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UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
LIBRARY
SB
354
M234
1893
TRANSACXIONS
Maine State Pomological Society,
FOR THE YEAR 1893.
INCLUDING THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING,
HELD IN UNION, DECEMBER 5th AND 6th, 1893.
EDITED BY THE SECRETARY,
D. H. KNOWLTON.
AUGUSTA :
BUKLEIGH & FLTNT, PRINTERS TO THE STATB.
1894.
CONTENTS.
i'A(;i:.
Transactions for the Ykau 1803 3
RF.rORT OF THE SECRETA R Y -^
Doiugs of the yociet y ^
Public Meetings -^
Annual Exhibition *i
Officers for 1894 8
Members of the Society 9
Treasurer's Report — 11
Premiums Awarded 13
at the Annual Exhibition 13
at the Winter Meetinj; "20
Business Transactions 21
Annual Meeting 21
Wintei- Meeting 21
Executive Committee 24
Pi^BLic Meetings. 27
Programmes -9
State Fair Meeting: Varieties of Small Fruits Best Adapted
to Maine 30
Winthrop Meeting: Oreharding. eondueted by President
Pope 35
Small Fruits, by Willis A. Luce 3S
I'uiou AVinter Meeting: Address of Welcome, by H. M.
Lord 39
Response, by F. S. Adams 41
Annual Address, by Charles S. Pope 42
Maine Apples at the World's Fair, by Willis A. Euce 4(i
A Scale of Points for Judging, by D. 11. Kuowiton 51
A Demonstration in Apple Cookery, bj- Anna Barrows 55
Feeding Apples to Stock, by ( harles E. AVheeler 02
Plum Growing, by S. D. W illard 05
Spraying and Its Results, by W. >L Munson S2
Small Fruits, by S. D. Willard S5
The Home Place, by Professor W. M. Munson 87
The L'tility of the Beautiful, or, Why Children Should be
Educated in Flowers, by Mrs. H. B. C. Beedy 91
MAINE STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
Transactions for the Year 1893.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY.
Of the general conditions of fruit culture in the State it is gratify-
ing to note that among land owners there has been the past year an
unusual interest in all that appertains to the science and art of
raising fruit. There has been a wide-spread call for information
on fruit matters, and uniformly when public meetings have been
held they have been largely attended by people in search of knowl-
edge. At the public meetings during the fair the "Varieties of
Small Fruits Best Adapted to the State" was the general subject
under consideration, and it awakened great interest. At the meet-
ing of the executive committee held in VVinthrop great interest was
shown both in orcharding and small fruits. The State Board of
Agriculture at the farmers' institutes, in answer to numerous calls,
finds attentive and eager listeners when fruit matters receive con-
sideration. Again the last legislature in answer to our request for
an increased stipend, without the slightest objection unanimously
doubled the appropriation. These are but a few of the indications
of the wide-spread interest which people have in the industry.
The apple crop was a small one, probably not over fifty per cent
of an average Of the causes that brought this about we are in
doubt The blossom was not heavy, and the worms were never
more abundant. Then in some parts of the State there were sev-
eral hail storms, and the disaster of the August rain and wind
storm was widespread. Fortunately there were many who had the
wisdom to make the most of the misfortune, and following the
example of one large orchardist, fed the windfalls to the cows.
4 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETT.
The farmer's wife said, "as they couldn't sell the apples, they just-
put them where they could get more cream."
When the harvest came a large percentage of the apples were
wormy or bruised, but at the same time it should not be overlooked
that the farmers have received a good sum of money for their
apples even this year. The apples helped out in many cases where
the other crops were short One Fianklin county orchardist made
a price of $6 per barrel for his No. I's and S3 for his No. 2's, and
the apples were sold. The grower said he might have had a little
more if he had held a little longer. He was well satisfied, however,,
for he got his price.
DOINGS OF THE SOCIETY.
The first work of the executive committee was to outline the work
with reference to the increased appropriation. The premium list
was extended about $100 ; a cooler for cut flowers was provided ;
an expert was called in for judging at the fair ; and other new work
was undertaken. Unfortunately through an oversight of some of the
officials only the usual sum of $500 was actually appropriated for
our Society for 1892 and 1893. This made the situation somewhat
embarrassing for the committee, but it was decided to carry out
the plan so far as it had been arranged for, and also to extend our
work in other directions to some extent, and ask the next legisla-
ture to provide for the oversight of the last by making good the
deficiency. This course seemed to be the wisest under the circum-
stances, and so far as we are able to learn meets with the approval
of the public.
PUBLIC MEETINGS.
The surroundings for the most successful public meeting during
the fair are not favorable. This year the restaurant building was
occupied for the meeting, and though more comfortable than the
wing of the exhibition building, is far from being an ideal place for
such a gathering. Then again the officers of the Agricultural
Society appoint our meeting the same evening as their annual elec-
tion. The meeting itself was satisfactory, although the rainstorm
prevented the attendance of some who would have enjoyed the
programme. So much inquiry had been made concerning the best
varieties of small fruits for the State, it was decided to ask our
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 5
most prominent fruit growers to make public their own preferences
after years of experience. Valuable information was gained, and
the results may be found on subsequent pages of the Transactions.
It will be found helpful to many people who are groping in dark-
ness at the present time. It was an unexpected pleasure to wel-
come among us Secretary Sessions of the Massachusetts State
Board cf Agriculture. His greetings to our people were most
cordial, showing that he was in sympathy with all engaged in the
pursuit of agriculture. Excellent vocal music was furnished by
Mr. A. R. Smiley.
The executive committee decided to make their fall meeting more
than a matter of formal business as heretofore. By invitation of
the fruit growers of Winthrop, public meetings were accordingly
held in the Town Hall, Winthrop, October 26th. The afternoon
session was devoted to the consideration of the general subject of
orcharding, conducted by President Pope. The evening session
was devoted to the culture of small fruits, Willis A. Luce being
the principal speaker. Professor Munson, W. P. Atherton, the
Secretary and others took part in the discussions. The fruit
growers were invited to make an exhibition of their fruit, and a
fine display of fruit was arranged in the hall. Several ladies
brought in collections of flowers to adorn the tables, and they were
made very attractive to visitors. Excellent music was furnished
for the evening meeting under the direction of Charles E. Moore.
The executive committee desire at this time to express their full
appreciation of the cordial reception accorded to them and others
by the good people of Winthrop.
For various reasons it was deemed advisable to hold the winter
meeting in the month of December. In this meeting as in recent
years we were joined by the State Board of Agriculture. The
papers presented were not as many as in former years, but the
character of the papers was excellent, and the opportunity for dis-
cussion was highly appreciated. By courtesy of Willis A. Luce,
an invitation was received from the officers and members of the North
Knox Agricultural Society to hold the meeting in Union. The
Town Hall was in readiness for the gathering, and at every point the
visitors were indebted to our members, Willis A. Luce and Alonzo
Butler and others of the beautiful town of Union, for many
courtesies and attentions. The town on the first afternoon and
evening of our meeting was nearly obscured by the whirling snow-
b STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
flakes that danced around the tree-tops and spires and then rushed
in furious gusts about the streets. But the next morning the sun
rose over a scene of unrivalled beauty. Every twig and tree was
sparkling with ice and the face of nature was white and pure as
snow could make it. So these gems also sparkled on the trees and
shrubs as we turned our backs upon the town, and bade good bye
to the many friends we had met. But all the way home we were
pleasantly reminded of the thoughtful courtesy that placed at the
disposal of each departing guest a bag of choice fruit. The attend-
ance at the meeting was large and enthusiastic, in spite of the bad
weather part of the day and evening.
In connection with this meeting there was an exhibition 6t fruit
from various parts of the State for which premiums were offered.
The exhibition was a good one and the officers were much gratified
at the results. The awards made appear in connection with others
in this volume.
ANNUAL EXHIBITION.
Other interests overshadow the fruit to such an extent that as
yet we have been unable to induce the State Agricultural Society
to hold their exhibition later than the first week in September. It
is too early for a good exhibition of fruit, but in consequence of
the large numbers of people in attendance at this fair it seems to be
the most favorable time for our exhibition Friendly feelings exist
between the two societies, and our business relations have been
honorable in every respect. It would be better if we could have a
different exhibition room, but here, as in many other situations, it
seems wise to make the most of what we have, and pull all the
harder somewhere else.
Of the fruit on exhibition it fell far below our average, both in
quality and quantity. With the dry weather, prevalence of insects,
the frequency of hailstorms and heavy gales it was quite remarka-
ble to see as manj' as were spread out upon the tables. No fruit
this year was shown from Franklin, York, Hancock, Washington,
Aroostook or Piscataquis counties.
The flower exhibit was large, but in quality not up to former
years. Growers were enthusiastic, but declared that there were
so many difficulties that they had little courage to make any exhi.
bition. We were thankful, however, that they came and helped us
make up our exhibition. The flowers form the most attractive
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 7
feature of our exhibitions, and we should be glad to have the
florists of our State generally join hands with us and aid us in cul-
tivating the love of flower culture.
The window garden department, in which the children of Lewis-
ton and Auburn showed the plants they had grown, was one of the
pleasing features of the exhibition. The plants showed more care
than those brought in the year before. This is the second year in
which the society has given plants and premiums to the children.
The object is two-fold — to teach children in a pleasing way to love
the plants and to care for them. Hundreds of the little folks came
to look upon the plants, and among them were many older people.
The enthusiasm of the children was contagious and the pleasures
of the exhibition and the lessons they learned will not soon be for-
gotten. We are confident that this department is one of the most
useful.
The wild flower exhibit was not as large as we could wish, and
we regret that there were not a larger number of exhibitors, but at
the same time there are many indications of greater interest in the
study of botany, and it can not be that the teachers in the State
are not in sympathy with our work in this direction. There was
only one general class exhibit. This was from the Sanford High
School, and the excellence of the specimens and the accuracy of
the aualeyss deserve special mention. The individual collections of
pressed specimens were excellent. It will be a wise policy for our
society to extend this work in the future.
The awards made appear in another place, to which reference
is made.
Mr. Elijah A. Wood of Newton, Mass., acted as our judge on
fruit and flowers. His work was generally acceptable to exhibi-
tors. It is the belief of most of our members that a judge should
always be employed by the Society, and there can be little doubt
but good results will follow.
OFFICERS FOR 1894.
President.
CHARLES S. POPE, Manchester.
Vice Presidents.
S. H. DAWES, Harrison.
D. P. TRUE, Leeds Center.
Secretary.
D. H. KNOWLTOlSr, Farmington.
Treasurer.
CHARLES E. WHEELER, Che8tei\ille.
Executive Committee.
The President and Secretary, ex-officio; A. E. Andrews, Gardiner;
W. M. Munson, Orono; J. W. True, New Gloucester.
Ti'iistees.
Androscoggin County, Cliarles L. Emerson, South Turner.
Aroostook " J. W. Dudley, Castle Hill.
Cumberland " S. R. Sweetser, Cumberland Center.
Franklin " M. C. Hobbs, West Farmington.
Hancock " F. H. Moses, Bucksport.
Kennebec " E. A. Lapham, Pittston.
Knox " Alonzo Butler, Union.
Lincoln " H. J. A. Simmons, Waldoboro'.
Oxford " C. H. George, Hebron.
Penobscot " C. A. Arnold, Arnold.
Piscataquis " A. W. Oilman, Foxcroft.
Sagadahoc " A. P. Ring, Richmond.
Somerset " James S. Hoxie, North Fairfield.
Waldo " D. B. Johnson, Fi-eedora.
Washington " M. S. Springer, Danforth.
York " John C. Small, Cornish.
Member of Experiment Stcction Council.
D. H. Knowlton, Farmington.
Committee on Nomenclature.
Z. A. Gilbert, North Greene ; D. P. True, Leeds Centre ; C. M. Weston,
Belgrade.
Committee on New Fruits.
Willis A. Luce, South Union; T. M. Merrill, West Gloucester; J. W.
True, New Gloucester.
MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY.
NOTK.— Any errors or changes of residence should be promptly reported to the
Secretary. Members will also confer a favor by furnisbiug the Secretary with
their full Chi-istian names where initials only are g-iven.
LIFE MEMBERS.
Andrews, A. Emery Gardiner
Andrews, Charles E Auburn
Arnold, C. A Arnold
*Atherton, H. N Hallowell
Atherton, Wm. P Hallowell
Atkins, Charles G Bucksport
Atwood, Fred Winterport
Averill, David C Temple
Bailey, W. G Freeport
Bennoch, John E Orono
Boardman, Samuel L Augusta
Briggs, D. J Soutb Turner
Briggs, John Turner
Burr, John Freeport
Butler, Alonzo Union
♦Carter, Otis L Etna
Chase, Henry M., 14 Quincy St., Portland
Chase, Martin V. B Augusta
*Clark, Eliphalet Portland
Cole, Horatio G Boston, Mass
Crafts, Moses Auburn
*Crosby, William C Bangor
Dana, Woodbury S Portland
Dawes, S. H .Harrison
DeRocber, Peter Bradentown, Fla
Dirwanger, Joseph A Portland
Dunham, W. W North Paris
Dyer, Milton Cape Elizabeth
*Emerson, Albert Bangor
Emerson, Charles L South Turner
Farnsworth, B. B Portland
Frost, Oscar F Monmouth
♦Gardiner, Robert H Gardiner
Gardiner, Robert H Boston, Mass
George, C. H Hebron
Gilbert, Z. A North Greene
*Godfery, John E Bangor
Gurney, Lemuel Hebron
Hackett, 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. C Portland
Hobbs, M. Curtis West Farmington
Hoff ses, Elmas Warren
Hoxie, James S North Fairfield
Hoyt, Mrs. Francis Winthrop
Ingalls, Henry Wiscasset
Jackson, F. A Winthrop
*Jewett, George Portland
Johnson, Isaac A Auburn
Jordan, Francis C Brunswick
Kenniston, E. H Arnold
Knowlton, D. H Farmington
Lapham, E. A Pittstou
Lombard, Thurston M Auburn
*Low, Elijah Bangor
*Low, S. S Bangor
Luce, Willis A South Union
McLaughlin, Henry Bangor
Merrill, T. M - ..West Gloucester
*Metcalf, M. J Monmouth
Moody, Charles H Turner
Moore, William G Monmouth
Moor, F. A Waterville
Morton, J. A Bethel
Morton, William E Portland
*Noyes, Albert Bangor
Perley, Chas. I.. .Seward's (Vassalboro')
Pope, Charles S Manchester
Pulsifer, D. W Poland
Purington, E F West Farmington
♦Richards, F. G Gardiner
♦Deceased.
10
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
LIFE MEMBEES— Concluded.
Richards, .John T Gardiner
*Richardson, J. M Gardiner
Rlcker, A. S Turner
Roak, George M Auburn
Robinson, Henry A , Foxcroft
Rolfe, Samuel Portland
Sawyer, Andrew S Cape Elizabeth
Sawyer, George B Wiscasset
*Shaw, Still man W West Auburn
Simmons, H. .J. A VValdoboro'
Skillings, C. W North Auburn
*Smith, A 1 fred Monmouth
Smith, Henry S Monmouth
Starrett, L. F Warren
Stetson, Henry Auburn
*Stetson, Isaiah Bangor
Stilphen, Asbury C Gardiner
Stanley, Charles Winthrop
Stanley, O. E Winthrop
Staples, G. K Temple
Strout, S. F West Falmouth
Strattard, Mrs. A.B Monroe
Sweetser, S. R Cumberland Center
*Tay lor, .Joseph Belgrade
Taylor, Miss L. L., (Lakeside) Belgrade
Thomas, William W., .Jr Portland
Thomas, D.J North Auburn
Tilton, William S Boston, Mass
True, Davis P Leeds Center
True, John W New Gloucester
Varney, James A — The Dalles, Oregon
Vickery, James Portland
Vickery, John Auburn
Wade, Patrick Portland
Walker, Charles S Peru
Waterman, Willard H East Auburn
*Westou, .James C Bangor
Wharff, Charles S Gardiner
Wheeler, Cliarles E Chesterville
Whitney, Edward K Harrison
Woodard, Mrs. S. M Gardiner
Woodman, George W Portland
ANNUAL MEMBERS, 1893.
Abbott, Mrs. L. F Lewiston Merrow, .J. H South Smilhfield
Allen, W. H Augusta Munson, W. M Orono
Bartlett, B. W East Dixmont Nelson, O. C Upper Gloucester
Bennett, Charlie A Sanford Nowell, F. E Fairfield
Chandler, Mrs. B. W Freeport Ricker, W. B East Auburn
Cummings, Mrs. Anthony Auburn Ring, A. P Richmond Corner
Dudley, J. W Castle Hill Snow, G. W Newburg
Eastman, A. A Dexter Stevens, Ernest Freeport
Grant, Mrs. Benson Lewiston Stoddard, Edith M Belfast
Grover, Mrs. F. D Bean's Corner Townsend, Mrs. B. T Freeport
King, A. R North Monmouth Waterman, Mrs. C. E East Auburn
Larrabee, O. L West Levant Wheeler, J. B Corinth
Lemont, J. M West Bath Woodside, E. G Lewiston
Mansur, A . M Jackson
ANNUAL MEMBERS, 1894.
Cobb, J. O Union Robbins, R. B Union
Judkins, Charles H Chesterville Tolman, I. B Union
Munson, W. M Orono Willard, S. D Geneva, N. Y
TREASURER'S REPORT.
Statement of the Financial Condition of the Maine State Pomo-
logical Society, Ending December 1, 1893.
RECEIPTS.
State bountj' S538 g8
Loans
State Agricultural Society
Interest on permanent fund
Life membership
Annual membership
450 00
500 00
3-2 00
50 00
26 00
?1,596 88
EXPENDITURES.
A. S. Ricker, Treasurer, for 1892, balance due him .
Salary and expenses
Loans
Expense of Executive Committee and Treasurer..
Plants for Children's Department, State Fair
Cooler for cut flowers at State Fair
Judge at State Fair
Care of hall and trucking
Printing, etc
Interest and discount on loans
Premiums at State Fair
Cash on hand
$30 31
10 40
500 00
217 39
21 44
55 00
30 00
20 60
58 13
IS 12
542. 85
92 65
$1,596 88
FINAMCIAL CONDITION AT DATE.
ASSETS.
Bounty due from the State $500 00
Property owned by Society 200 00
Permanent fund 719 73
Cash on hand 92 65
$1,512 38
LIABILITIES.
Due on loan, First National Bank of Farmington $300 00
Outstanding orders 259 a?
$559 as
12 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
PERMANENT FUND.
CREDIT.
By fees of 109 life members to December 31, 1892 $1,090 00
fees of life members in 1893 50 00
$1,140 00
DEBIT.
To deposit in Wiscasset Savings Bank $ 19 73
four sliares First National Bank of Farmington 400 00
two shares Merchant's National Bank, Gardiner 200 00
one share Farmington Water Company 100 CO
balance due permanent fund 420 27
$1,140 00
CHARLES E. WHEELER, Treasurer.
1. UNiON,;December 6, 1893.
List of Premiums Awarded at the Animal
Exliibition.
For best general exhibition of apples: C. A. Arnold, Arnold ^
first, $15; C. I. Perley, Cross Hill, second, $10; S. H. Dawes,
Harrison, third, $6.
