the family were in health, it seemed as though other generations in the line were likely to hand down the rich inheritance of a fine fruit farm. STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 99 Death came to this household and took the only son. The father, after a iew years of carrying on the farm with hired labor, felt the care too much for his increasing years, so, after many misgivings and heart yearnings the old homestead passed into other hands. And it brought a good round price. Why? On account of its rich endowment of Baldwin apple trees. Let me tell you about it. I know this homestead well. Happy have been the visits I have made there, and the memories of the hospitality shared under the roof-tree of this fine old mansion, built when Maine's pines were thickly standing, large and tall, over a large area of the State, are restful as a strain of music at twilight of a summer's day. The fruit trees growing on this farm formed the main factor in its sale. And yet there was not a large orchard of bearing age on the farm. Strange as it may seem, yearly crops of 200 barrels, mainly Baldwin apples, were gathered and stored in the capacious fruit cellar. Now you ask, "How can these things be?" This is a high, rocky farm, with a soil richly endowed with the elements suited to orcharding. If you shouH ever go to the "Nor- lands" where the 'amous Washburn family of Livermore were cradled, to the beautiful eminence now surmounted with a quaint old homestead, the fine, modern family mansion, with a beautiful little church whose spire overtops the unique stone library building, you will be very near the old farm I speak of. The rocks were cleared from the fields and these were so plenty that walls were built enclosing ilelds of four to six and ten acres. On the line of these walls were set native seedling trees some seven or eight feet from the wall. These trees were set about thirty feet apart on the line of the wall, the trees on the opposite side standing at a point midway between the trees of the former row. These young trees were grafted in the branches or in the stock as the fancy of the owner led. These fields in the course of the regular rotation ; oats or mixed grain, followed by dressing and planted to corn and potatoes, seeded to grass and clover again with wheal or barley, remaining in grass four or five years, then the round of rotation went on again. These trees grew from this course of cultivation, as might be expected — they will grow over on these hills anyway — and became quite constant bearers, and give apples that keep till the Irogs peep in April. 100 STATE POM.OLOGICAL SOCIETY. This old homestead was sold — others will be. But there may be many old homesteads that lack this one thing needful to attract a buyer and influence the paying of a large price. A PERMA^NENT INVESTBIENT. It is a fact a good orchard will do more towards selling a farm for a high price than man}' other things which are a grea deal more expensive. When a man puts out a lot of nice fruit trees he then and there makes a permanent improvement of great value. I do not come here to encourage one line of farming to the dis- paragement of another. As I have attempted to show, education, situation, structure and quality of soil, and the thousand and one things which environ Maine farmers, are among the factors which should influence him in adopting special lines in agricultural pursuits. Beef is low, yet I contend that on our natural grass farms, on our good corn-growing lands, we can still make monej' on beef. The watchword of the farmer should be to cheapen the c:)3t of production of all classes of commodities the farm produces. Cheaper beef, pork, butter, wool and mutton, and fruit. T«vo cents saved in cost of producing a pound of beef, pork or butter, is equal to the price enhanced to that amount. Ex-Governor Hoard said at the late dairy conference at Auburn, that he hoped to see the daj'' when good butter could be put into everybody's mouth for tv\ enty cents a pound, and he still retain the same profit he was making at thirty cents a pound. The same rules are applicable to orcharding and other lines of farming. We should be fitting ourselves to meet these conditions whatever the circumstances of markets ma}' be. When the contrast comes before us we shall find that it is easier to gain a fair per cent of profit on a barrel of apples than on a pound of beef or butter. All the possibilities, even under the present large area devoted to orcharding, and the increased attention likely to be given fruit culture in the future, are directly in favor of orcharding over