For best exhibition of apples not named in premium list : Alonzo
Butler, Union, first, $5 ; F. E. Nowell, Fairfield, second, $3.
For best exhibition of apples grown in Androscoggin county : D.
P. True, Leeds Center, first, $8 ; D. J. Briggs, South Turner,
second, $Q.
For same in Cumberland county : J. W. True, New Gloucester,
first, $8 ; S. H. Dawes, second, $6 ; S. R. Sweetser, Cumberland
Center, third, $3.
For same in Kennebec county : E. A. Lapham, Pittston, first,.
$8 ; C. I. Perley, second, %.
For same in Knox county : Alonzo Butler, first, $8 ; Willis A.
Luce, South Union, second, $6.
For same in Oxford county : C. H. George, Hebron, first, S8 ;
Lemuel Gurney, Hebron, second $6 ;
For same in Penobscot county: O. L. Larrabee, West Levant»
first, $8 ; G. W. Snow, Newburg, second, §6 ; H. W. Brown, New-
burg, third, $3.
For same in Sagadahoc county : J. M. Lemont, West Bath, first,
$8 ; A. P. Ring, Richmond Corner, second, $6.
For same in Somerset county : J. S. Hoxie, North Fairfield, first,
$8; F. E. Nowell, second, 86; J. H. Merrow, South Smithfield,
third, $3.
For same in Waldo county : B. W. Bartlett, (Monroe) East Dix-
mont, first, $8 ; A. M. Mansur, (Jackson) East Dixmont, second,
$6.
SINGLE PLATES.
Baldwins : J. Pope, Manchester, first, $5 ; C. I. Perley, second,
$3 ; S. H. Dawes, third, $2.
14 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
Gravenstein : J. Pope, first, $3 ; C. A. Arnold, second, $2.
Northern Spy : C. I. Perley, first, $3 ; S. H. Dawes, second, $2 ;
Willis A. Luce, third, $1.
Rhode Island Greenings: J. H. Merrow, first, $5 ; C. I. Perley,
second, $3 ; C. A. Arnold, third, $2.
Roxbury Russets: Lemuel Gurney, first, ^3; C. H. George^
second, $2 ; Alonzo Butler, third, $1.
Tompkins King: S. H. Dawes, first, 63 ; G. W. Snow, second,
$2; C. I. Perley, third, Si.
Yellow Bellflower: C. A. Arnold, first, $3; G. W. Snow,
second, $2 ; A. P. Ring, third, $1.
Alexander: G. H. George, first, $1 ; C. A. Arnold, second, oOc.
American Golden Russet: T. M. Lombard, Auburn, first, $1 ;
E. A. Lapham, second, 50c.
Ben Davis : S. R. Sweetser, first, $i ; J. W. True, second, 50c.
Deane : J. Pope, second, 50c.
Duchess of Oldenburg: S. H. Dawes, first, $1 ; J. S. Hoxie,
second, 50c.
Early Harvest: Willis A. Luce, first, $1.
Fallawater: C. A. Arnold, first, $\ ; C. I. Perley, second, 50c.
Fall Harvey : C. H. George, first, $\ : C. I. Perley, second, 50c.
Fameuse: S. R. Sweetser, first, $1 ; F. E. Nowell, second, 50c.
Garden Royal: E. G. Woodside, Lewiston, first, $1; S. H.
Dawes, second, 50c.
Granite Beauty: C. I. Perley, first, $L
Hubbardston Nonsuch : p. A. Lapham, first, $1 ; T. M. Lombard,
second, 50c.
Jewett's Fine Red: C. I. Perley, first, $1 ; S. R. Sweetser, sec-
ond, 50c.
King Sweeting ; F. E. Nowell, first, $1; C. I. Perley, second,
50c.
Large Yellow Bough : E A. Lapham, first, $1; S. H. Dawes,
second, 50c.
Mcintosh Red : C. H. George, first, $1; S. R. Sweetser, sec-
ond, oOc.
Miiding: C. I. Perley, first, $1.
Mother: S. R. Sweetser, first, $1.
Munson Sweet: S. H. Dawes, first, Si.
Peck's Pleasant : J. S. Hoxie, first. Si; C. H: George, second,
50c.
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 15
Pomme Royale : C. H. George, first, Si ; J. Pope, second, oOc.
Porter: AYillis A. Luce, first, SI ; E. A. Lapham, second, 50c.
Pound Sweet: S. H. Dawes, first, $1 ; C. I. Perley, second, 50c.
President: F. E. Nowell, first, fl.
Primate: C. I. Perley, first, $1 ; J. S. Hoxie, second, 50c.
Red Astrachan : J. S. Hoxie, first, 81 ; J. H. Merrow, second,
50c.
Rolfe : S. R. Sweetser, first, Si.
Somerset : F. E. Nowell, first, SI ; S. R. Sweetser, second, 50c.
Stark: J. S. Hoxie, first. Si ; J. W. True, second, 50c.
Staikey : J Pope, first, $1 ; C. I. Perley, second, 50c.
Talman's Sweet: F. E Nowell, first. Si; Alonzo Butler,
second, 50c.
Tetofsky : J. S. Hoxie, first, Si.
Wagener : S. H. Dawes, first. Si ; T. M. Lombard, second, 50c.
Wealthy: J. VV. True, first, SI ; S. R. Sweetser, second, 50c.
William's Favorite: J. S. Hoxie, first, $1; J. H. Merrow,
second, 50c.
Winthrop Greening: A. R King, North Monmouth, first, $1 ;
E. A. Lapham, second, 50c.
Class 2— PEARS.
For best general exhibition of pears : S. H Dawes, first, SlO ;
D. P. True, second, S8 ; C.I. Perley, third, $5.
Clapp's Favorite : W. B. Ricker, East Auburn, first, $3 ; Lem-
uel Gurney, second, $2.
Bartlett: S. H. Dawes, first, S3 ; C. I. Perley, second, S2.
Belle' Lucrative : C. L Perley, second, 50c.
Beurre d' Anjou : T. M. Lombard, first, SI ; C. H. George, sec-
ond, 50c.
Beurre Superfin : D. P. True, first, SL
Beurre Diel : D J. Briggs, first, SI.
Buffum : D. P. True, first, SI ; C. I. Perley, second, 50c.
Doyenne Boussock : S. H. Dawes, first, SI ; C. I. Perley, sec-
ond, 50c.
Duchesse d' Angouleme : Alonzo Butler, first, $1 ; S. H. Dawes,
second, 50c
Goodale: C. L Perley, first. Si ; S. H. Dawes, second. 50c.
Howell: J. S. Hoxie, first, $1 ; S. H. Dawes, second, 50c.
16 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
Lawrence : Lemuel Gurney, first, $1 ; S. H. Dawes, second, 50c.
Louise Bonne de Jersey : D. P. True, first, $1; S. H. Dawes,
second, 50c.
Seckel: D. P. True, first, $1 ; C. I. Perley, second, 50c.
Sheldon: S. H. Dawes, first, $1 ; C. I. Perley, second, 50c.
Souvenir du Congress: D. P. True, first, $1.
Class 3— GRAPES.
Collection open air grapes : S. H. Dawes, first, $5.
Class 4— PLUMS.
For best general exhibition plums: Willis A. Luce, first, $6;
S. H. Dawes, second, $4.
Bavay's Green Gage: Willis A. Luce, first, $1.
Bradshaw : Willis A. Luce, first, $1 ; Lemuel Gurney, second,
50c.
Green Gage : Lemuel Gurney, first, Si ; F. E. Nowell, second,
50c.
Prince's Imperial Gage : T. M. Lombard, first, $1.
Red Gage: F. E. Nowell, first. $1 ; D. P. True, second, 50c.
Jefiferson : J. W. True, first, $1.
Lawrence : F. E. Nowell, first, $1 ; T. M. Lombard, second,
50c.
Lombard : D. P. True, first, $1 ; Willis A. Luce, second, 50c-
McLaughlin: A. A. Eastman, Dexter, first, $1; Willis A.
Luce, second, 50e.
Moore's Arctic: Willis A. Luce, first, $1. •
Quackenbos: W. A. Luce, first, $1.
Smith's Orleans: T. M. Lombard, first, $1.
Yellow Egg : J. W. True, first, $1 ; Lemuel Gurney, second, 50c.
Class 5— FRUITS IN GLASS.
For specimens of fru'ts in preserving fluid :
McLaughlin Plums : A. A. Eastman, first, 50c.
Shaffers Raspberries : A. A. Eastman, first, 50c.
Industry Gooseberries : A. A. Eastman, first, 50c.
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 17
Class 6— Miscellaneous Articles, Canned Fruit, Pre-
serves, Etc.
For best variety canned fruits, preserves, etc.: Mrs. Annie S.
Corbett, Farmington, first, S8 ; Mrs. Benson Grant, Lewiston, sec-
ond, $5.
Canned Blackberries : Mrs. D. P. True, Leeds Ctnter, first, 50 ;
Mrs. Benson Grant, second, 2.5c.
Canned Blueberries : Mrs Benson Grant, first, oOc.
Canned Cherries: jMrs. D. P. True, first, 50c.
Canned Peaches : Mrs. Annie S. Corbett, first, 50c.
Canned Pears: Mrs. Annie S. Corbett, first, oOc.
Canned Plums : Mrs. Benson Grant, first. 50c.
Canned Quinces: Mrs. Annie 8. Corbett, first, 50c.
Canned Raspberries : Mrs Annie S. Corbett, first, 50c. ; Mrs.
Benson Grant, second, 25c.
Canned Strawberries : Mrs. D. P. True, first, 50c. ; Mrs.
Benson Grant, second, 25c.
Canned Tomatoes : Mrs Benson Grant, first, 50c.
Preserved Apples: Miss E. B Butler, Union, first, 50c.
Preserved Currants : Mrs. Annie S. Corbett, first, 50c. ; Miss E.
B. Butler, second, 25c.
Preserved Cherries : Mrs. Annie S. Corbett. first, 50c. ; Miss E.
B. Butler, second, 25c
Preserved Pears: Miss E. B. Butler, first, 50c.
Preserved Quinces:* Mrs. Annie S. Corbett, first, 50c.
Preserved Raspberries : Miss E. B. Butler, first. 50c.
Preserved Strawberries: Miss E. B.Butler, first, 50c. ; Mrs.
D. P. True, second, 25c.
Assorted Pickles : Mrs. Benson Grant, first, 50c. ; Mabel E.
Grover, Bean's Corner, second, 25c.
Tomato Catsup : Mrs Benson Grant, first, 50c.
For Best Collection Apple Jellies: Mrs. Benson Grant, first,
$2; Mrs. F. D. Grover, Bean's Corner, second, $1.
Apple Jelly: Mrs. S. R. Sweetser, (Red Astrachan) first, $1 ;
Mrs. Benson Grant, second, 50c.
Crab Apple Jelly : Mrs. Benson Grant first, 50c. ; Mrs. L. F.
Abbott, Lewiston, second, 25c.
Currant Jelly : Mrs. Annie S. Corbett, first, 50c. ; Mrs. Ben-
son Grant, second, 25c.
2
18 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETr.
Quince Jelly : Mrs. Benson Grant, first, 50c.
Raspberry Jelly : Mrs. Benson Grant, first, 50c. ; Mrs. L. F.
Abbott, second, 25c
Rhubarb Jelly : Mrs. L. F. Abbott, first, 50c.
Strawberry Jelly : Mrs. L. F. Abbott, first, 50c.
Maple Syrup : C. H. George, first, 50c ; Lemuel Gurney, sec-
ond, 25c.
Maple Sugar : Lemuel Gurney, gratuity, 50c.
Gooseberry Jelly : Mrs. L. F. Abbott, gratuity, 50c.
Class 7— FLOWERS.
For best display Cut Flowers : Charles S. Walker, Peru, first,
$10; Mrs. B. T. Townsend, Freeport, second, $8; Mrs. Charles
Stanley, Winthrop, third, $5.
Exhibition cut flowers grown by girl or boy under 15 : Ernest
Stevens, Freeport, first, S4 ; Arthur H Corbett, Farmington, sec-
ond, $2.
Roses: John Burr, Freeport, first, S5.
Dahlias : Mrs. Chas. Stanley, first, $2.
Carnations : Mrs. B. W. Chandler, Freeport, first, $2.
Asters : Mrs. B. W. Chandler, first. Si ; Mrs. Chas. Stanley,
second, 50c.
Zinnias : Mrs. Francis Hoyt, Winthrop, first, $1 ; Mrs. Chas.
Stanley, second, 50c.
Phlox Drummondii : Mrs. Chas. Stanley, first, fl ; Mrs. B. T.
Townsend, second, 50c.
Stocks: Mrs. B W. Chandler, first, $1; Mrs. Francis Hoyt,
second, 50c.
Balsams: Mrs. Francis Hoyt, first, $1.
Petunias : Mrs. Chas. Stanley, first, $1 ; Mrs. B. T. Townsend,
second, 50c.
Verbenas: Mrs. Chas. Stanley, first, $1; Mrs. Francis Hoyt,
second, 50c.
Vase of Cut Flowers : Mrs. Charles Stanley, first, $3 ; Mrs.
P'rancis Hoyt, second, $2 ; Mrs. Annie S. Corbett, third, |S1.
Floral Design (amateur) : Mrs. Lizzie M. Walker, Peru, first,^
$5 ; Mrs. Chas. Stanley, second, S3.
Floral Wreath : Mrs. Chas. Stanley, first, S2.
Dish of Cut Flowers : Mrs. Annie S. Corbett, first, S2 ; Mrs.
Anthony Cummings, Auburn, second, i$l.
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. If
Basket of Cut Flowers : Mrs. Annie S. Corbett, 6rst, $2 ;
Edward C. Pope,JManche8ter, second, $1.
Greenhouse Plants : W. G. Bailey, Freeport, first, $15.
Pot Plants : Mrs. B. W. Chandler, first, $10 ; Mrs. Anthony
Cummings, second, $8.
Exhibition of Ferns : W. G. Bailey, first, $3.
Exhibition of Geraniums : Mrs. Anthony Cummings, first, $2.
Exhibition of Begonias : W. G. Bailey, first, $2.
Dracaena : W. G. Bailey, first, 50c.
Double Geranium : Mrs. Anthony Cummings, second, 25c.
Single Geranium : Mrs. Anthony Cummings, second, 25c.
Foliage Begonia : W. G. Bailey, first, 50c.
Flowering Begonia: . W. G. Bailey, first, 50c.; Mrs. B. W.
Chandler, second, 25c.
Carnation : Mrs. Anthony Cummings, first, 50c.
Ever-Blooming Rose : Mrs. Anthony Cummings, first, $1.
Single Pot Plant: Mrs. Anthony Cummings, first, $2.
Climbing Plant, on trellis : Mrs. Anthony Cummings, first, 82.
Cut Wild Flowers : Mrs. C. E. Waterman, East Auburn, first, $3.
Pressed Wild Flowers : Edith M. Stoddard, Belfast, first, $3 ;
F. L. Varney, East Lowell, second, $2 ; Charlie A. Bennett, San-
ford, third, $1
Collection Pressed Wild Flowers made by High School : San-
ford High School, O. Howard Perkins, Principal, first. Household
Microscope.
WINDOW GARDEN DEPARTMENT.
Coleus. First premiums : Ernest Tainter, Hattie Emerson,
Ethel Payson, Ethna Parker, Letitia Frost, Auburn ; Frank Crow-
ley, Annie Rawstron, Nancy Rawstron, Madge Lane, Elma Soule,
Lewiston, 30 cents each.
Second Premiums: Allie Bearce, Bertie Ward, Carrol Wilcox,
Lena Bailey, John Thomas, Auburn ; Flossie Smith, Nellie Farn-
ham, Laura M. Webster, Lewiston, 20 cents each.
Heliotrope. First Premiums : Laura Cobb, Thomas Chase,
Auburn ; Emma Reichel, Beulah Towle, Lewiston, 30 cents each.
Second premiums; Theo. Lothrop, Arthur Hayes, Lewiston, 20
cents each.
Geraniums. First premiums : Fannie Harlow, Anne Pratt,
Ethel Burleigh, Charlie Lowell, Margie Murphy, Lizzie Briggs,
JO STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
Belle Jordan, Harry Prince, Maud Stearns, Lila Yeaton, Earle
Towle, Edith Warren. Amy Cusliman, Auburn; Charles Saunders,
Eugene Harville, Harry Hackett, Angle Keene, Eva Williams,
Chandler Barron, Guy Dow, Sarah Stuart, George Sykes, Lillian
Soule, Fred Rowe, John Joyce, Sadie Scott, Lewiston, 30 cents
each.
Second premiums: Robin Barlow, Mary Stetson, Flossie San-
born, Angle Welch, Sadie Johnson, Auburn ; Winnified Thompson,
Grace JNIills, Bertha Rideout, Lewiston, 2t) cents each.
Composition about care of plant received : Lillian M. Soule,
Lewiston, St. Nicholas Magazine, 1 year, $2.75 ; Mable Pulsifer,
second ; Florence Pulsifer, Auburn, third.
List of Premiums Awarded at the Winter Meeting, Held
in Union, December 5th and 6th, 1893.
General exhibition apples : G. K. Staples, Temple, $5 ; Charles
8. Pope, Manchester, $4; Alonzo Butler, Union, S3.
Best Plate American Golden Russets: Charles H. Judkins,
Chesterville, $1 ; J. O. Cobb, Union, 50c.
Baldwins: Charles S. Pope, $1 ; G. K. Staples, 50c.
Ben Davis: E. A. Lapham, Pittston, SI ; Alonzo Butler, 50c.
Fallawater: William Hiscock, Farmington, 50c.; Charles S.
Pope, 25c.
Fameuse : E. A. Mero, Union, 50c , J O. Cobb, 25c.
Hubbardston Nonsuch: C. H. Judkins, $1; R. B. Robbins,
Union, 50c.
Jewett's Fine Red : Mial Mosman, Union, 50c. ; E. Ware,
Union, 25c.
Milding: Conrad A. Seiders, Union, Si; D. P. True, Leeds
Center, 50c.
Mother: Charles S. Pope, $1.
Northern Spy : C. H. Judkins, SI ; J. O. Cobb, 50c.
Rhode Island Greening : C. A. Arnold, Arnold, Si ; E. A.
Lapham, 50c.
Roxbury Russets: Alonzo Butler, SI ; G. K. Staples, 50c.
Stark: J. O. Cobb, 50c.
Talman's Stveet: Charles S. Pope, Si ; D. P. True, 50c.
Tompkin's King: R. B. Robbins, $1 ; Charles S. Pope, 50c.
Wagener : G. K. Staples, 50c. ; J. O. Cobb, 25c.
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 21
Winthrop Greening: E. A. Lapham, 50c.
Yellow Bellflower: E. A. Lapham, $1 ; G. K. Staples, 50c.
Lawrence Peav : Alonzo Butler, $1.
Keifer: D. P. True, $\.
Vicar of Wakefield : D. P. True, $1.
White Doyenne: D. P. True, $1.
Quince: D. P. True, gratuity, $1.
Canned Apples : Hall & Wheeler, Chesterville, $2 ; Bonney,
Wheeler, Dingley & Comi)any, Farmington, $1.
Tumbler Apple Jelly : Hall & Wheeler, $1.
SUMMARY OF AWARDS AT THE ANNUAL EXHIBITION.
Apples— General collection $ 39 00
County collection 135 00
Specials 49 00
Single plates 49 00
$272 00
Pears... 5150
Grapes 5 00
Plums 26 50
Fruits in glass 1 50
Miscellaneous — Collection cannedfruits $\3 00
Canned fruits 11 25
Jellies, &c. 10 00
34 25
Flowers, etc. — Cut Flowers $51 GO
Designs, &c 22 00
Plants, &c 47 75
120 75
Window Garden . . 18 35
Wild Flowers 13 00
Total ' $542 85
AT THE WINTER MEETING.
On apples and other fruit $42 00
Awarded at Fair $542 85
Awarded at Winter Meeting 42 00
Total awards $584 85
22 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
The awards made at the Winter Meeting do not appear in the
Treasurer's report for 1898, except as a liability. These premiums
were not paid until the report was closed. They will appear.among
the payments next year.
Business Transactions at the Annual Meeting.
September 7, 1893. The members of the Society met at Park
Hall, Lewiston, at 6.30, P. M. Proceeded to elect officers for
1894. [See page 8.]
On motion of Prof. Munson it was voted, that the Committee on
Nomenclature be instructed to prepare a revised list of fruit to be
presented at the next winter meeting.
AT THE WINTER MEETING, DECEMBER 5tH AND 6tH, 1893.
By arrangement with Hon. B. Walker McKeen, Secretary of the
State Board of Agriculture, the Union Winter Meeting of the two
organizations was held in Town Hall, Union, December 5th and
6th, 1893.
The meeting was called to order at the appointed hour, Tuesday,
December 5th. The reports of the treasurer and secretary were
read and accepted. [See preceding pages.]
Voted, That a committee on fruits and one on resolutions be
appointed by the chair.
President Pope then appointed H. W. Brown and Charles A.
Miller committee on fruits ; and Charles E. Wheeler, D. P. True
and H. G. Staples, committee on resolutions.
On motion of D. P. True, the recommendations of the President's
address were referred to the following committee, designated by
the chair : F. S. Adams, W. A. Luce, D. P. True.
Mr. H. W. Brown in behalf of the committee reported on the
fruits on exhibition and their report was accepted. See pages 20,
21 for awards.
Mr. F. S. Adams in behalf of the committee to whom were
referred the recommendations of the President's address, reported
as follows :
24 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
The President called attention to the necessity of requesting our
legislature to take some action to prevent the spread of insects and
diseases in our orchards, particularly of the trypeta or apple maggot
and the disease called black-knot of the plum. Your committee,
realizing the importance of prompt action in behalf of our fruit
interests, — Recommend that a coixmittee of three be appointed by
the Chair to gather what information they can relative to the sub-
ject and report at the next annual meeting of the Society.
The report was accepted and adopted, and President Pope
appointed: Professor W. M. Muuson, Willis A. Luce and S. H.
Dawes.
Mr. C. E. Wheeler, for the committee on resolutions, reported
resolves as follows :
Resolved^ That we hereby tender our thanks to the railroads and
press of the State for the reduced rates and kind notices
To thepeople of North Knox and the proprietor of the Burton
House we wish to express our appreciation for their many courtesies.
Resulved, That we are mindful of the care and pains taken by
our member, Alonzo Butler, that this meeting should be a success.
MEETINGS OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
February 27, 1893. With the approval of Messrs. Pope and
True, the secretary this day contraited in behalf of the Society
with Willis A. Luce to perfect and install the exhibition of Maine
fruit at the World's Fair, under the contract made with the execu-
tive commissioner.
March 1st. A letter was received from George M. Twitchell,
Secretary of the Maine State Agricultural Society, having the fol-
lowing reference to the next annual exhibition :
''I am authorized by the Piesident of the State Agricultural
Society to extend an invitation to the State Pomological Society to
bold their exhibition for 1893, in connection with the Maine State
Fair, September 5-8, upon the same terms as in 1892."
In behalf of the executive committee the secretary with their
approval accepted the invitation.
October 26th. Meeting at Winthrop. The secretary presented
the schedule of awards made at the annual Exhibition of the Society,
amounting to S542. 85.
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIKTY. 25
Voted, That the treasurer be and-hereby is instructed and author-
ized to pay from the treasury of the Society the premiums awarded
at the annual (1893) exhibition of the Society, as per schedule of
awards submitted by the secretary.
Voted, That the Treasurer be and hereby is instructed and
authorized to hire to meet the current expenses of the Society a
sum of money not exceeding five hundred fifty dollars, on demand
or until such time as the Society shall be able to pay the same ;
that for the security of the same the treasurer is authorized to
deposit such collateral for the permanent fund of the Society as
may be necessary for the purpose.
Voted, To offer $50 in premiums for an exhibition during the Win-
ter Meeting.
An invitation was presented by Mr. Luce from the President of
the North Knox Agricultural Society to hold our next Winter
Meeting at Union.
Voted, To accept the invitation, and that the President and Sec-
retary be instructed to arrange for the date and programme.
December 6th. The secretary presented a communication from
the officers of the World's Horticultural Society, regarding that
organization, and it was voted to place the same on file.
PUBLIC MEETIJSraS
OF THK
Maine State Pomological Society.
PAPERS, DISCUSSIONS, ETC.
ANNUAL MEETING, LEWISTON,
September 7, 1893.
SPECIAL ]VIEETING,
Conducted by the Executive Oouimittee,
WINTHROP, October 26, i»93.
UNION WINTER MEETING, UNION,
December 5 and 6, 1893.
PUBLIC MEETINGS.
PROGRAMMES.
AT AXNTJAL MEETING :DURIXG TETE EXHIBITION.
Music, conducted bj A. R. Smiley,
Maine Fruit at the World's Fair, Willis A. Luce, South Union.
Music.
Varieties of Small Fruit Best Adapted to Maine — consisting of
short papers and discussions by Maine fruit growers.
Music.
SPECIAL MEETING, WINTHROP.
The Orchard, Conducted by President Pope.
Small Fruits, Conducted by Willis A. Luce.
Music, led by Charles Vj. Moore of Winthrop.
UNION WINTER MEETING AT UNION, December 5 and 6, 1893.
TUESDAY, 10 A. M. BUSINESS MEETING.
Report of Treasurer.
Report of Secretary.
Other business matters.
TUESDAY p. M.
Address of Welcome, H. M. Lord, Rockland.
Response.
President's Annual Address, Charles S. Pope, Manchester.
Maine Apples at the World's Fair, Willis A. Luce, Union.
TUESDAY EVENING.
Music.
Paper, D. H. Knowlton, Farmington.
Music,
30 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
A Demonstration in Apple Cookery,
Miss Anna Barrows, School of Domestic Science, Boston.
This was a lecture illustrating the process of making palatable
dishes in which fruit is used. Miss Barrows used a stove and
showed results.
Music.
WEDNESDAY A. M.
Paper, Charles E. Wheeler, Chesterville.
Discussion.
Plum Culture, S. D. Willard, Geneva, N. Y.
Discussion.
WEDNESDAY P. M.
The Orchard,
Conducted by Charles S. Pope, and J. W. True, New Gloucester.
Discussion.
WEDNESDAY EVENING.
Music.
Children and Plants, Mrs. Helen B. C. Beedy, Bangor.
Music.
Home Surroundings, Professor W. M. Munson, State College.
Music.
PAPERS, DISCUSSIONS, Etc., AT THE STATE FAIR MEETING.
VARIETIES OF SMALL FRUITS BEST ADAPTED TO MAINE.
It is very gratifying to note here that the culture of small fruits in
the State has very largely increased within the past ten years.
Largely through the efforts of our society the people of the State
have been taught the how of small fruit culture, and they have also
become aware of the fact that small fruits will do as well in Maine
as in other parts of the country. There is now a general feeling
among our people that it is possible for all who ma}' have the land
to grow what small fruits thej' want and some to spare. A few
years ago Maine farmers would tell you that they did not have time
to plant strawberries and take care of them. To-day they are
inquiring about the best varieties to plant and where they may
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 31
obtain them. In other words they quite generally conclude to please
the women folks and have a few berries for their own use. With
this in view some of the growers of Maine speak of the different
varieties of small fruits best adapted to the State. The culture is
now pretty well understood by those who are ready to set out the
plants. What kinds shall we set out? is the inquirj', and these sug-
gestions are only to answer from the experience of Maine growers
this question.
Mr. Horatio Clark of New Portland, though not a very large
grower of strawberries, raises a large number of varieties and
raises them very successfully. We have never seen better straw-
berry plants growing than those found in his beds. In reply to
questions addressed to him he writes that he hasj grown a large
number of varieties, but finds that the Bubach No. 5, and Haviland
do the best with him. The Crescents dojwell for one or two seasons
and go out quick. Havilands will stand more droughts and winter
frosts than any variety he has raised. Mr. Clark the present season
produced some over thirty bushels.
Mr. W. H. Allen, gardener at the Maine Insane Hospital, writes :
Augusta, August 21, 1893.
We do not grow a very large quantity of small fruits but we have
what we call a good quality of each and consider them as profitable
as anything in the garden department. For strawbeiries we grow
Bubach as Pistillate and May King as Bi- Sexual. They gave us
eighty-six bushels on a little over one-half acre and would have had
a great many more were it not for the drought.
Raspbenies, the Turner is our early kind, good and productive.
Cuthbert for late and I know of no better.
In blackberries we consider the Snyder as a good standard berry
and grow it exclusively.
The Currants, our main crop, is the Versailles (or cherry) and
White Grape, and we find them both very fine and exceedingly pro-
ductive ; we have a few Fay's but the}' are young and have borne
but a few this, their first year, but they promise well, and I think
we shall plant more.
We have but few gooseberries of the Downing and Smith's
Improved, and (as I am giving my own experience in the other kinds
I can say but little of these as yet) what few they have borne were
good in s'ze and quality, this being their first.
W. H ALLEN.
Mr. B. M. Titcomb of Farmington, has kindly furnished the fol-
lowing information in regard to the matter under consideration :
I am raising the Cuthbert raspberry and the Wilson and Crescent
strawberry. Can some one tell me of a better plant to set with the
32 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
Crescent for a fertilizer tlian the Wilson? The Wilson makes a slow
growth and winter kills. I have learned by experience that I am
going over too much ground for the amount of Ituit. Tuis season
I raised 4,000 quarts of strawberries to the acre. In the future I
am going to try for 6,000 quarts to the acre. It will cost no more
for cultivation. I shall set sixty rods of raspberries this fall with
the intention of seeing how many berries I can raise to the rod.
Mr. S. H. Dawes of Harrison, who is one of the most enthusias-
tic and succfssful fruit gtt)wers in the Slate has tested a large num-
ber of varieties, but as will be seen by what he recommends that
he does not consider the list of profitable varieties a very large one.
Here follows abstracts from his paper and his list :
I commenced the cultivation of strawberries about seventeen
yeais ago with what was then called the Green Prolific, and soon
learned that it was a fraud and that there was nothing prolific about
it. I then tiled several other varieties, among which was that good
old stai.db}', the Wilson, which was the best of them all then, and
is as good now as it ever was. I believe the most we read and hear
about the deterioration of this and that kind of fruit is nothing but
starvation ; and if you can procure good, health}' Wilson plants,
and not starve them to death, they will produce as well now as they
ever did. I continued their cultivation for my main crop, and was
quite successful in a small way, but was all the time fooling with all
the new sorts I could hear of till I was induced by one of my
friends to try a few plants of the Crescent Seedling. I received the
plants quite early in the spring, and was forcibly impressed with
their inferior looks, and had many misgivings in regard to them ;
but I set them out and gave them the same cultivation that I did
my others, and they grew and multiplied wonderfully, and when
they came to bear the following season the vines were a complete
mass of fruit and astonished all that saw them. I have continued
their cultivation from that time to the present and they show no
sign of deterioration, for my crop was the best this (1893) season
that it ever was since I have been in the business. I know that
many claim that the}' must be fertilized with some staminate sort,
in order to give the best results. I have experimented somewhat,
in order to satisfy myself on this point, and have arrived at the fol-
lowing conclusion : that I can raise more Iruit at less cost with the
Crescent Seedling without any staminate sort near them, than I can
with any other variety I have ever tested. But from the experi-
ments I have tried the last few years, I am equally well satisfied
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 33
that I can get a little nicer fruit and more of it by having them fer-
tilized with some staminate variety, and for the last two years I
Lave mixed the Wilson and Crescent together, say about one plant
of the Wilson to three or four of the Crescent, and the result has
been highly satisfactorj'. From my own experience and all the
evidence and information I can get from books and papers pub-
lished over the whole couaty, if it was left for me to say, I should
crown the Crescent king, and Wilson queen ; and when you have
joined and grow the two together, as they should be to produce the
best results, you obey Nature's law, and have the most prolific
family of luscious fruit known to this Societj'.
For a red raspberry the Cuthbert, all things considered, stands
at the head (although there are several others nearly as good). It
is of the largest size, a good shipper, the most prolific, of good
flavor, brings the highest price in tbe maiket. Its season lasts from
four to five weeks and is every way satisfactory when it is properly
treated and cared for. For a yellow variety I would recommend
the Golden Queen. It is a good yielder but not a good shipper, nor
is its flavor equal to the Cuthbert. But a few boxes of them
properly arranged look well in a crate and a few put up in glass
jars and set beside those of darker colors make an agreeable con-
trast.
Black Caps are a noble berry, and ever}' one should cultivate
enough for his own use if no more. I have tested several sorts
and if I was limited to one variety I should choose the Seneca Black
Cap first and the Gregg second. The Seneca is a great bearer, and
perfectly hard}'. I have grown them successfully on the same ground
for years, and they have given perfect satisfaction. The fruit is
not quite as large as the Gregg but fully the size of Mammoth
Cluster and the other sorts and stands our winters much better.
They make the nicest pastry I ever tasted and when the proper
amount of sugar and cream are used they make a dish fit to set
before the king.
There are several varieties of currants — the White Grape, the
Reds and the Blacks. I have had no experience with the Blacks
and cannot judge of their merits. But the White Grape should be
highly recommended and its cultivation increased, for it is the best
of the whole family of currants for table use and a dessert fruit. I
don't think there is much difference in the leading varieties of the
34 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
Reds, and you will make no mistake if 3'oa select either of them,
the Cherr}', Fay's Prolific, or Versailles.
We will now notice some of the small fruits that are grown on
•thorny bushes. In Matthew I think the ques'ion is asked "Do
men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles?" And St. Luke,
if I recollect rightly, in alluding to the same subject calls it the
bramble bush. Both referring to the impossibility of growing good
fruit on such mean scrubby bushes. And it was impossible in those
da3's, but times have changed. The desert has not only been made
to blossom like the rose, but we get some of our best fruits from
the worst thorns and brambles I ever saw And if we do not
gather grapes and figs from them we do something just about as
good. Where will you find a worse thorn and bramble, or a much
better fruit than a good, well ripened Snyder blackberry, or a thistle
that will prick worse than the thorns on a Smith's Improved Goose*
berry bush? And yet their fruit is about equal to the grape aud fig,
and I can heartily recommend them both as the best of all others
of their kind for a general market crop and for home use. There
are many inducements why the cultivation of small fruits should be
encouraged. They are not only the most profitable when rightly
managed but the proceeds are more regular and sure. There is no
off year in the business as with orchard fruits, neither are they so sen-
sitive to drought and rains as are our common field crop- . But there
are other and higher considerations of a moral and social nature
that should be prized of far more value than mere dollars and cents.
There are no demoralizing influences connected with it, as there are
with the trotting horse and the race course, neither are men so sub-
ject to disappointment and losses. It notouly Irings a man in con-
tact with the most intelligent portion of society, but it is so attract-
ive and elevating in its nature that the ladies, who constitute the
best half of our community, can engage and become co-laborers in
their cultivation And when you take all things into the account,
the ins and the outs, the ups and the downs, I think that for a
young man especially who intends to follow rural pursuits it has
more attractions and advantages than any other branch of agricul-
ture, and he can do no better than to engage in their cultivation-
Prof. W. M. Munson from the experiment station sends out a
general bulletin on the 'Varieties of Fruit" best adapted, or growing
most successfully in the State at the present time. From this the
following varieties are recommended for Aroostook, Piscataquis,
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 35
Northern Somerset, Penobscot and Washington counties : Agawam
blackberry, Cuthbert and Tyler raspberries; Fay's Proliflc and
White Grape currants, and the Houghton gooseberry.
For Oxford, Kennebec, Waldo, and the southern counties, the
following varieties are enumerated : Cuthbert, Golden Queen,
Shaffer, and Gregg raspberries; Agawam and Snyder blackberries ;
Fay's Proliflc, Versailles, Victoria and White Grape currants ;
Downing, Houghton and Smith gooseberries ; Bubach No. 5,
Crescent, Haverland, Sharpless and Wilson strawberries.
Professor Munson adds that the varieties named are the ones
most commonly grown at the present time. It i"- believed that
many of these varieties (especially of the small fruits) will soon be
superseded by some of the newer introductions, even as the Hovey
strawberry, Knevett raspberry, and Dorchester blackberry have
given place respectively to the Crescent, the Cuthbert and the
Agawam.
AT THE WINTHROP MEETING.
ORCHAEDrNTG.
President Pope Conducted the Speaking on this Subject.
As a result of his success in orcharding he presented many help-
ful and practical ideas on the starting of the orchard. The location
being determined, the first essential to success is to obtain good
trees. In the purchase of nursery stock too often the price rules
regardless of the qualit}'. A mistake made in setting poor trees
can never.be corrected. Get trees as near home as possible, but be
sure to get good ones. Don't set Baldwins that have been grafted
in the nursery. He had practiced setting seedling trees, and grafting
into the limbs as soon as the trees are of sufficient size. He has
set Ben Davis, Haas and Talman's Sweet, these being hardy varie-
ties. After the trees are well grown he grafts into the limbs Bald-
wins and such other varieties as he may desire.
Experience has taught him many lessons as to the time of setting
trees. He used to wait until the soil was in good condition lor
planting corn, but now he sets his trees as earl}' in the spring as
the frosts and rains will permit. The trets should be set before the
36 STATE POM0LOGICA.L SOCIETT.
buds swell, so as to give the roots a chance to start before the leaves
begin to grow. If the roots get an earl}' start the tree will make a
better growth the first year. There is a great advantage in grafting
3'our own trees, for in this way alone 3'ou are sure what varieties of
fruit you are going to have when the trees begin to bear. There
are few orchardists who have bought trees without being disap-
pointed when the apples appear. All over the State thousands of
trees have not proved true to name.
It will avoid sunscald in the trees if they are inclined a little
towards the southwest. Great care should be taken to have the
soil firmly pressed down about the roots. As a rule he never cuts
back the limbs of the tree he is setting unless they are bruised- If
the roots are short, and there are too many limbs, cut off the lower
ones. Sometimes when the last year's growth is large, or there are
few limbs, cut back the limbs so as to be in proportion to the roots.
Did not believe in setting the trees in the fall. It might do to get
ready in the fall, but he would wait till spring before he set trees.
If trees are to be set in the fall they should be set early in October.