other special lines of agricultural industry applicable to Maine farms. The markets of the world are open to us. When we begin to talk about a market for apples Maine holds the right of way. There are several reasons for this. The excellence of Maine's winter fruit is conceded, its keeping qualities are equal to the best, and our climate is such that when the crop of the great apple growing regions a few degrees south of STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 101 US are put upon the market, ours may remain a little longer in the cellar. A DRAWBACK. But there is one drawback to our prosperity in this line and this is an instance where the many suffer for the sins of the few. A class of orchardists and buyers commit a culpable wrong by fraudu- lent packing of fruit for market. Upon this point one of the largest apple buyers in Franklin county writes me. He says : "I believe there has got to be a change in the way apples are packed for market or Maine will get left. On the whole, Maine fruit is packed the poorest in any state. This is not as it should be. We have the best fruit, and if the fruit could be packed honest, we could get a paying price any year. I know of a lot of apples that were shipped to Boston last fall and sold for $3 a barrel as soon as they arrived. The same parties have had the apples of this orchard tor a number of years and they were sure of the packing and willing to pay for it. "There are lots of apples that will not get to market this year just because their owners will not pack them as they should be. Buyers in such a season a^ tbis shun such lots. In seasons of scarcity the market will lake most anything and pay something for it, but in s* asons when fruit is selling slow and low, these distrustful lots are likt'ly to get left, as they should be." Ilones'y pays in the long run, while rascality like a boomerang, rebounds and injures both guilty and innocent. Intellectual obliquity is bad enough in these days of schools, but this boomerang of moral crookedness which barks the shins of the greater innocent number as well as the lesser guilty ones, must be overcome bj' the inculca- tion of honesty from principle and policy or individual interest. Most people wilt leave cff sinning if they can make a dollar by it. THE EDUCATIONAL IDEA. The orchardist of the future will be educated in his special field. So too, may be said of other lines of agricultural industry, in fact, tbi-i is so in a large sense now ; but the change in this respect has just beguo. The lime is coming when the fundamental principles of auriculiure will be a part of Ihe curriculum of all our schools. The age in which we live demands it. Formerly, more than at the present day, mixed farming was prac- ticed, wherein more than one of the varied industrial specialties 102 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. were fostered. Later, progressive methods have lead to special lines in industrial practice. The relations of one section of the country with another change with the progress of industrial ideas. Population increases and markets for all the products of the farm fluctuate and change. Methods of production, as well as the commodities produced, feel the force of twentieth century push and energy. This is true in relation to our stock, our butter and cheese, our apples and small fruits. The only thing for the Maine farmer to do, is to catch on and keep up with the procession. This we have not done. The average agricultural mind is slow to appreciate the circumstances of environment. It takes a ^ood deal of plowing, and sub-soiling, and harrowing and warming by the sunlight of progressive thought and ideas, before it comprehends that the procession is moving forward. But the dawn of a better day is upon us. Farmers are reading more, thinking more, and above all, putting into practice the lessons they have learned by their research. Those great lights, ilie experi- ment stations and agricultural colleges, ably supported by the boards of agriculture and kindred associations fostered by the state and national governments are a power, which, sustained and reflected by the agricultural press, are woiking radical changes in thought, ideas and practice, as a whole, in New England agriculture. Human thought is progressive. We that are older and have kept in touch with the spirit of progress and the environing forces which impels to the difl!