In setting out trees, the distance should be determined somewhat
by the variety. The upright growers may be set as near as twenty
feet of one another, but more spreading varieties like the Tompkins,
should be forty or forty-five feet apart. The most desirable size of
trees is three-fourths of an inch to an inch in diameter. After the
trees are set for several years a hoed crop may be. grown to advan-
tage, though you cannot expect a good crop from the ground and
another from the trees. It is a very good idea to mulch the trees
when they are first set, as the mulch will keep the soil moist and
keep back the grass. He did not believe that anyone in Maine had
been guilty of applying too much manure to orchards, there is rather
danger in using too little so that the trees suffer for a want of suf-
ficient plant food. Ordinary manure from the yard and stable is
good enough, but if commercial fertilizers are to be used bone meal
and some form of potash are the most desirable.
Willis A. Luce followed with the results of his own experience.
The supply of manure has been insufficient and to increase it he has
pastured both sheep and hogs in the orchard. Pigs will do good
work but he objected to old hogs as they learn how to get the apples
off the trees and sometimes damage the trees. Hogs will work over
the surface and leave it nice and mellow, though he had never been
. able to make them level it up. Both sheep and swine eat the wind-
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 37
falls and wormy apples, and in this way are very valuable aids to
the orchardists. From an orchard pastured with swine last year he
has raised a good crop of apples this year. There are fewer worms
when the apples are used up in this manner. He seemed to think
the apple trees needed potash more than an}' other fertilizer.
Professor Munson added that potash was the fertilizer most
needed by bearing trees. Hard wood ashes are perhaps the best,
as they contain both potash and phosphoric acid. Ashes and ground
bone applied together make an admirable fertilizer, and the potash
gives the fruit the most delicate fla,vor. Some one asked if salt was
good, and the professor replied that salt of itself had no fertilizing
value, but its mechanical influence is of en beneficial in causing the
soil to give up fertilizing material for the plant. Eight to ten
bushels to the acre will be a sufficient quantity of salt to use.
W. P. Atherton of Hallowell told the mistakes he made in setting
trees too near together. Somehow he was unable to look ahead and
see how large the trees were going to be. He referred to Dr. Hos-
kins, who advocated setting trees thirty by fifceen teet and then cut-
ting out ever}' other row, after the branches begin to meet. In
fertilizing he had used all the manure of the farm. He had tried
sheep and swine. He was much pleased with the work done in the
orchard this fall. He was going to put on some bone meal and
ashes, and harrow both in wtll.
Reference was made to the subject of pruning, and Mr. Pope, in
response to several growers, said that for growth he would prune
before the leaves start, but for fruit, prune in the summer. Large
limbs he preferred to cut off in April or May. Wounds caused by
pruning at this season will begin to heal over at once. Cutting limbs
in summer gives the tree a check which tends to the formation of
fruit buds. Wjth young, healthy trees, it makes very little differ-
ence what the season is, but he thought pruning was often carried
too far.
In the matter of spraying. Professor Munson stated that he was
willing to go on record that spraying with the Bordeaux mixture
would control the apple scab. Possibly there might be a question
as to the best time in which to apply it. The ravages of the Codlin
moth are very much reduced b}^ the use of Paris green. Use one
pound to 250 gallons of water. Spray after the blossoms have
fallen.
38 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
Secretary Knowlton spoke of the importance of setting an orchard
in good land. It does not pay to use rocky or hilly land, that can-
not be cultivated. Good orchard land in most parts of the State
can be had for $10 to $50 an acre. He also spoke of the individ-
uality of varieties of apples. Each has its own flavor, color and
size. Each, likewise, has its likes and dislikes of the plant food
within its reach. He hoped the time would come when more would
be known of these individual properties, so to speak, of the fruit
and the tree.
SMALL FRUITS.
Mr. Willis A. Lace, who has had a wide experience in the cul-
tivation of small fruits for the market on his farm la Union, spoke
of the profits of strawberry culture, aud then said any land that
would grow corn to advantage would grow strawberries to a fair
crop. Make the ground smooth before setting the plants, and have
the rows straight, four feet apart, and the plants twenty inches in
the row. Straight rows permit the use of the cultivator without
danger of tearing up the plants — and it also permits of vrorking
close to the plants. Spread out the roots carefully and press the
dirt firmly about the roots, and be careful to have the crown of the
plant come about the same as it grew before it was removed. Two
good hands will set about a thousand plants a day. Cultivate as
soon as the weeds start and keep it up through the season Cut off
the fir&t runners and do not permit the vines to bear any fruit the
first jear.
He recommended the following varieties : Crescent Seedling first,
then Charles Dowing, Wilson, Jessie, Sbarpless, Parker Earle,
Manchester, Bubach. He also recommended Michel's Earl}' and
thought it a good variety to set with the Crescent Seedling. He
used swale ha}' for covering in the winter to prevent injury from
freezing out. Use most of the mulching between the rows and put
only a slight covering over the plant itself. Strawy stable manure
also makes a good mulch. Girls make better pickers than boys as
they are more careful. In maiketing use only clean boxes and
crates, and offer only good fruit.
Other small fruits require about the same conditions of soil ; rasp-
berries shoul'd be set six feet apart, and blackberries eight, currant
and gooseberries in rows six feet apart and the plants three feet.
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 89
Secretary Knowlton followed and briefly referred to tbe ease with
-which enough fruit for the family can be raised. Set strawberry
plants in long rows three or four feet apart, and let the old horse
diaw the cultivator through the first season as often as once every
week or ten dajs. Pinch off the blossoms and the early runners.
Then if you don't want to do more, the plants will take care of
themselves, and the following year without any care will bear a good
crop of berries. In the interior of the Slate mulching is not neces-
sary. The snow is a good mulch and will hold the plants in place.
Near the coast mulching is necessary, and in the interior it will do
no haim. He spoke in praise of the Bubach and Haverland ; the
latter the past year was a great fovorite with him. Tbe berries were
large and of^fine flavor, while the vines are strong growers and free
from rust and blight.
AT THE UNION WINTER MEETING.
THE ADDRESS OF WELCOME.
By H. M. Lord, Rockland.
3Ir. President,^ Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is rather a peculiar and rather a unique task imposed upon me
to-day, that of welcoming a convention of agriculturists, the Maine
Slate Pomological Society and its kindred organization, the State
Board of Agriculture. I say a unique task, inasmuch as I am not
a fruit grower in any sense of the term or even an agriculturist unless
it may be in some very liberal interpretation of the term. I am a
reprtsentative of that great class, the consumers, and the consumer
has, or should have, a more vital appreciation of anything produced
by Maine than the producer himself. So it may be from some euch
reason as this that I am selected to extend to these two societies the
sincere words of greeting which at their best inadequately express
what fills the hearts of all those who live in this part of the State. The
appreciation of the work that this society has done and is doing is
notconfined within the limits of the State of Maine, for so far as the
reputation of Maine products has extended just so far has the repu-
tation of these two organizations reached. And who shall attempt to
40 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY,
define the limits beyond which the good qualities ot Maine products
are not well known and appreciated. Every year across the great
ocean mighty steamships carry thousands of barrels of these tempt-
ing spheres which have budded, blossomed and fruited on the fertile
hillsides of this State. Unmindful of Bunker Hill and the battle-
fields of 1812, in return (or bullets and grape-shot which made chil-
dren fatherless and mothers and children homeless, we send back to
our English cousins bullets and grape-shot of tempting exterior
carrying assurances of life and health and strength and good cheer ,^
and it takes across the water with it a message of God speed, and
carries with it a breath and aroma of freedom and liberty to that
great kingdom which must inevitably follow the example set by its
precocious colony and lay aside the monarchical form of government
and take its place in the rapidly swelling ranks of the republics of
the world.
I have learned to appreciate the fruits of Maine fully. I was
located for manj' months in the South where the vtlvety peach
waved before my eyes, the pineapple with its palatable interior lay
at my feet, the orange yellow and safiron, almost bursting with its
pent-up sweetnes, snodded to me on every band, the grape fruit
demanded my recognition and the persimmon, creamy and sweet
fell around me ; but I would willingly have given them all for a
taste of a good Maine apple. In the lar West 1 made my home
and the luscious fruit of the western country threatened my fealt^^
and lay claim to my appreciation, but I would have bartered all of
these prides of the Pacific for a lipe, juicy apple. I seemtd to see
as in a mirage the picture of my own state. I could see its produc-
tive iarms and the heavy laden orchards in the sunshine. I saw
the Nodhead as it beckoned to me over some rustic fence. I saw
the old reliable Baldwin, suggestive to me cf the days when it
played so important a part in filling the depths of the capacious
Christmas stocking borrowed for the purpose. I remembered the
days of my boyhood when the well-filled barrel of apples was placed
in the cellar. I recollected how forth to school I went with pockets
bulging out with well selected favorites. I have experienced joys
and sorrows, I have met successes and reverses, I have made money
and lost money since then, but never have I experienced sucb
strong satisfaction as when my capacious barns were filled almost to
the bursting point with the products of my own orchard. Never
did I so sincerely regret the reverses of fortune as when I lost my
beloved watercore and found a decayed interior.
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY^ 41
It was in such pictures as these that I learned to appreciate the
Stale of Maine, that I learned rightly to estimate Maine joj'S,
Maine people and Maine fruits. I learned to realize to the full that
Maine was plenty good enough for me. So I heartily and honestly
welcome you here to-day. We know what good fruit is because we
produce it. We know good fruit growers because we have them in
our midst and they make our most thrifty and well to-do people.
Again, in behalf of the great class of consumers which I repre-ent
do I welcome you here to-day. You are known to us by reputation.
You have come to a place where the open hearts of the people
prompt an open hand. The land is yours to enter in and possess it.
It may not be like the land of promise, flowing with milk and honey,
but it is flowing with the milk of human kindness and extends a
sincere welcome. It is our wish that your stay here may be so
pleasant and profitable that when the hour comes to depart you
may be able to say in all sincerity, "It is good to have been here,
soon may we come again."
RESPONSE.
Bj- F. S. Adams, President of the Board.
Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : It is somewhat embarrass-
ing to be called upon at this time. I came here to meet you, intend-
ing to take no part in the proceedings of the meeting. It is
impossible for Secretary McKeen to be here to-day, because of
engagements in other parts of the State. I was very glad to listen
to the kind words of welcome from our brother. I had not got off
the train before 1 was met by Brother Butler, and I realized that
you people had warm hearts and extended to us a hearty welcome.
The cultivation of fruits is an old and honorable occupation. A
man or a woman engaged in this occupation, I find, al*yays has a
large heart. It is because they are so closely, in connection with
nature and nature's heart that it is impossible to be a fruit grower
and a mean man. AVe read in the Bible that the first parents found
fruit in the Garden of Eden. It has been an important industry
since the creation of the world. People are learning to appreciate
fruits.
There is more consumed now than ever before. The markets all
over the world are opening up, so that no man may be discouraged
by going into the fruit business. The cultivation of small fruit
42 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
should succeed more and more. I believe every farmer should
raise enough for his own use, if he does not raise them to make
money. He who don't provide small fruits for his own table is
worse than an infidfl. There is no reason why we should not have
these small fruits. It makes a great difference in the cookypg of the
family. Berries take the place of pies, etc. The fruit growers of
Maiue and the members of this Society, I can assure you, are work-
ing in harmony. What is for the interest of one is for the interest
of the other.
We thank you for your cordial welcome here to-day. We knew
before we came here we should receive a cordial welcome. I want
to say a word about your beautiful town. I have always heard
that the town of Union was the most beautiful town in the State but
the half has not been told.
PEESIDE^IT'S ANNUAL ADDRESS..
By Charles S. Pope, ^Manchester.
For twenty years I have not failed to meet the fruit growers at
•our winter meeting, and it is with pleasure and increased interest
that I again greet 3'ou.
The question often presents itself when pressing duties are
demanding our attention, as we leave home to attend these meetings,
Does it pay ? What do we receive in return for possible losses? Our
answer is, we here meet practical men who are willing to give us
their methods and practices, many of which are improvements on
our own and we may even learn much from a recital of their fail-
ures. The specialists will open up new fields and show us a better
road to success. The topics presented, intelligently and broadly
discussed, will lift us from old ruts and help us in these days of
sharp competition to practice those methods which will give us a
profit in the business, instead of a loss. We shall also feel richly
repaid for the time spent if we are able to so present the subject as
to encourage others who have heretofore taken no interest in horti-
culture, to cultiv£;te fruits and flowers and share with us its pleas-
ures and profits.
I am firm as ever in the faith that (he growing of apples and
small fruits, can be made a source of profit, not to the ignorant or
indolent but to the expert, in this as in most other branches of busi-
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 43
ness. Those who attempt to raise fruit without extra care may
obtain a good crop in years of plenty, when of course prices are so
low that the receipts will barely pay expenses, but the art of raising
a'good crop when prices are high is what we are seeking for, and
those who, by good cultivation and extra care, can guard against
the ravages of insects and diseases will receive bountiful returns for
their labor.
It is with great pleasure that we note the increased interest taken
lay our farmers in supplying the family with small fruits. Would
that I could impress upon ever}' farmer the necessity of having, not
onl}' a good vegetable garden, but could show him the ease with
-which bushels upon bushels of small fiuits can be produced at a
cost but a little above the expense of raising corn or potatoes. Too
many of them look upon small fruits as a luxury only, forgetting
that our health requires, particularly in the summer, the acids which
are here supplied, and that his table can be furnished with a dessert
more palatable and much cheaper than cake and pastr}'. Few
people who have depended upon the market for their berries, can
realize how delicious is the strawberry or blackberry as grown in
the home garden and allowed to remain upon the plant until thor-
oughly ripe, and having enjoyed such fruit, we venture to say, the
fruit garden will not be neglected.
For several years our Society has assumed the management of the
horticultural part of the exhibit of the Maine State Agricultural
Society at Lewiston. AVe are thus obliged to hold our fruit exhibit
before our winter apples have matured, and if we continue this prac-
tice, I would recommend offering liberal premiums for an exhibition
of fruit at our winter meeting. This would necessitate holding the
meeting early in the winter, if we would secure a fine exhibit of late
autumn and winter fruit.
The practice of making an exhibit of our Maine apples whenever
a,n opportunity oflers, should be continued, to advertise our fruit and
secure more buyers. We should feel satisfied with our success in
obtaining premiums, whenever we have made a display in competi-
tion with other states.
I desire to call your attention at this time to the necessity of
requesting our legislature to take some action to prevent ihe
spread of insects and diseases in our orchards, particularly of the
trypeta or apple maggot, and the disease called "black-knot" of
the plum. If our people fully understood the character of this
44 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
fungus we think they would see the reasonableness and necessity of
a law to prevent its spread. There is no justice in allowing a care-
less, heedless man to contaminate the atmosphere with fungus spores
and thus make it impossible for others in the vicinity to raise plums
and cherries.
The laws in some of our Western States and in foreign countries
are very strict in this matter and we see no way to prevent the
spread of some insects and diseases unless the careless orchardist is
obliged by law to assist in exterminating the same.
The assistance of scientific men in giving us a remedy for the
scab and the codling moth should be appreciated more by our orch-
ardists and until they find some way to help us destroy the trypeta
and prevent the black knot, we must rely upon the united effort of
every fruit grower, to prevent the spread of each of these pests.
The partridge has of late become such a nuisance in some
orchards that it is about time to ask for a bounty on his head, in
those towns where he is known to destroy the crop year after year,
and even to ruin the orchard entirely. Not being satisfied with the
fruit buds alone he will sometimes take the leaf buds and tips of
twigs, until the tree is a veritable scrub. "We believe our horticul-
turists should ask more of the Experiment Station. Many ques-
tions of vital importance have come up which need to be settled by
years of careful experimenting. Something has already been done
to prevent the ravages of diseases and insects, but we need also
experiments in fertilizing, pruning, adaptability of varieties to
climate, and manj' other points, which are too expensive, or require
more accurate experimenting and more time than the common
orchardist is able to give.
We remember reading a few years ago, a scheme of one of our
western horticultural societies, to obtain members which we think
might be tried here to advantage. Fruit trees and plants of recent
introduction, and which promise to be of value, are distributed
annually to the members. We could in this way without doubt add
largely to our membership and also awaken an interest in fruit
growing amongst those who would be reached in no other way.
It is our expectation in the future to have more money to expend
and then the Society will be able to extend its work. There
are many topics which ought to be brought forward, as we can find
time, beside fruit growing. Few understand packing as it ought to
be done. The transportation of fruit and marketing are serious
STATE POMOLOGIOAL SOCIETY. 45
questions, and more than this I believe we should urge our people
to spend a little more time to beautify the home. Let me say a
word for what is commonly termed the sentimental. I mean love
for the beautiful, which I sincerely believe, should be carefully fos-
tered and cultivated in our children, as a means to develop charac-
ter, tending to positive manhood and womanhood. The love of the
beautiful is not mawkish ; it never detracts from, or in any way
interferes with the practical or business abilities of a man. It gives
rather a genuine meaning to life, more satisfactory because on a
higher plane than the mere bread and butter ambition. Have we
not as a Society overlooked this phase of the subject too much and
expended nearl}' all our efforts in instructing farmers how to make
the most morey possible? The farmer who has not mistaken his
calling will be mindful of planting ornamental trees, shrubs and
vines about his home, and supplement them with a good vegetable
and fruit garden. The garden will pay a large per cent on the invest-
ment, even from a pecuniary point of view, to those who begrudge
the time spent, in making the home, what it should be, a paradise
on earth. I should feel well rewarded for my time spent here if I
could induce one man to make the resolve and keep to it, that he
would think less of adding to his bank surplus and spend more of
his time and energj^ in gathering beautiful things about his home,
and supplying all the fruits desired, both as a necessity and a lux-
ury. Forever groveling as many farmers do, in raising crops which
can be turned for cash, has dwarfed the soul, and some have even
forgotten that there are higher and nobler things required of them.
46 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETT.
MAINE APPLES AT THE WORLD'S FAIR.
By Willis A. LrCE, Uuiou.
Mr. President, Ladies and Friends :
It is rather a peculiar subject to talk upon. Some people who have
come back from the Fair have not spoken very encouragingly of our
exhibit. I am going to speak of the exhibit not as ii was after the
first of June but was before that time. "What I wish to show most
of all is, some of the disadvantages under which our Society' has.
been placed and under which they labored in securing a Maine
exhibit at the AYorld's Fair, also that while the exhibit was in the
care of the Pomological S )ciety it was a credit to the State.
In the first place, the Society, late in the season of 1892, about
the time of our annual meeting at Lewiston, were a&ked to go ahead
in this matter and make arrangements for exhibiting Maine fruits at
the World's Fair at Chicago. The question came up as to the
amount of money that should be given for that purpose, and the
executive commissioner said that $1,000 was all that would be
allowed the Societ}'. Of course any sensible man would say
immediately that such an amount would be inadequate for so great
an undertaking. Our Society hesitated and said they would not
have anything to do with it, as the amount would not show Maine
fruits as they should be and consequently wou'd not- show
Maine fruits. That was the right conclusion. It is an important
industry, bringing to our State nearly a million and a half annually,
and the idea that only $1,000 should be allowed to represent it at
the World's Fair was a disgrace to the State.
The fruit growers of the State came to the secretar}' and president
and urged them beyond their better judgment that they should make
an exhibit of Maine fruits. They knew that our fruit stands high
iu the market and we wanted to let the world know what kind of
fruit we grovr here in Maine ; at the earnest solicitation of these
men the society undertook the task and determined to do what they
could for Maine at Chicago. A committee was appointed to collect
all the varieties they thought would keep and put them in storage
for use in the springtime, to send forward. The fruit was col-
lected. Good specimens of each variety were selected as could be
secured at that time. The committee labored under this disad-
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 47
vantage, the lateness of the season, as the time for gathering
apples had passed. They would go to a man and say they wanted
such and such fruit which they knew he raised. If this man had
been asked in the summer to contribute this fruit the selection would
have been better. Anyone who knows about this would know the
difficulties under which the committee labored. While the fruit in
many respects was not up to what they desired, it was the best they
could stcure with the means at their command. They secured
forty- four to fifty barrels and stored them at the cold storage at
Boston, and they came out in fine condition. On the twenty-
seventh of March I was delegated to go and inquire into the condi-
tion of the fruit and &hip them afterward to Chicago. We had
trouble in securing a car for shipment, as we were obliged to have a
refrigerator car, and after one was secured we found after being
loaded it was marked lor the shop, as it was disabled. All the way
along it seems as if luck was against us. After a while we got the
fruit started on its way. I immediately followed. Oa arriving at
Chicago, I had the number of the car, and for some two weeks I
tried to find on their books the number of the car that had been
shipped, but never could. The fruit was taken out in the night. I
was not present when it was done, nor could I find out just when it
was to be done. They told me when I went to look at the fruit that
it arrived in very bad condition. I knew we secured the fruit in the
car in barrels and boxes, so that no amount of hard handling should
be able to displace or break open the packages. They said the
packages were broken badly and had shifted verj' much. I put
the ideas together, that we could cot find the number of the car,
and t^at it had been marked lor the shop before starting, and con-
cluded it had been changed in transit, and that the fruit had not
been properly packed when it was changed, if you have an idea
of the number of cars going over the road you would be convinced
that they are not very careful for at one time in May there were 5,000
cars waiting to be drawn into the yards and unloaded and I think that
some of the very best fruits were lost in" that way and what we did
have, some of it was in bad condition owing to rough handling and
the delay in unloading at Chicago. We encountered serious trouble
even when there in gettiLg our table, as every one wanted their
work done at the same time. The space was changed several times.
We hardly knew what to depend upon. We would take such space
as they designated and then they would say that we could not have
4R STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
it and when we finallj' got down to a space it was fifty -six feet long
and four feet wide. That was for the Maine exhibit of apples and
jellies and was in the south curtain. The table was not made here
in Maine which was indeed a mistake. While we desired to do so
at the time circumstances came around so that it was not, conse-
quently it had to be made after we went to Chicago. This delayed
us in getting upon our own space, I assure you. We had at the
opening an exhibit of Maine fruits although it was not on our own
space. At the time of my arrival they had been making flags in the
south curtain and were just clearing out the remains. Not a thing
was in readiness but a part of it was got ready even in lime for the
opening. I sa}' we had a displa}^ at the opening but not being on
our own space the executive commissioner thought best not to have
as large a display as we were to make, so we put on 150 plates of
apples of our best winter fruit and a few in jars. This was at the
opening of the Fair. We were the only New England State that had
an exhibit at that time, and were second to none of the others who
did exhibit in the south curtain. I say this in face of what has been
reported in relation to our fruit exhibit. I was there and know
what I am talking about. The most serious difficulty under which
we labored, nas, that Maine is not and never has been in the show
business. VV^e were undertaking work we knew nothing about,
which under an}' circumstances, is a difficult task. The Western
States, just the minute the Fair was talked of, began witii all the
means they could secure and all the energy and push thej' possessed
to prepaie for the Fair to make the best showing they could for
their state. All of these Western States are in the show business.
That is one of the great purposes of their lives to show up their
advantages. If you were there you realize ver^' fully how they
would show up these industries, especially the fruit growing busi-
ness. They not only talked to you but brought such positive proof
of the products of their soil that you were obliged to believe what
they said. It was a great time in their existence as a state to make
a;n impression upon the eastern people and bring more of them to
the West where they have been drifting for years but not such
large numbers now as in the past. If Maine had been in the show
business, we too, could have been foremost in showing what she can
produce upon her soil. I am not prepared to say it would have
been, the best thing for Maine to do, to put so much energy and
time into an exhibit as many of the Western States did, but the
STATE POMOLOGICA.L SOCIETY. 49
great use and purpose of the Fair wa? to sbow in an artistic manner
the products of the world, and it was not always the best that
secured the prize, but that that was shown in the most artistic man-
ner. If you could have seen some of those fruit and agricultural
exhibits, you would have been pleased. It was not always intrinsic
worth nor quality, but to show in such an attractive way that they
would bear off the prizes. Ttiat, it seems to me, is one of the mis-
takes of the Fair. They said in their circulars that quality should
be first, but the quality is not in these insipid fruits brought us from
the Rockies, although they are very beautiful to look at. When we
come to test the quality of the thing, it is flit, and doesn't compare
with our Maine grown fruits. I know that old Dirigo could pro-
duce and has produced as good fruits as were shown there, even in
size, and we know they are better in q'lality. The states of Wash-
ington, Idaho, Wisconsin, as well as California, showed immense
quantities of fruit, large and beautiful. They exhibited fruits that
do not grow here. But when j'ou come to compare our fruits with,
theirs, there is a difference ; theirs is extremely overgrown in some
instances, and when you get into it, the texture and flavor are want-
ing.
We moved to our own space the middle of May, and put on our
full exhibit of fruits in jars in connection with those on plates. The
jars were of different sizes and forms, holding from two quarts to
seven gallons. There were upwards of flft}' of these jars upon the
table. When the fruit was first put up it looked very beautiful, and
was admired by thousands. No preserving fluid has been found up
to the present time that will hold the apple in its natural color for
any length of time, and when I left the first of June the color was
fast coming out, and this part of the exhibit was fast losing its
beauty, and I am told that it was left on the tables in very bad con-
dition. But we had no part in it after I left Chicago. It was in
the hands of the State Board of World's Fair Managers, and what-
ever disgrace comes to the State of Maine does not belong to the
Pomological Society, though it has been placed on us a great many
times. Not but what I feel sorry for the State, but I don't want
anything heaped upon us that does not belong to us.
In relation to the exhibit, Mr. Samuels, chief of the Horticultural
Department, a man of great worth and judgment, came to me and
said, "You have the finest exhibit of apples in the south curtain."
I knew that but it was kind in him to say it to me.
4
50 STATE POMOI-OGICA.L SOCIETY.
We were given good notices of Maine's fruit exhibit in the Chi-
cago papers, American Garden and Forest and Garden, also gave
us kindly mention. Especially in the latter by Prof. Bailey which
can be relied upon, as he is authority on all subjects pertaining to
horticulture.
I understand by those who visited the Fair after I left, that the
fruit was allowed to decay upon the tables, and it was very dis-
graceful indeed. I am very sorry if such was the condition. It
has been brought up very many times in the press, but the blame
belongs not to this Society, but to those in charge at the time. We
have fruit in the State of Maise that we are willing to compare with
any in the United States. We could have done better at Chicago if
we could have had a man there to look after the exhibit. After I
left one man was to care for eight, including Horticultural. Those
exhibits at Chicago where there was not a man with it all the time
to look after it, amounted to nothing. It was money spent in vain.
I want to say this for the grand old Slate that we all love so
well, that as a state we can grow and do grow as good fruit as the
sun shines on ; and as we come here to-day and see this fruit upon
these tables it brings to my mind very forcibly this very fact and if
we should ever have another opportunity of showing our fruits and
making a display in our country I believe we want to take hold of it
as a fruit organization and not depend upon any assistance from the
State or State officers and then we can have an exhibit of fruit that
would be an honor to our State even through the an tire period.
In the line of comparison, California put a million into her
World's Fair work and we put only fifty-seven thousand. You can
make the comparison and can see how we would stand. While we
did make an exhibit as a society it was a credit to the State of
Maine.
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 51
A SCALE OF POINTS FOR JUDGING.
By D. H. Knowlton. Farmington.
We are all guilty of more or less irregularities, and we owe it to
ourselves to guard against them as fast as we learn of their exist-
ence. In this way we may hope to reduce them and improve our
condition. In the management of the affairs of our Society we
have endeavored to avoid irregularities and have our affairs in a
business-like form. With this in view, our records are complete
and our treasurer's books are full each year since the Society has
been doing business. There was a roll of members, but unfortu-
nately in the Farmington conflagration in 1886, this book was
overlooked and with many Other valuables was destroytd. Our
published transactions and the treasurer's records, however, show
in more definite form, just who our members are at any particular
time. Our Executive Committee on all matters not otherwise
covered by general rules have passed and recorded definite votes.
We have recommended that our treasurer open a ledger account in
detail with our permanent fund, so that at any time his books may
show how this stands, and we understand he is going to do so.
There have been more or less irregularity in the manner of con-
ducting the exhibition. I do not see how we could possibly enforce,
what in some societies proves a very important rule, that all entries
shall be made in advance of the exhibition. Our exhibition comes
so early that no one who cares to make a good display of fruit can
tell what he has until the last hour before the fair. But other rules
we are enforcing and we think our exhibitors and the public are
well pleased with them. We should have a few more rules or else
make a general rule that will cover all. In regard to the number
of specimens of fruit, there should be a limit in justice to all, and
I hope another year we may see this point gained.
Our State Agricultural Society has found it very much to their
advantage to have a scale of points for judging of the merit of
the animals on exhibition. The Massachusetts State Board of
Agriculture the past year published and sent out for the use of
local agricultural societies a scale of points, covering the live stock,
vegetables and fruit. Secretary Sessions who was with us at our
exhibition this year, said the plan was working well with him.
52
STATE POMOLOGIGAL SOCIETY.
The following scale of points for judging fruits, is the one referred
to:
SCALE OF POINTS FOR JUDGING FRUITS.
C o
Quality
Form
Color
Size..
Uniformity in size
Freedom from imperfections
Perfection
20
15
15
10
20
20
[The speaker with the aid of Professor Munson scored several
plates of fruit to illustrate the use of the scale of points.]
At our exhibitions frequently we have had as many as fiftj' plates
of Baldwins, and before the committee were able to pass on the prize
plates it has been found necessary several times to weigh the fruit.
Sometimes it has happened that the first premium was divided
between two exhibitors, because the committee were unable to
determine which of two plates was the better. A scale of points,
properly used, would oftentimes determine this simply by add-
ing up a short column of figures. These results, as a rule, are
found out by some one other than the judge, so that he is not
expected to know what story the figures may tell.
Now, there are other advantages connected w^ith this system of
making awards. The most important, perhaps, may be found in
the educational work these scores will quietly bring about. An
exhibitor is entitled to the score. He has it as an evidence of the
appreciation others have of his exhibit. He can study it, and learn
just how the result is reached. He can then for himself compare
his exhibit with his competitors'. The next time he makes an
exhibit he is going to be careful to improve over the previous year.
So then the scale of points will show the exhibitors in what respects
this or that exhibit is better than another. A wise man is made
wiser by knowing his follies, and only the fool fails to improve,
when the opportunity offers.
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 58
There should be a condition or conditions something like this :
In order to receive the first premium the exhibit should score at
least seventy-five points, and no exhibit should receive any premium
that does not score fifty or more points. This past year in several
instances when there was only a single exhibit second premiums
were awarded. In two of them complaint was made, but if a scale
of points had been used, we doubt if either would have scored fifty
points.
I have written to several horticultural societies to ascertain what
system of making awards prevail with them, but I have as yet got
very little information that is of any value. The Massachusetts
Horticultural Society on fruits use the scale of points to which
reference has already been made.
Mr. Elijah A. Wood, who was with us last fall writes under
date of Octobers, 1893:
Yours of the 2nd inst , at hand. The only scale of points used
by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society is the one adopted by
the Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture on fruit. There is
no scale on tlowers that I know of. The Massachusetts Horticul-
tural Society has adopted a scale on Chrysanthemum plants which
is as follows : Size and form of plant, 25 ; size of bloom, 20 ;
general effect. 30; foliage, 2.5. This of course could be adopted
for some other species but could hardly be used for all. It is the
only scale of points used in floriculture that I know of.
Yours respectfully,
Elfjah a. Wood.
In regard to the use of a scale of points, there is more work in
awarding premiums, but the results are of far greater value since
evfrythiug about the svstem requires care. The results too are
definite and satisfactory to exhibitors. But this requires what it
is not always easy to obtain and that is an expert judge who is
competent to measure correctly the different points that make up
the score.
In the county fairs, with which I am familiar, there is great loose-
ness in making up the awards. Merit, which should always be the
first consideration, for various reasons is often overlooked, and one
of the chief objects for which a fair is held, is thereby defeated.
While our Society has no jurisdiction over these organizations, it
is not our province to dictate or even offer suggestions as to how
the affairs of the society should be conducted. Yet I have thought
we might in some way pleasantly get the subject before them and
urge them to adopt more efficient methods of awarding fruit
54 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
premiums. At the same time a scale of points could be explained,
and we have no doubt that in a few years some advance could be
made. This could be more easily done if the Board of Agriculture
would in some way unite with us in making such recommendations.
Now that I am speaking of the county fairs I am also reminded
of the meagreness of the premiums offered for fruit. I should be
glad if I could give you at this time the figures. The fruit and
flower department of the State Agricultural Society costs that
organization ^500 and the premiums awarded in the other depart-
ments is about $12,000. Local societies give as low as twenty and
fifteen cent premiums for single varieties of apples, so small only
the most enthusiastic fruit growers will bring out their fruit at all,
but for a horse trot that has nothing ennobling or helpful to the
farmers the awards frequently amount to hundreds of dollars. The
fruit industry is bringing thousands of dollars into the State and in
several counties is becoming one of the most important, while the
horse industry has ruined the prosperity of hundreds of farmers
and at the present time has literally loaded the farmers down
with unprofitable hay and grain eaters, that nobody wants to
buy at any price, and we fear the worst is not yet reached, for the
unprofitable creatures must be fed and cared for until there is some
way for the unfortunate farmer to dispose of them. You may call
it, if 3'ou choose, an "honest industry," it is proving nevertheless
an unfortunate investment for the farmers. There may be some
way in which our society could exert an influence that would lead
to more liberal premiums for fruit. It is proper that the public
should know how little recognition the farmers themselves are will-
ing to give one of their own leading industries. This is an injus-
tice that should not be continued, and we do not believe any indus-
try will suffer by having each receive its full share of premiums at
the fairs.
DISCCSSION.
S. D. WiLLARD : Mr. Knowlton referred to the fact that your
premiums at your State Fair were not what they ought to be. I have
recently, as one of the executive officers of the New York State
Agricultural Society, been through that mill myself. I know pretty
much how it is. Our exhibit of fruit at the state fair got run down
so it was almost a sham. Our county and no other county would
exhibit what thay had at the state fair, simply because the premium
list was not what it ought to have been. I conceive it was, from his
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 55
report, in the same shape yours is here to-day. A few years ago
the president of our state board asked me to take hold of it. I
said, "No, I will not do it. I am not going to be the monkey to
pull the chestnuts out of the fire in that way. I will tell you why ;
you will give to the horse breeders, the cattle breeders and the pig
breeders all they ask for, but you will not give us respectable
premiums in our department." They said if I would take hold of
it they would give me just what I pleased. I said, ''if you will
endorse what I do you will have to revise your whole premium list."
Instead of SoOO which they had given us, I asked for S2,000. The
cattle dealers had to pull down their premium list a little. I said,
*'l am going to have it, the board promised me what I wanted and
I will be satisfied with nothing less." I got it. We offered a
premium of $200 for the best and largest exhibit of all kinds of
fruit from any organization or society; a premium of Sl.50 for
second. Then we went to work and raised our premium list all
through, paying as high as $50 for the best exhibit of pears, $50
for plums and $50 for apples. The result is this year we were
obliged to put up a large building, 150x5u for our fruit. This is
an off year for the fruit, but for the overflow we had to put up a
tent besides. It was the premium list.
A DEMONSTRATIOX IN APPLE COOIvERY.
By Miss Anna Barrows, School of Domestic Science, Boston.
Instead of saying much about apples at first, I will speak of the
methods 'used in cooking schools so that you will understand our
work. The cooking school in this country is comparatively a new
thing. Those who are teaching are very dependent upon the expe-
rience of^the housekeepers who have gone before. We are trying
in the cooking schools to bring together facts and good suggestions
to help the housekeeper, not trying to make things so elaborate
that the housekeeper Vill not find the time to carry them out. The
first cooking school in this country started less than four years ago,
and cooking is]now^a part of the training in schools in large cities.
I think all oughtj,to have some knowledge of the preparation and
cooking of food^so if we have occasion we may be able to prepare
food for ourselves or direct others.
56 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
The schools are not simply to teach cooking but certain knowl-
edge of physiology is taught as well. Here we have to learn a
great deal from the experiments of farmers in keeping stock. We
learn from them that we need certain foods. The food which the
human body needs is arranged in different proportions by different
authorities. They all agree that we must have water, starch, fat,
albuminous matter and mineral matter. We need a great deal
more water than anything else, as three-fifths of the human body
is water; next is starch, next fats and albumen and a small
amount of mineral.
I have brought with me some bottles which show the compara-
tive analysis of the apple, as prepared at the Massachusetts Insti-
tute of Technology : Water in one pound of apples, 85.79 ; pec-
tine in one pound of apples, 5.81 ; sugar in one pound of apples,
7.22 ; organic acid in one pound of apples, 82 ; cellulose in one
pound of apples, 1.5 ; mineral matter in one pound of apples, .5 ;
protoids in one pound of apples, .oG.
You will see that the apple does not contain any starch and that
it does contain a large proportion of water, a large proportion of
mineral matter and acids.
Apples combine very well with starch and we get from them the
flavor we need. In all foods we need various proportions of starch
and fat in order to make a dish which would be satisfying. We
know that apples alone would not be a very satisfying dish.
When combined properly with other ingredients we get something
that is satisfying. A great many of our cooked dishes of apples
are dishes which we have for desserts, and we are inclined to treat
these things as if they were not solid substances. We look upon
them as an addition to our meal and do not consider them as of
any special value as food. We make the mistake of eating a
hearty dessert after eating a sufficient amount of food. It would
be better for us all if we ate more fruit and less substantial food.
If we would take more watery food it would be better for us than
so much solid food.
I will illustrate the method of teaching in the school while I pre-
pare this dish. Every detail of the work is explained to the
young girls and children as we go along, so they will begin with
right habits of work and make it easy for them as we go along.
In making the dough I take one pint of flour, one cup of sour milk,
one heaping teaspoonful of cream of tartar and one even teaspoon-
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 57
ful of soda. One-half of the teaspoonful of soda is for the sour
milk and one-half for the cream of tartar. One-half a teaspoon-
ful of soda is enough for a cup of ordinary sour milk. Butter can
either be melted and put in or can be used without. I do this
work before cutting the apples because they are apt to discolor
before they can be used. I use a tablespoonful of butter in mak-
ing a pint of flour into biscuit. The quantity of butter must
depend upon the liquid used for mixing. When we use water we
require more shortening than when vve use milk.