^usion of light and knowledge, must admit that ideas are dominent in the destiny of the commonwealth which means the agriculturist, because he is the better half of the commonwealth. For the reason I have stated we are in a transition period regard- ing agricultural technics. Old methods and obsolete notions have not all been discarded, nor will they be till tbe present white-headed generation has become obsolete. The old-fashioned, slip-ping, and is snid to be improved by crossing the Atlantic. Tliere are several other varieties that miglit be placed in the same list. The Society is unwilling to rccomniPnd them by placing them on tlie Condensed List, on account of their inferior quality. It is believed sooner or later, as better shipping facilities are provided for fruit, that it will not pay to send abroad any apples that are not among the best in quality. STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 113 Aroostook County — From reports received there are several apples that thrive here, among which are Red Astrachan, Duchess of Oldenburg, Fameuse, Alexander, Wealthy, Yellow Transparent, Dudle}', Montreal Peach. description of varieties. Eed Bietigheimer — A. rare and valuable German variety. Fruit large to very large; roundish, inclining to be conical; skin pale, cream-colored ground, mostly covered with purplish crimson; flesh white, firm, sub- acid, with a brisk, pleasant flavor. Tree a free grower and abundant bearer. This is one of the largest and handsomest apples. Early fall. Stump — Originated near Rochester. Fruit medium size, conical; skin yellow, striped and shaded with light red ; resembles Chenango ; flesh firm, crisp, juicy, tender, sprightly, sub-acid. Considered an acquisition to desirable market and garden varieties. Tree of handsome, stocky growth and prolific. September and October. Tetovka (Titus Apple) — Origin, Russian. Large; three and one-quar- ter to ttiree and three-fourths inches in diameter; roundish, tapering slightly to crown; color, greenish yellow ground, striped and marbled with light red in the sun; when fully ripe, the ground is yellow, and the red deep and dark, mostlj'^ covering the fruit, and usually a light bloom; flesh rather coarse, tender, juicy, very mild acid; quality not high, but good. Tree a free grower and productive. Foliage very large. Ripe in September. PEARS. Summer — Bartlett,* Brandywine, Cla2}i/s Favorite, Osband's Summer. Autumn — Belle Lucrative, Beurre Superfine, Eastern Belle, Good- ale, Louise Bonne de Jersey,* Nickerson, Sec/eel, Sheldon. Winter — Beurre d'Anjou,* Lawrence. For trial, Josephene of Malines. description of varieties. Margaret {Pelite Marguerite') — Medium size; skin greenish yellow with brownish red cheek, and covered with greenish dots. Flesh fine, melting, juicy, vinous, and of first quality. Tree a vigorous, upright grower, and an early and abundant bearer. Succeeds as a standard or dwarf. The finest pear of its season. Ripens latter part of August. Frederick Clapp — Size above medium; form generally obovate; skin thin, smooth, clear lemon yellow; flesh fine grained, very juicy and 114 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. melting; flavor sprightly, acidulous, rich and aromatic. Season, Octo- ber loth to November 1st. Tree a vigorous or free grower and somewhat spiny. Col. Wilder — One of Fox's seedlings from California. Large, pyri- form, oblong, inclining to oval ; stalk set without depression ; calyx vi'vy shallow, open or half open; skin yellow, profusely dottpd and marbled with russet; flesh melting, full of juice, sweet; a delicious pear; keeps till March. A fair grower. The Idaho Pear — At the annual meeting of the British Columbia Fruit Growers' Association for 1S91, Mr. George W. Beebe read a paper on this recent introduction. As yet not enough is known of the Idaho pear to pass judgment upon its merits, but many nuserymen are off"ering the tree to the public. So far as the tree has been tested in Maine it has proved to be perfectly hardy. From this paper the following is clipped : Nearly a quarter of a century ago Mr. and Mrs. MuUkey.then residents of Portland, Oregon, concluded to try their luck in a new country. Amongst other things Mrs. MuUkey took with her four pear seeds that she had taken from a single species of pear, the name of the variety being ijnknown to her. So that the parentage is clouded in mystery. A spot of ground for the future home was selected on a piece of sage brush land, near the banks of the Clearwater river, in what was then known as the Territory of Idaho; here Mrs. Mullkey planted the four pear seeds she had taken with her, but one of the four seeds germinated, whicli grew nicely and in the short space of four years produced its first crop of fruit, and though the parentage of the Idaho is in doubt yet there is no doubt