One of the first lessons in our school is the baking of an apple.
The very first lesson of all is building a fire, because no cooking is
possible without fire. We find the children are interested and try
to cook things at home and report to us their successes or failures.
A perfect apple is best baked whole but an imperfect apple is bet-
ter cored and the place where the core was filled with sugar, or
spice or jelly or something of that sort. The children take turns
in watching the apples and tending them while baking and thus
have a great interest in the work.
This is pastry flour, I prefer it for cooking anything of this sort.
The bread flour is better where yeast is used. If I was using the
bread flour in this case I would use a scant measure, a smaller
quantity. The different amount of liquid depends upon the flour.
If we use as much liquid as flour we have a batter ; one-half as
much, a stiff batter ; one- third as much ; a soft dough, and one-fourth
is for pastry. In putting in the butter it should be softened and
not heated hot as it would injure the quality of the baking powder
if we used hot butter. The gas escapes much quicker when you
pour hot water over it than it does when you pour cold water over
it. I will fill the^ apples for three dumplings with jelly made from
apple parings. I then take the apple and place it, in the centre of
the dough 1 have rolled out and fold the dough around it and place
it in this little cup. I place this in the kettle containing boiling
water, taking care that the water only reaches a little mare than
half way up the sides of the cups.
In making dumplings for stews no shortening is put in because
the meat gives suflBcient shortening. In stews the water should
be rapidly boiling when the dumplings are put in, and should not
stop boiling until the dumplings are taken out. We make the
douoh thinner for a stew and make .the dumplings by dropping
them from a spoon. I find that there area great many of our
58 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
receipts used as they were years ago simply because they were
always clone that way. In dumplings for stews I use no shorten-
ing and make them a little thinner.
I have made a syrup and will cook some apples whole in that.
I will use diflferent kinds of apples and see how they will cook.
This is a heavy syrup, twice as much sugar as water. An apple
will not break up in it as much as it would in water. This is a
good way to make a handsome dish of apples The apples are
first peeled and cored and may then be used cut in different shapes
or may be used whole. I am very fond of making a pudding^sauce
of the skins and cores of apples. There are many cases where we
should do very well by leaving the skins on the apples unless the
ekin is very imperfect or very tough. The larger part of my life
has been spent in Maine and I know something of the dilRculty
we have to contend with as to the distance from the mai'kets and I
wonder that we don't make more use of the apples that are at our
hands in this State.
One thing we cooking schools are accused of is teaching the use
of too many utensils. It is certainly desirable to use these utensils
for they will make the work so much easier in the kitchen. I am
sure one reason why yonng girls are not willing to stay at home
and work at home is because of the lack of proper utensils and
because the father does not think the woi'k is worth any pay. If
these things were changed perhaps we should have more people liv-
ing in the country and fewer in the cities. I hope to see that time
when there will be in every agricultural experiment station a
department for kitchen experiments. I had occasion in preparing
for this talk to-night to look a little more into jelly making I
wanted to study it a little more. I looked in all the books I had
and found only a few lines in regard to pectin or pectos which is
an essential point in jelly making. I went to a lady in Boston
who is a well known chemist and told her I had found the terms
pectin and pectos used by different writers and had come to her to
inquire about it. I thought these terms were used sometimes in
one way and sometimes in another and she said perhaps so, because
nobody knows much about it yet.
Jelly is the refined product of the apple. It takes considerable
apple to make a little jelly. It seems to me it might pay to mar-
ket apples in this form. I. had occasion some time ago to use
6ome jelly that I made some two years ago, and I could not see
STATE PUMOLOGICAL SOCJETY. 59
that it was any different from jelly made this year. We might do
well to study the question a little more although some things we do
know we don't quite live up to. We don't seem to realize how
much difference little things make. Suppose the apple skins are
not used for some time and left to be discolored, then if we should
cook them in an iron kettle and don't happen to skim them and
then put them in jars that are not perfectly clean we may be sure our
jelly would be of an inferior quality and would not keep well. We
must be careful of the details of the work.
Whatever may be the name of this substance, whether pectin or
pectos and whether both may not be used, it is certain that it is a
gummy substance, it is not exactly gum or mucilage but something
like it. It would be classed under the same head as starch but
still it is not starch. It is that which gives the firmness to our
jellies. It seems lo be most abundant in fruits before they are
ripe and this shows why over ripe fruit makes a syrup rather than
a jelly When apples are used in making jelly if we put an undue
amount of water with them when cooking we have a good deal of
juice afterward, but it is not so much the juice of the apple as it is
the water we have added. It is best to have only enough water to
keep the fruit from burning. ]t is best to use an agate kettle and
an agate or wooden spoon in stirring. Apples make the best jelly
when they are not fully ripe. The proportion that is best is about
one pint of sugar to one pint of juice. We shall have a very
sweet jelly if the juice is mostly water that has been put in. The
jellies of different kinds of apples will act a little differently.
Late in the season we may combine other fruits with the apple.
We may improve an inferior apple very much, if we are obliged to
use an inferior apple. It is a very convenient fruit to combine
with other fruits. It combines well with the quince and with the
pine apple and with other fruits. Of course they will not be quite
equal to the fresh apple but will be quite good.
Ques. In using apple parings should not great care be used in
having them perfectly clean ?
A)LS. Certainly, any dark portion should be removed and the
apples should be wiped. Sometimes I use the cores with the skins.
Sometimes in making apple butter I flavor with almond to make up
that little almond flavor which we have in the seeds. Apples may
be simply baked and served as a vegetable with meats. Apple
stuflSng is good for goose.
60 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
I have here a tumbler of marmalade This may be shaped into
little balls and rolled over in sugar to keep the shape and this could
be used to take the place of candy in family use. If they are kept
twenty-four hours and then rolled again in the sugar they will be
much firmer and better.
There are many methods of preserving fruits, first is the old
fashioned method of preserving pound for pound which kept for an
indefinite period of time. Then the canned fruits which do not
keep well unless the air is excluded. This canning of fruit is com-
paratively a new thing. As chemists and others are studying bac-
teria more, we find how very necessary it is for us to be very care-
ful in having our jars heated before we put the fruit in them. It
is not enough to simply rinse out the jars and simply scald them, it
is better to put them in the oven and give them a good baking in
order to kill the germ which may interfere with our canning. It is
necessary to keep out the air perfectly. We think old rubbers will
do just as well and we don't always think it is necessary that this
part of the jar should be as well heated as any part of the jar, so
we let a few germs of mould get into the different jars we are put-
ting up.
The great point in making jelly clear is skimming the jelly thor-
oughly while cooking. It is not necessary to skim it so very many
times only be sure the skum is thoroughly removed before it is
boiled into the rest. I think the jelly process should be very grad-
ual, I think it should be evaporating rather than boiling. There
are many ways of putting sugar into the jelh', and perhaps the
best way is to allow the fruit to boil a little while and then add the
sugar. In using apples about two-thirds as much sugar as juice
is sufficient when care is taken that there is not too much water in
the apple juice.
To make a nice beverage for an invalid from apples we may slice
them and cover them with boiling water and let it stand for some
little time. Then the skin of the apples in this way will give up a
large amount of its color and part of its flavor. The bright color
will often attract the invalid who is tired of lemonade and all such
things as that.
If we want to further flavor these apples we are cooking here, we
can put a piece of cinnamon bark in the syrup or any whole spice
rather than put the apples into a liquid that has ground spice in it ;
it would injure their shape a good deal. A very pretty way to use
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 61
apples cooked in this way is to make an apple snow by beating the
whites of eggs with thp apple pulp and use the yolks of the eggs for
the custard, the whites for the snow. I use the yolks only of the
eggs. Two or three yolks to a pint of milk. If we use six yolks
to a quart of milk and the six whites for a cake we use no more
than we should if we had used three eggs for the custard and three
for cake. In making a custard pie the white is needed ; the yolks
of the eggs contain more oil and so make a richer, smoother custard,
but would not make quite so firm a custard.
These apples I have cooked in the syrup make a very pretty dish
simply arranged on a plate and filled with jelly.
From the syrup in which I cooked these apples I will make a
sauce for the apple dumplings. I generally add the parings of
bright red apples to the syrup to color it but in this case I will put
in a little of this jelly made from the parings of apples, as I am in
a hurry.
(As fast as the apples were cooked they were passed through the
audience to be tasted and inspected.)
Before I close I will make one more dish and that will be a jelly
omelet. An omelet is sometimes good for dessert. I am going to
make it as a dessert to night with jelly on it. If you wish you can
make in exactly the same way and leave out the jelly and you
have a very good omelet for ordinary purposes. The rule is, two
eggs, two tablespoonfuls of milk, a very little salt and a teaspoon-
ful of butter and sugar. The whites are beaten to a froth sepa-
rately, the yolks added afterwards, one teaspoonful of butter and
sugar and a little salt. In the ordinary omelet we put in a little
pepper and omit the sugar.
62 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
FEEDING APPLES TO STOCK.
By Charles E. Wheeler, Chesterville.
In the early part of the present century my great-grandfather in
clearing one of the many hillsides of Franklin county set out an
orchard of from six to eight acres which in due time came to bear-
ing. In after years this orchard fell to my grandfather and was in
its prime near the time I came up®n the stage of action.
I recall those days with pleasure. Such loads of golden fruit!
The sweet, the pleasant acid, the bitter sweet, the crimson blushes,
the bright russets, such as only can be found in a large orchard of
seedling trees, for this orchard was never grafted, and its product
had to be used in the many ways common to those earlier days.
The product of this orchard in some of the years was counted by
the hundreds of bushels besides such fruit as was too soft or too
early to be advisable to haul a mile where the new home had been
erected. Thus you see that my early days were connected with
those who must plan to make use themselves of this large amount
of fruit, there being at that time little or no market for the same.
To do this many bushels were ground at the old mill, certain kinds
were put into the cellar for winter use in the family, and evening
after evening spent in preparing the apples for drying, amounting,
many seasons, to ten or twelve barrels of sliced apples, while other
kinds that had proved good keepers, were placed in bins to be
fed to the stock during the long winter. And besides all these,
out in the old mill and corn barn were bins holding many big
ox-loads to be frozen. I recall with vivid pleasure the eager
expectancy of the young stock and tlocks of sheep as they looked
for their daily ration of apples.
Those were boyhood days so full of pleasures and blessed antic-
ipations, perchance many of my hearers can look back upon sim-
ilar events in their own lives. Times changed and this back farm
or "old place" was divided between three brothers, one of which
was my father, and I came to know more of the stern realities of
work, and work it was, gathering those great trees with their spread-
ing branches. But during the winter I felt well repaid as the stock
flourished thereon. About this time an effort was made to engraft
the trees, but the dry years of the early seventies and that year so
well remembered by Franklin county people as caterpillar year
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETT. iS-
destroyed a. great many of the trees, so that this move profited us
nothing, and the orchard has grown less from year to year till now
but a vestige of it remains.
But the h ssons of those days remain and to those who have
seedling trees tOQ old for grafting, I would say, care for the fruit,
feed it judiciously, and you will find a profit by so doing.
Let us consider for a few moments the apple from a scientific
standpo nt, not that I lay any claim t) being a man of science, but
there are those who are, and they are a class of people whom I
have a very kindly feeling for. These experiment station men,
what a world of work they are doing for the farmers ! What days
of doubt and trials they are saving us ! We are no longer obliged
to grope in uncertainty and doubt as in years tliat are passed.
Not only do they work out these problems for us but they lay upon
our tables the results so that he who runs may read and profit
thereby. These men tell us that a large amount of the apple is
water, but by comparison, we find it contains no more than many
other foods From the third report of the statiou at Amherst,
Massachusetts, we find that R. I Greenings have 84.65 per cent
of moisture ; sweet apples, 75.17 per cent. Third Ohio report,
potatoes, 78.65 per cent; fi^'th Amherst station report, carrots,
90.02 per cent; skim milk, 91 per cent; corn ensilage, 71.60 per
cent. From the Vermont report of 1888, that Harris Globe Man-
golds, 94.34 per cent ; Brewer's Grains, 78 34 per cent Yet in com-
parison with other foods we learn that a ton of apples are valued
at only sixty cents per ton, with wheat bran such as fed at the
Amherst station, $15.42.
This brings us to the point of consideration. The careful pains-
taking farmer well knows that a ration in which is included apples,
beets, carrots or turnips, will put on a finish of flesh to beeves or
mutton and to the dairy cow a certain heartiness and grand powers
of assimilation so much desired. So to that farmer who has seed-
ling apples, I would say from experience feed them, feed them each
day at just such a time in the day and you will prove to yourselves
that they are worth many times six'y cents per ton.
To farmers who winter shotes good use can be made of apples
and milk, especially can frozen apples thawed in water to which is
added some bran or flour be recommended for breeding swine.
Vermont Station in 1888 reports on apple pomace and to those
owning mills or living near that the pomace can be obtained
€4 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
without too much trouble may gather something of advantage from
this report which I will read.
It has often been claimed that apple pomace has no feeding value
and the practice of almost all the cider mills in throwing away the
pomace, shows that this belief in its worthlessness is widespread.
Chemical analysis has always said that there was considerable feed-
ing material in pomace, and the station undertook to find out
whether this was so. As the pomace from the mill would not keep,
it was determined to put it into the silo and see whether by exclu-
sion of air it could be preserved ; the result was a perfect success.
About. six tons of pomace was put into a small silo six feet square,
each load was leveled and tramped down firmly, and when the last
load was in, the whole was allowed to stand and heat to about 90° ;
it was then covered and weighted with stones about 60 pounds to
the square foot. The heat decreased at once and when the cover
was removed a month later the pomace was found in a state of per-
fect preservation, and remained so during all the weeks that we were
feeding it. The milch cows like it exceedingly ; when there is any
in their mangers, they take it in preference to an}^ other fodder we
can give them and eat it all before beginning on hay or corn fodder
which was usually given with it. There was no decrease in the
milk flow, as has often been claimed to be the result of feeding
apple or pomace, and we probably get from it the full feeding value
as indicated by chemical analysis. We feed ten pounds a day in
two feeds of five pounds each, night and morning. Feeding in this
way a cow would eat a ton during the winter season, and there can
be no doubt that it would be a good investment for any dairyman
to put up for winter as many tons of apple pomace as he has cows.
Now Mr. President and Fellow Workers of the State Pomological
Society, you, I doubt not, query in your minds regarding my faith
in the assertions pi'esented. I say in all honor to you and the
principles of our Society that while they may be true, I wish to take
no stock in them. By rights of purchase and inheritance two-
thirds of this orchard I have referred to was once mine but I have
disposed of it that I could put more time and means into an orchard
■ that I could look forward to as producing fruit suitable for some-
thing better than feeding to swine or the golden hoofed sheep. We
may in some seasons be comj^elled to dispose of No. 3s by feeding
but no thorough-going pomologist can afford to allow a young,
thrifty tree to grow fruit fit only for feeding to stock, when the
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIKTY. 65
markets of the world are crj'ing for iMaiue grown apples. You
cannot even afford to feed wormy Baldwins when men are clamoring
for canned goods at $2.40 per dozen, and it is a fact that it is
wastefulness to even feed the parings when jellies are called for as
they are to-day.
Advancement is the word to-day. Gentlemen, if you have an
old orchard that is producing seedling fruit, take care of that
product, but don't allow a single tree in the orchard, field or pas-
ture, or by the roadside, that is healthy, no matter how scrubby,
or how ill its shape. Change it to some profitable variety, and
although you may not receive the full income therefrom, some trav-
eller along the road or the children in their strolling through the
pasture may eat and think of you with pleasure.
PLUM GROWIXG.
By S. D. Wii.LAKD, Geneva, X. Y.
About twenty-five years since, having learned of the success in
plum culture which had followed the efforts of those engaged in the
work on the Hudson river, it occurred to me that results equally
satisfactory might be attained on the good lands in the western
part of the state.
. With the soil and climate'adapted to the work, shipping facilities
unsurpassed and a market that readily absorbed all that they pro-
duced, at profits far in excess of anything we could ever hope for
in apple growing, I found the plum orchard men the happiest fruit
growers of the times.
The fruit was picked, dumped into barrels, put aboard of
steamers the same day and landed in New York before daylight the
following morning, and with no competition, sold at pi ices which
in some cases, netted the shippers from §300 to $500 per acre, per
annum.
Are you surprised that an enthusiastic fruit grower should decide
without much deliberation that plum growing 150 miles westward
on as good land as the state afforded, was to be given a trial?
A recently planted apple orchard, two rods apart, was the only
available land, a portion of which was forthwith planted wiih 300
5 -.J]
66 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
plum trees, alternating the plums between the apples with the idea
that by the time the apples had grown so as to require the entire
space, the plums would have exhausted their energies and ended
their existence. The plums began to produce a paj'ing crop the
fo irth 5'ear from planting, and with the exception of one or two
off years, each succeeding year increased their crops for several
years following. They were the admiration of all who saw them,
many of whom had ridiculed the idea of growing plums so far from
the markets of our great cities. Indeed, they had been pronounced
*'VVillard's Folly," but net returns of ten to twelve dollars per
tree was an argument beyond controversy, and an impetus was
given to the business that has been followed by the planting
of thousands of trees in that vicinity, many of which, from a lack
of intelligent care, will never realize anticipated results. The
seventh year from planting the Baldwin orchard, set wi h one
year trees, mside an average of one barrel to the tree, but $1.50 per
barrel made the net returns so insignificant as compared with the
plums — while both had been treated with equal liberality in food,
made of barnj'ard manure, wood asbcs and bone meal — that I well
remember saying to my wife one evening when riding through the
orchard, "I am about to dig out those apples and fill up with
plums." She plead for the apples, and my confidence in her supe-
rior judgment caused deferred action until a few years later, since
■which time seven-eighths of them have been dug out to make room
for those that will give quickest and m*ore profitable returns.
The old plum trees originally planted have been a source of a
fine income. Many have died of late and others show the infirm-
ities of age. But other fields have been planted so that several
thousand trees are now included in our acreage. I fancy many
will say as others have said, '-Well, I would never have made fire
wood of those beautiful apples just coming into their full vigor," in
response to which, I can only say it seemed to me that life was too
short and percentage too low to waste it on raising apples with the
probabilities all on the side of tlie plum.
But the question to be treated fairly, should be viewed from all
sides. The plum is a capricious fruit, requiring soil, climate and
surroundings all congenial, to be profitable in its returns. Liberal
food is required of the right sort. An excess of nitrogenous mat-
ter is not wanted and may be injurious, while potash and phos-
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 67
phoric acid in some form each contribute to its health and produc-
tiveness.
It is a subject of disease as much to be dreaded as the small-pox
in the human family and equally as contagious. The black knot
•cannot be trifled with, and whenever and wherever found, should
at once be cut out and burned, or the owner will have reason to
regret its neglect in seeing the destruction of his orchard.
The Hudson river district is a fair illustration of such neglect.
Growers allowed it to get beyond their control before effort was
made for its extinction, and to-day, wherever you see a plum tree
the black excresence often covers its entire surface. Plum growing
is a thing of the past. Those promising orchards are destroyed,
and until all are burned and the fields themselves renovated by fire,
it would be the height of folly to plant others.
Wherever the plum will grow the black knot may be expected
and it must be watched. Perhaps science may yet teach us how to
render this valuable fruit impervious to the action of this disease.
Experience has shown that it may be quarantined and held in
check by the exercise of care at the proper time. Twice every
year the orchard should be carefully examined and every vestige
of it should be cut and burned.
While an orchardist may thus protect himself from the disease
us it may develop on his own premises, he has no insurance as
against negligent neighbors on whose trees may be found the black
excn sconces without number, the spores or seeds of which may be
carried by the wind for several miles to find their lodgment on
fresh soil to the surprise and dismay of the most diligent and care-
ful cultivator.
We believe that the only protection that can be afforded against
this most destructive agent to all growers of the plum, is the
enactment and rigid enforcement of a state law that shall make it
an offense punishable by imprisonment and a wholesome fine, for
any man to allow a tree infested wiih the disease to be found grow-
ing upon his premises, and that commissioners should be appointed
in every town at town or county expense, whose business it should
be to see that the law is executed to the letter. This for those
sections where the cultivation of the plum ma}^ be prosecuted in a
large way in the commercial orchard.
Another serious drawback to the health and vitality of the plum
is the leaf blight, but recent experiments at our experiment sta-
/
68 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
tions have taught that a few spraj'ings of Bordeaux mixture in the
early season will generally provide against the defoliation that
follows the work of this form of fungi. A healthy and productive
plum tree re juircs a healthy foliage carried well into the autumn,
and only such a tree can be depended upon to give the most profit-
able returns.
The curculio, the insect so destructive in its depredations upon
a'l stone fruits is exceedingly fond of the plum, and as a rule,
selects the choicest sorts on which to do its work. It begins its
work upon the dropping of the bloom, especially if the weather is
warm, but a daily jarring of the trees at this time upon sheets pre-
pared for this purpose and a destruction of the bugs as caught for
two weeks, will usually insure the crop from further trouble in this
regard. Various plans there are to accomplish the same end. We
have found the bugging machine, as it is styled, to answer our pui--
pose well, and quite economical in its work. Others spray with
arsenical poisons, while many question its utility and fear damage
that may follow their use upon the foliage.
We will next touch upon varieties that wo have found most
valuable in the commercial orchard. In this, hardiness, produc-
tiveness, and market demands, are the factors to be considered
rather than those qualities that satisfy the taste of an epicure to
eat from the hand. Very few of the plums produced are used
except for preserving in one form or another, hence, we argue in
favor of those sorts of known value for these purposes, combining
the first named conditions with a disposition to best resist prevail-
ing disease heretofore referred to
The Reine Claude de Bavay is without question the most profit-
able of all plums, and but for its tenderness, it would head the list
for poprlarity. But in the most favored districts of the Atlantic
states it is at best but short lived. The Lombard, well known and
exceedingly productive, is everybody's plum, and with its great
freedom from the work of the curculio, is justly entitled to its
popularity. But as every one raises it, and the season of ripening
so often biings it in competition with the glut of Southern peaches,
we have thought it desirable to grow it only in a moderate way and
push to the front sorts both earlier and later in maturing, which
would command the markets for the longest possible period in the
fruit season. Hence, we commend the Field, ripening ten days in
advance of the Bradshaw, followed by Bradshaw, Guii, Ficnch
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 69
Damson. Hudson River Purple Egg, Coe's Golden Drop, Italian
Prune, Stanton, and Monarch as emljracing a list large enough and
covering varieties worthy of trial for test purposes for any one
desirous of embarking in the business.
Otbcrs could be added of nearly equal value, but these out of
fifty varieties now being fruited have been selected, while many
more have been discarded for lack of sufllcient productiveness,
■weakness in constitution or other causes that unfitted them for con-
tinued cultivation. Some of them were imported from England
and France, while some others imported at the same time here
served to swell the number of those of no value in the commercial
orchnrd.
Please bear in mind that, as a rule, the light colored sorts are the
most tender, hence, when hardiness is an essential factor, we
shou'd sa}' plant largely of those of dark color.
Many sorts can be grown with be^t results by top grafting or
budding on other sorts. Plant Lombards and work over the sec-
ond year. This method we advise best for both Reine Claude,
Coe's Golden and French Damson.
So far, reference has been had to only European varieties, or
those known as such or their seedlings. There is, however, a class
of plums now attracting attention over a wide spread section of onr
country that seem to have a foliage so tiiick and rugged as to be
able to resist the attack of all forms of fungi, and fruit buds that
will resist winter's cold to 20° below zero with productiveness
unsurpassed by any of the old European sorts. I refer to the
Japan plums of which already quite a large family has been intro-
duced which are being tested quite generally from the Pacific to
the Atlantic, but as the name Botan — which, as I understand, is
the name apjjlied to one family in Japan, of which there are many
differing more or less in some respects — has been attached to many
as they have been disseminated in this country, I apprehend that
much trouble will follow the question of nomenclature.
At the suggestion of a friend in the Depaitmeut of Agriculture
.at "Washington, 1 obtained the Burbank, which, so far, has shown
itself to be the most hardy and productive of all, and where there
may be dangers from spring fx'ost doing damage to early opening
buds I should commend this in preference to any of the others
•so far tested, as it is later in unfolding and opening its protection
to the fruit germs. We have had branches of this variety that
70 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
matured one hundred perfect plums to the square foot, size,
medium ; color, beautiful ; light purple on a yellow ground work,
ripening from first to tenth of September. In point of quality
nothing equals or surpasses the Yellow Japan, whicii ripens from
one to two weeks earlier, is larger, but I fear may not be quite so
hardy, but in general color and beauty excel them all. Another
received under the name of Botan, and which we labeled No. 26 to
avoid confusion, while the poorest of all in quality ripens about
July lath, and being so early, p;oductive, and ver}' hard}', seems to
be finding its way iuto favor with no effort to push it, and may be
regarded as having value in sections where hardiness is essential.
As it seems impossible to trace its origin save from an importation
of scions that came in from San Francisco several years since from
Japan, one of my friends who has been interested in its dissemina-
tion, has seen fit to name it the "Willard Plum."
The terms hardiness, however, as applied to the plums we raise,
is so little understood that a word in this connection ma}' not be
out of place. INIy observation and experience has taught me that
a variety pronounced hardy in ordinary seasons and carrying its
fruit buds safely through 20° below zero weather, if by the work of
fungi or other causes, is defoliated early, so that its wood fails to
be properly matured will show extreme tenderness and suffer in a
mild winter so as to fail of a crop the following season, and this
feature, if carefully watched and understood, will often account
for the varied reports often had as to hardiness, or lack of same,
on the same variety grown in different sections and under different
circumstances, and suggests the idea whether or no the judicious
application of proper plant food at regular periods may not aid
materially in the development of such a growth as is needed to pro-
duce those essential conditions required to make what we denomi-
nate as hardy trees. I am in receipt of scores of letters annually,
inquiring if 1 think plums may be successfully grown on their soil
or in their latitude. Jf south of New York city I invariably say
very doubtful, but if in latitude forty-four or a little south or north
with other required conditions, the probabilities are in your favor.
As to soil, if provided with I he proper elements, it seems to make
but little difference whether composed of the heavy loam of West-
ern New Yoik or the light sands of Michigan found on the eastern
shores of that great lake. Some of the finest crops I have ever
seen produced have been grown on those light soils, and hundreds
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 71
of acres are being planted annually to find their market directly
across the lake in the cities of Milwaukee and Chicago. These
lands, however, have been but recently reclaimed from their origi-
nal forest growth of pine and maple and are rich in all elements of
plant life.
PLANT FOOD IS PLANT LIFE.
We have ever believed in the most liberal feeding possible for all
fruits that are produced, but we believe this often requires the exer-
cise of greater intelligence than is possessed by the average farmer,
and we rejoice that our experiment stations are affording informa-
tion and aid that is enabling the fruit grower to apply science to his
work as never before.
AVe for years labored under the impression that the more barn-
yard manure we could give our plum trees the better. It was a
mifetakc, too much nitrogen and too great a growth of immature
wood with a corresponding growth of fungi as the result. Latterly
we have asceitaiucd that potash and ])hosphoric acid give us a
hardfr, better wood, more rugged foliage and fruit buds better
fitted to pioduce a heavy crop of fruit. Wood ashes alone are very
valuable, and if called upou to decide the question as between wood
• ashes and barn-yard manure, we should certainly take the ashes.
The question is of len asked me, when would you apply them and in
what quantities? I should say at any time when we had leisure,
and all that we can get money to pay for.
PRUNING.
Judicious pruning and thorough thinning of the fruit are each
important factors of the work we have in hand, and neither can be
ignored except at an incalculable loss in the future- of our orchards.
"Train up a child in the way he should go" comes in with equal
force when applied to the growing young plum orchard.
Beginning with the second year after planting, the young orchard
should be looked over carefully annually, and the previous year's
growth should be cut in, removing from one-fourth to one-half of such
growth, thus forming a strong compact head and the development
of the fruit spurs near the body of th^ tree, where the future crop
may be carried with safety against violent storms and lessening the
liability of the limbs being broken and split into pieces.
It should be borne in mind that the wood of the plum lacks the
tension which is found in the apple and pear, hence, will not stand
72 STATE POMOLOGICA.I, SOCIETY.
equal strain. Nor cau any lack of care at an early period of
growth, touching this question, be met and overcome by efforts in
after years when "the saw" must be substituted for the knife in an
effort to make good lost opportunities. Orchards there are where
this principle has been practiced with heads as round and symmet-
rical as the most beautiful formed horse chestnut you ever saw.
The work should be carefully followed any time after the tree
becomes dormant in the autumn, and through the winter when the
tree is not filled with frost.
THINNING OF THE FRUIT.
A subject of no less importance, ofltimes involving the health
and even vitality of the tree itself, is the proper thinning of the
fruit. Tlie average quality rarely sells at any thing over average
prices, while the large, well developed specimens only, bring the
high prices that afford the largest profits, and such fruit is not
found on trees over loaded beyond their power to properly mature.
In every department of nature the effort of reproduction so taxes
vital fo ces as to make it a weakening process, and in none of our
fruits is this more manifest than in the plum which is often so
depleted from a single year's over production as to never recover
from the injury inflicted. It is not the fruit itself, but the draft
upon the energies of the plant to perfect tiie pit, that reduces its
vital powers, and often leads to premature death, hence, we say,
after the dropping which usually follows the setting of a large crop,
the wise plum grower will often find it an advantage to have
removed one-half of that rercaining, and as a result, the market-
able crop increased, quality greatly improved, and trees with their
vigor unimpaired to at once begin to store up the necessary mate-
rial for another crop. A lack of the exercise of a little common
sense in this regard on the part of many a man has destroyed more
plum trees than the damage ever inflicted by the curculio, indeed,
it has often been a grave question in my mind whether the work
of this insect might not after all be a blessing in disguise.
So closely connected with the question of thinning is the time of
picking that the two should -be considered together. Unlike the
apple, pear or peach, the fruit of the plum is very sehlom pur-
chased for eating from the hand, indeed, the varieties that have
any value for this purpose are exceeding rare, especially when
considered in the light of those that may be profitably produced in
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 73
the commercial orchard, therefore, we sny, at the earliest practica-
ble moment after fully grown and colored, while yet quite hard,
pick and dispose of, even though a week later, might sliow a mate-
rial advancement in prices. 'I hey will ripen to a certain extent
after bgiug picked, and at this stage of ripeness they meet the
requirements of the purchaser, will stand up well for distant ship-
meut, and relief is afforded to the tree which at once begins to
store away its supplies, to restore exhausted nature and equip itself
for another crop.
Prices arc quite apt to advance later in the season, and the
temptation to allow the fruit of sorts not inclined to decay to stand
on for a week or two, is hard to resist.
Ten pound baskets that have been selling at seventj'-five to
eighty cents have advanced to SI. 25, and finally to $1.50. One of
my friends with a crop unlhinned and double in quantity what the
trees should have been burdened with, had this question to meet a
few years since. He allowed them to stand, until finally he picked
them from the ground and $1.50 per basket. A severe winter fol-
lowed, and with little power of recuperation left, many of the trees
the following spring were gone, while others have not regained
their lost power. An object lesson worth remembering.
AYe believe that our fruit should be carefully picked in baskets
provided for that purpose, carted or removed to the packing house,
and if the weather be hot, allowed to stand until cool, or if pos-
sible, picked only in the morning and late in the afternoon, so that
when packed for shipment no heat may be found in the fruit, and
that the best results will be found in the observance of these rules,
the fruit should be carefully sorted, packing and marking all
inferior fruit as No. 2.
We believe that the best results in fruit growing are often
obtained by giowing a variety of fruits, hence, we should say, if
practicable, in connection with plums grow more or less of small
fruits — sour cherries and pears, but in any event, plant more than
a single variety of whatever you may plant and so alternate varie-
ties that you may be sure of cross fertilization or perfect poUena-
tion of your bloom. Our highest authorities on this subject to-day
urge it as one of the most important measures to be considered.
74 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETT.
CULTIVATION.
The subject of cultivation is one of such importance to the plnm
grower as to deserve serious attention before we close this already
too lengthy paper. Plums cannot be profitably grown in grass,
nor do we believe that weeds should be permitted to devour the
elements of fertility that have been so wisely and liberally bestowed
upon our orchards. But please do not forget that thorough culti-
vation does not by any means imply the deep two horse plowing
that is often bestowed upon the apple and pear. The plum, unlike
those two fruits, is a surface rooting tree, and may be seriously
injured by destroying its roots which extend in every direction
much further than the casual observer would at first suppose.
hy thorough cultivation we do mean, keeping the soil as thor-
oughly stirred as is possible during the process of fruit making so
as to destroy all weeds and aid in rendering available every parti-
cle of plant food for the growing crop, but at the same time, doing
this by the most shallow culture possible. We have found a light
gang plow and spring tooth harrow, two very serviceable and
economical instruments in obtaining this end.
Much more there is that might be said on various points perti-
nent to the subject, but I will close by simpl^^ saying, I believe
thoroughly in plum growing as a profitable venture where plum
trees will grow and thrive, but only on good dry land. And now
thanking you for your kind attention, I should be only too glad to
answer any questions that may have come to the mind of any per-
son present.
DISCUSSION".
Qries. Wouldn't a spring tooth harrow do without the plow ?
Alls. That would depend upon the soil. Our soil is quite a
tenacious soil. Sometimes year after year where land is culti-
vated and has not been seeded, many w-eeds have appeared. We
would say the gang plow is sutllcienton these things but the spring
tooth harrow has cut off these weeds.
Ques. What do you think of the Quackenbos?
Ans. The Quackenbos is a large plum exceedingly hard, but I
was sold more on this than on any plum. In the first place, we
didn't make money enough after I planted lOOU at one time. I
bad a pretty fair crop after girdling the trees. I have never been
successful since then.
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 75
Qnes. Have yon tried Moore's Arctic?
Ans. I speak from my standpoint: it is very 'defective in foliage
with us. The quality is exceedingly low and it is sort of a dead
color and most of the ladies want fruit for culinary purposes that
is very attractive. Chase and I were looking over Moore's Arctic
and he said, '•! am just disgusted with that. 1 have been talking
and selling it all over the country and it is not worth anything.
We have got to cater to the wants of the people."
Qaes. How near to the trees do yon run the gang plow.
Ans. I don't run the gang plow very near to the trees, about
five feet. Run the harrow nearer. "We cultivate both ways with
the harrow and only one way with the gang plow.
Qnes. How far apart do you set your trees?
Ans. About sixteen feet apart one waj'. and the other way you
may have them closer if you wish. You have got to have them so
that 3'ou can run your4)ug machine through. That bug machine is
so constructed that you can run it between rows sixteen feet apart.
Some varieties grow ver3' ui)right and don't need so much room.
We have some that are not more than eight feet apart, they are the
upright varieties, but I would not advise that, for where you do
you have to do high feeding. The Quackenbos takes up as much
room as the apple and it is good for nothing.
Qnes. Are you troubled with black knot?
Ans. In relation to the black knot. I have studied it quite a little.
It has alwaj's puzzled me how it is that it goes right to the heart.
You take one just started and 3'ou will find it reaches to the heart
of the tree. If it is a fungus how is it that it eats to tbe heart of
the tree? It is very much like a cancer, in its nature, it is death.
Qaes. Is it impossible to restore trees after once attacked by
black knot?
Ans. Not at all.
Prof. Muxsox : This black knot grows within the tissues of the
wood. The part we see is the fruiting portion of the fungus, the
plant itself is simply a plant growing within the other plant, the
plant itself is within the tissue.
Mr. WiLLAUD : I find in cutting it out that if you will watch it
closely you will find that these little threads run down. We have
found that a little kerosene is very effective. I can do these thfnga
but I would not give that as advice to others. I won't allow the
boys to use the kerosene, t want to do that myself, it wants. to be
76 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
used with a feather and applied very judiciously. We don't like to
have it run around the trees, but I want it to penetrate as far as the
threads go.
Qnes. What is your method of engrafting?
Anfi. Theie are two or linee methods of engrafting. I cut my
scions before cold weather, then I put them in the icehouse where
the sap will be perfictly dormant, then as early as the sap flows in
the spring I engraft. I have two methods. If you understand
budding 1 can explain about one of them. (Here he explained and
illustrated grafting in relation to budding.) This method I got
from some plants that were imported from France and I thought if
it was good for a Frenchman, it was good for an American. The
great thing in plum grafting is having the buds perfectly dormant.
All of your seed fruits graft more easily than stoiie fruits.
Qnes. Do you have green lice on your trees?
Ans. Oh j-es. We treat them to a good spraying of whale oil
soap and tobacco. It is the best thing I know of.
Qaes. Doesn't the whale oil soap injure the foliage?
Aiis. Not at all. I can't tell the quantity used because I leave
that to the farmers. The tobacco water is better than the whale
oil soap, but the whale oil soap in a good strong suds will make
the tobacco adhere.
Qaes. Is your method of applying bone meal and ashes entirely
on the surface?
Ans. Entirely on the surface.
Qaes. What proportion of bone and ashes do you use?
Ans We take them and put them on by the handful. We don't
mix them. It makes a little difference as to the fineness of the
bone meal. If it is pretty fine put on four handfuls. We use very
largely of wood ashes and potash.
1 referred to a bug machine very frequently in the paper which I
read this morning. The machine is used especially for catching
and destroying the curculio which makes, such havoc with all our
stone fruits. The curculio is the worst thing that the plum grower
has to contend with. We used to use sheets stretched on bars but
we found after a time that it took a man and a boy to run these
sheets. A man would carry one end, the boy the other, they would
surround the tree and the man would jar the tiee with a sort of a
crutch arrangement and the concussion caused the curculio to drop
off and then they picked them up and crushed them between the
STATE POilOLOGICAL SOCItTT. / 7
thumb aud finger. An3-one who knows this bug, knows that he
plays possum and curls up to look like the bud of the tree. We
found it cost us ou an average of twent^'-flve cents a tree to do the
bugging and I thought we must employ some cheaper method So
one of our mechanics went to work and arranged a machine some-
thing like an inverted umbrella. The inverted umbrella is placed
upon something like a wheelbarrow. The arms extend on either
side. A man pushes it along, it is perhaps ten feeti in length and
is arranged upon low wheels of the diameter of perhaps two feet
so. that the machine can be pushed against the side of the tree.