whatever regarding the foster parent, for the new variety immedi- ately took upon itself the name of its guardian and was known as the Mullkey Pear. Some years later the Mullkey place passed into the hands of a Mr. Lindsay who is now the happy possessor, and with it went all interest in the Mullkey Pear, and for a time at least the name was changed and it was known as the Lindsay. A few of the admirers of the then Lindsay Pear, in 188G, believing that there was a great future in store fir this new attraction, concluded to organize what is now known as the Idaho Pear Company for the special purpose of distiibuting the stock. The company tiiinking that more than a local name would be desirable re-christened the MuUkey-Lindsaj' to ihe Idaho Pear. While it is generally conceded that the Idaho is superior to tlieBartlett in nearly every particular, yet it will hardly be a rival to that variety, as its season of ripening is nearly a month later; it will fill a place of its own. In size it will compare favorably with that standard, the Bartlett. and may be ranked as large, specimens having been grown exceeding a pound in weight. The shape is peculiarly its own, no pear approaching it except a pear of French origin known as the Crassane, and while there is some resemblance in this particular, yet Simon Bros., of Metz, and other authorities on pomological matters, who had tasted the Idaho, have stated STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 115 that there is nothing in common between the two. In color it would be difficult to imagine a more beautiful fruit well ripened, being a golden yellow slightly tinged with red, not glaring in appearance, but of that peculiar blending of color that makes it especially attractive, but with its unusual attractions in color and size the flesh is firmer than the Bartlett, with a flavor, so far as my judgment goes, surpassing that of any other variety. The growth of the tree is very similar to the Bartlett, in fact, so much so, that I think it would be difficult to distinguish any difl:erence between the two varieties. I noticed last spring that it was much later in coming into leaf than any other pear I have, and I have reason to believe from information obtained from other sources, that this is only another peculiar thing in its favor, as in some places where all the fruit buds have been killed on account of late frosts, the Idaho coming into leaf so much later ha^ shown no sign of injury; in fact, Mr. Evans states that while the Bartlett and otlier pears were nearlv all barren last year owing to late frosts, the Idaho had nearly a full crop of fruit. PLUMS. Bradshaw, Greely, Green Gage, Jefferson, Kingston, Lombard,* McLaughlin, Moore's Arctic, Niagara, Pond's Seedling, Prince's Imperial Gage, Purple Gage, Rivers' Blue Prolific, Shropshire Damson,* Washington, Yellow Egg. DESCRIPTION OF VARIETY. Orange — Large; skin bronze yellow, marked with roughish white dots, and clouded with purplish red; flesh deep yellow and juicy. Tree vigorous and productive. [Some of this variety has found its way into Maine as the Green Gage. It is easily distinguished by being yellower and later. It is by far the best plum for preserves and canning we have yet tried. D. H, K.] CHERRIES. Black Heart, Black Tartarian, Common Native, Early Richmond, Governo; Wood, Mayduke, Ox Heart, Rockport. THE SMALL FRUITS Strawberries — Crescent,* Downing, Kentucky, Manchester,* Sharpless, Wilson. The following are recommended for trial, — Bubach,* Pineapple, Ohio,* Belmont, Haverland,* Cloud.* Those in italics are early, and those marked with a (*) are pistillate and require some of the perfect-flowered varieties set near them to pollenize the flowers. J^J5 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. DESCRIPTION OF VARIETY. Parker Earle — A new berry, originating in Texas, and named in honor of a distinguished horticulturist ; uniformly large, regular, conical with a short neck; color, glossy scarlet crimson; ripens all over; flesh moderately Arm, no hollow core, quality good ; flowers perfect, always setting perfect fruit. Plant very vigorous, healthy and remarkably pro- ductive. It is said to have yielded at the rate of 15,000 quarts to the acre. It is considered a very promising new variety. Season medium to late. Rasbberries — Bed — Cuthbert, Turner ; Telloiu — Golden Queen ; Black — Gregg. Ada and Carmen are recommended for trial. Blackberries — Snyder, Agawam, Bangor. Currants — jRed — Fay's Prolific, Red Dutch, Victoria; White — White Grape ; Black — Lee's Prolific. •Gooseberries — Downing, Houghton Seedling. Smith's Improved :