There is a slit cut in one side of the umbrella so j'ou can push it
against the tree and the tree comes to the apex or where the staff
would be in an umbrella. Then as you jar the leaves of the tree
the bugs drop aud go on the sheet. Just at the apex of the
umbrella there is a little tin drawer into which the man brushes the
bugs that have fallen into the umbrella and so he goes through all
the trees. At the end of the row there is a peanut roaster where
he empties the contents of the tin can. That is the machine and
it costs us about ten cents per tree if a good man works as he
ought to work. With that machine the woik is done quite as
thoroughly as you could do it with sheets or any other method.
We go over them right along every day, we skip .Sundays, the buga
keep at work, Mondays they are pretty tliick, we have to go over
them at least twice Mondays. We follow that up for a week or
ten days and then we do it every other day. About the third week
you would not find many of them. That is about the modus
operandi of running that machine and catching the bugs. In the
morning thoy are more dormant, they are not so active as they are
at noon. The cuiculio is a rascally fellow. They will deposit an
egg in one jjlum and then go right to another plum and so they will
destio}' these plums as rapidly as I can talk.
DISCUSSIOX— THE ORCHARD.
Mr. Pope. — You may call me selfish because I don't advise men
to go into this business. A man comes in here aud hears stories,
hears big stoi ies about big crops that we get, and goes out and seta
out a big'orchard and then cannot wait for his crops. I have only
induced that man to waste his money, it is a foolish outlay It is
only those who are willing to make a hobby of it that are going to
succeed. I believe in hobbies and specialists. It requires more
78 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
nerve than seven-eighths of the men have to be willing to wait.
We can't expect in this State as they do in Western New York, to
get returns in four years. Perhaps their soil is naturally a little
richer than ours. We cannot expect to get much return for ten or
twelve years. A man must be a good deal in love with his busi-
ness to be willing to wait ten or twelve years for his returns.
There are one or two things which I think will be brought up by
others in th^ir papers. That is the packing and sorting fruit for
the market. I come in here and tell jou such apples as I brought
here sold for $4.50 in Boston a little while ago. I brought here
Talman Sweets, packed as they should be, sold for $4.50 in Boston
a little while ago. I sold my Gravensteins for $5.00 and my
neighbor his Kings for $6.00. You all want to go into that,
there is money in it. Perhaps my neighbor will say that his apples
are just as good as mine and he will get only half the money. It
is the sorting and the packing. Putting only No. 1 apples in No.
1 barrels, and No. 1 all the way through. I think Mr. Brown and
Mr. True will take up this topic and I will leave this matter to
them.
Mr.H. W. Broavx : The topic wliich I shall introduce has been
brought up in all oar meetings, and has been argued on ever since
1 belonged to the Society ; still it is one that every farmer in the
State of Maine should be interested in. In my own business, I
have been, in the apple season, in the Boston market. I have been
so situated that I could overlook the market closely. I have been
on the market for the past month nearly every da}^ and when I saw
a lot of fruit from'the State of Maine or anywhere else that I wanted
to overhaul I did it, I had that privilege given me.
Some apples were sent to a friend of mine. The man who lieaded
up the barrel was afraid he was going to bruise them when he put
the head in, consequently there was not a perfect apple in the
barrel. That is the way a great many apples are packed. I see
very few apples in the market that are packed as they should be.
As I was going by'lhe'apples in the market. I saw apples from our
friend Mr. Staples, and they were packed perfectly and I knew
them as soon as I^saw them.
Boston market wants a fine apple and they are willing to pay for
it. Such a year as last year it would be better to throw away No.
2 than send them 'to the Boston market. They will not pay for
marketing them. If^ you ship straight No. 1 you will get a fair
price for your fruit.
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 79
I went on the market a few clays ago to bay a barrel of apples
for a friend. He wanted me to go with him and select them. I
said to the commission merchant that I knew, "Is that a good
barrel of apples, is it all right all the way through?" He said,
*'You ought to know, they came from Maine." He ought to have
been able to say, "Yes, that barrel of apples is a good barrel of
apples, they came from Maine "
A Fruit Guower: I think Mr. Brown is a little hard on some
of our fruit growers and I want to say a word for them. He
accuses us of some hard practices. I think it is a good deal over-
drawn. I don't think that there are so many dishonest ones as he
would like to make out. I want to put some of the blame where it
belongs, on the apple packers. A great number of the apples in
this State are sorted by the men that come here to buy, and I have
yet to see a buyer who sorts apples as they should be to put into
the local market. They think they can make more money by
putting a few choice ones on the bottom and a few on the top, and
perhaps that will do for shipment. I want to lay part of the blame
where it belongs.
Mr. Brown : I urge you to pack your own apples and not let
the buyer pack the apples. Nine-tenths of the buyers wint to pack
their own apples because they say that there are so many who don't
understand it, particularly the shaking in and pre.«sing in. I think
a good manj' orchardists have a good deal to learn in packing and
sorting, that they won't get from the buyers.
Prof. Munson: The one point which Mr. Brown urges upon us
in marketing is the desirability of those who grow fine fruit to
search out the fancy markets. There is a field here which compar-
atively few will enter, and it is the field which is the most profit-
able one in the line of orchard culture. One man in New York
state, George T. Powell, is in the habit of sending pears right to
the home of pears, in Belgium, and outselling the growers there.
He gets more out of his pears by sending them to Europe than the
growers in Belgium can make. Now it occurs to me, that with
some of our very finest fruit, we can wrap each fruit in paper and
sell in crates rather than in barrels, and sell to some of the fancy
dealers or to the leading hotels. If you have fine fruit you caa
€asily get a contract with some of the leading houses, and in this
way making more money than by selling to the commission mer-
chants of Boston. That, it seems to me, is where we must look
80 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY,
for an outlet to our finest fruit and where we must look for
the greatest proflt on our finest varieties. Of course that
would not do with all varieties, we could only do so with the finest.
Qaes. What sort of a barrel is best?
Ans. Most fruit men would rather have good, clean flour bar-
rels for apple barrels than any oilier kind. Fill your barrel one-
third full and shake it down and fill up two or three times and put a
peck on top, and press in the head. Of course it bruises a few on top.
if you have large ones on the top and small ones in the centre they
will say that barrel will not run that way all through. ¥.\en if you
have to make two classes of No. I's, the largest size and another
size, doii't put thera in together. For you can make a barrel of
the largest size and call them fancy apples. Head them up and
press the head in and mark the other end of the barrel. It is well
to put a paper on both ends of the barrel Mr. Pope has a head
made of paper stuffed with excelsior I think, which protects the
apples.
Mr. Pope: The cracker barrels come with pasteboard tops and
the apple packers in our portion of the State use them for laying^
over the bottom of the barrel, then place the apples in and place
one over the apples before you put the head in I have been mak-
ing a head of pasteboard covered with one-half inch of excelsior
and putting one in for the bottom facing and then putting one on
the top which prevents a great deal of this bruising and the Hosloa
commission men said it was just the thing. If you are going to
get $0 00 or $7.00 per barrel instead of $2.00, it will pay you to
take considerable pains. You can make these at home and if 3'ou
are going to get $1.00 or $1 50 per barrel more you can afford to
take the pains. I think a peck is a little too many to put on top,
there is such a thing as pressing them in too hard.
Mr. Knowi.ton : It is a curious fact to me that you may go
through our own State, I don't know how it is here because I have
had no o[)portunity of going to the stores here with respect to it^
but almost everywhere in Maiue you go into our retail stores you can-
not find good dessert apples. If you find apples at all they are
very likt-ly to be of the kind Miss Harrows described, heaped into
a barrel, all sorts, not very good ones, twos and threes together
and perhaps two or three different varieties. Now it seems to me
that it would be wise for us as fruit growers and fruit sellers to
practice here at home some^of the doctrines we prej.ch, with refer-
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIErY. 81
ence to the apple abroad. That is, we should educate ourselves
and the people who buy apples here up to the fact that there is a
difference between a strictly No.'l and a No. 2 or a No. 3 api)le.
Another map around the corner who has insisted on selling
apples at a good price and get good ones, has had his stand pretty
well covered. He had taken pains in getting nice apples. He
succeeded in getting a bushel of Fameuse, and I was interested in
seeing how people went along and picked off these apples. Then
he wanted some more and he could not get good ones iu Farming-
ton nor anywhere around there. He was in Boston and he saw
some Nova Scotia Gravenstoins. They took his eye and he bought
a barrel of them and paid Si- 50 for them iu Boston and thirty-five
cents for freight to get them to Farmiugton, which made S4 85 for
the apples. My county will sell to go to Boston several thousand
barrels of apples, yet that man cannot now get good apples any-
where around. It seems to me we ought to look out for our home
markets In order to do that we want to uuderstand the difference
between a dessert apple and a cooking apple, and order ouly apples
for dessert that are good for dessert, and then when we appl}' the
principles enunciated by my friend, INIr. Brown, we are going to
find a good and stead}' market in the cities for our apples, and the
time will come I think, and I don't believe it is a great wa}' off,
when we shall pack apples for dessert use ; and pack apples also
for culinary purposes. There will be two kinds. The dessert
apple will be the best there is, it will be a No. 1 apple ; the cook-
ing apple will be a No. 2 ; there will be a difference between them,
so tbat when one sends to market and wants a good dessert apple
he will find it in a different package than the cooking apple.
Mr. WiLLARD : I was very much interested in the talk you had
in regard to packing fruit. 1 think the medium sized fruit sells
better when packed by itself. There is a great deal in sorting
them over carefully. If yon have any defective fruit, pack it and
mark it No. 2 and let it go on its merit. There is this thing that
is true. We can always get a great deal more money proportion-
ately out of our No. 2 fruit than from our No. 1. We never have
quinces so poor but what we can sell them.
82 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETT.
SPRAYING AND ITS RESULTS.
By Prof. W. M. Munson, State College.
The one great drawback to fruit culture in many sections of the
State is the trouble from disease and insect attacks. And some of
you know that I am getting to be quite a crank on that subject.
For two or three years, as a part of my duties iu connection with
the experiment station, I have been undertaking to combat the
disease causing scab on apples. The difficulty is you take such an
apple as that, for instance that has only one spot on it, and put it
in the cellar and keep it till February, you are likely to have a
fruit something like that (showing a badly diseased apple.) The
point is that apples which are attacked by this apple scab fungus
will not keep as well as perfect fruit. The scab will develop in
the barrel. This defect is caused by a fungus whose spores are
distributed by the wind and we have no means of controlling it>
except in individual orchards. As the result of the work of several
experiment stations we have a means of controlling this growth.
For several years we have been conducting experiments in this
line, and I will first call your attention to the results of the experi-
ments of the present season which was not a very bad season as it
was quite dry, and during such times the scab does not develop as
in wet seasons. The case taken for comparison was from Mr.
Pope's orchard. (He here used a chart showing the different mixt-
ures used, and the effect of each.)
Another mixture called the Bordeaux mixture because it was first
used in Bordeaux, France, we find the best mixture which we have
used. The solution is very much modified from what was given a
few years ago. Six pounds sulphate of copper, four pounds quick-
lime and fifty gallons of water. It is highly important that this
sulphate of copper be dissolved in a wooden vessel. If it is dis-
solved in an iron vessel or a tin one, it will corrode it. It has
been a question whether Paris green might not be a preventive of
apple scab Paris green, as you may know, is arsenite of copper.
We thought that it might prevent the scab and so we added the
Paris green in one case to the Bordeaux mixture, but we found no
benefit from the use of this double mixture.
This table shows the result during the present year, and this
table shows the results obtained during three years, 1891, 1892 and
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 83
1893. You will notice the last year was a very hard year on our
fruits. This year it was much better. I have some photographs
here, one tree was sprayed with Bordeaux mixture and one was not.
When the fruit was gathered I photographed them. This one
shows the perfect fruit at the left, the fruit badly scabbed in the
centre and that which was somewhat scabbed at the right. The
other picture is of a similar lot which was not sprayed.
I said over to Wiuthrop the other day, "I am willing to put
myself on record as stating that apple scab may to a large extent
be checked by the use of some solution of copper, and the best of
those solutions seems to be the Bordeaux mixture."
Qaes. A man in our lown raised some very fine Talman Sweets.
In years past I have noticec' a rusty appearance on these apples.
He claimed that it was rather an advantage to his apples, it showed
it was of a better variety, but in coming down here I detected that
on his Northern Spies there was the same color. Is it some fungous
growth or is it not? You may take the apple home if you don't
wish to say here.
Ans It does not appear to be caused by any fungus, it is cer-
tainly not the apple scab.
(Jues. I would like to ask if this scab will spread in the cellar?
Ans. I have not carried on experiments which would enable me
to answer that definitely. It is probable that it might. It is certain
that the disease grows very much after it is put into the barrel.
In regard to insects. The insect that the gentleman referred to
is the canker worm which gives serious trouble in many sections of
the State already. The best remedy which I know to meet this is
spraying with Paris green early in the season, using about a pound
to 150 gallons of water. Pretty strong. Brother Pope had a little
experience in spraying with Paris green for this insect last season.
The remedy that is used in some localities is to tie tarred paper
around the trees to prevent them from crawling up. The female
moth has no wings so crawls up the sides of the tree. If we put
bands of tarred paper around the tree she goes up to them but can
go no farther. I treated some trees in this way last year. Some
of the people here ridiculed the idea but when the season was
advanced and there was no trouble with the canker worm they said
"Your petticoats did prevent the canker worm after all." So it
does sometimes keep them from climbing up.
The codling moth is one of the worst insects we have to deal
with. That is very much checked by the use of Paris green sprayed
84 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETT.
about two weeks after the blossoms fall. I have been often asked
the question whether it was safe to eat fruit which had just been
sprayed with Paris green. I may answer definitely, yes. I under-
took to prove that last year. I dipped same fruit in Bordeaux mix-
ture, this Bordeaux mixture had one pound of Paris green to loO
gallons of water, and in the fall these were taken to a chemist and
analyzed and the chemist reported not a trace of arsenic. So I
state there is no danger in eating apples which were sprayed early
in the season with Paris green.
Qnes. Is there any danger in the sheep eating the grass under
the trees, having sheep running in the pasture?
Ans. I told Mr. Pope if it didn't kill his whole flock I would
pay for the sheep it injured. It is certain that his sheep went
around under the trees after spraying to get the wet grass and they
are all living yet.
Mr. Pope : Wherever we are using this poison we cannot use too
much care. You should be very careful in having it about the build-
ings. There is no more danger, of course, than when you used it
on your potatoes. In spraying for scab and the codling moth it
requires a little care. The wind may change and blow the fine
spray in your face. Once our men got badly poisoned by breath-
ing the wet air. We take precaution now to tie a sponge over the
mouth and nose whenever we are spraying with Paris gieen.
Mr. Ml'nson: There is one point that should be mentioned, we
should have the spray as fine as possible, a very fine mist rather
than coarse drops. The best nozzle for this purpose is that man-
ufactured by Joha McGowen, N. Y. It is a new nozzle called the
McGowen nozzle and is the best one there is up to date. A simple
sprayer will do very well but I should not recommend it as it is
too small to do much good. If I had only a few trees 1 would use
a little pump called the Little Gem. It is a very convenient little
machine costing about $3.o0. The machine that has been sold to
some extent is the Lewis combination syri-nge and force-pump.
Really that is not suitable. I would not advise anyone here to
buy it as it is not suitable as a force-pump.
Qnes. There is a worm known as the wire worm which is doing
more damage than the codling moth?
Ans. It is the tripeta pomonella. So far as we know at th^
present t'rae, there is no remedy for this insect. The best thing to
do is to gather and destroy all fruit in the orchard as it falls and be
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 85
careful that uo fruit from any other orchard is left to decay in that
vicinity. It is a very good practice to have hogs and sheep in the
orchard to eat the fallen fruit. So far as I know that is the only
remedy that produces anything like satisfactory results. As you
know, the fly which is the parent of this worm punches the skin and
inserts the egg under the skin of the fruit. As the fly does not
eat the foliage, we cannot deal with it in that way and there is no
■way of reaching the insect as yet.
SMALL FKl^ITS.
By S. D. WiLLAED.
I have raised a lot of red raspberries and had them shipped to
Portland and had them go through all in good order. But we
found we had to pick pretty hard if there happened to come a wet
day. It is no use sending them to Boston if the berries are over-
ripe, they will throw them into the river. We lost a great deal and
I made up my mind that a man to raise red raspberries must live
near a canning factory and pick the berries Saturday and let them
have them and work them up sometime between that and Monday.
We finally abandoned the red raspberry and took the blackberry.
We had complaint that the globules would turn red, and we finally
concluded they were too perishable, and I said we will try the
gooseberry and the currant. AVe tried the Houghton gooseberry,
they are as small as the end on my finger, the young ones didn't
like to pick them and were going to strike and all that, so we got
the English berries. We were very successful in raising these for
some time. We took about $800 in one year in these English
gooseberries. Everybody thought we could not raise them
and I said, "Now look at them." I never thought the mildew
would take me as it did other people. The first I knew the black
mildew began to show itself, and it spread here and there. It was
bad business. I bought a barrel of sulphur, and said, "Boys, put
it on so it will smell-." We put it on so thick that you could smell
it out on the road. AYe experimented with one thing and another ;
and finally, this last year, we have been using the Bordeaux mixt-
ure from the experiment station where they have 230 varieties of
the JLnglish gooseberries. They were very successful in the use of
the Bordeaux mixture. The best gooseberry is the White Smith.
86 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY,
You have not quite as dry a climate as we have in New York, and
you may succeed with the English berry, but the best of all goose-
berries is the White Smith.
CORK ANTS.
I don't believe in putting my eggs all in one basket. We take
plums first. Plums are the leading thing. But we don't always
get all the plums we expect to. So I say it is not a good plan to put
your eggs all in one basket. If we fail on one thing, we want
something to live on.
The currant crop is a good crop. I think you can make three
or four hundred dollars an acre if you can get good currants.
There is a difference in the currants you have on your table.
Some currants are too acid ; one doesn't want it all acid. The
Cherry currant and the Fay are to my mind too bitter. I discrim-
inate between what I would use on my own table and what I would
sell to the dealer. If I wanted to make money I would give them
the Prince Albert, they are the sourest thing in the place of a cur-
rant ; they make good currant jelly. My wife wants a white cur-
rant jelly just colored with a little red raspberry juice. She says
that makes the best kind of jelly, and she won't have any other.
If you want a very choice table currant take the White Imperial ;
if you want a choice red currant the Moore's Ruby and Pres.
Wilder. I am almost ready to discard the Fay currant, there is no
mrney in it. Moore's Kubj' and Pres. Wilder are very prolific and
will hang longer without wasting on the bush than any other currant.
I prefer them as a red currant for table use and the White Imperial
for a white currant. The Victoria is a grand good thing for mar-
ket purposes. A fellow in Nova Scotia showed me the
finest crop I ever saw. He said he made a clean $500
on one acre of Victorias. He told me how he handled
them. He told me a little trick of the trade 1 didn't know
anything about. I said '-How do you handle these currants,
you have got a beautiful crop?" "Do you cut them in?" "Yes, I
cut them in." '-When?" "Every winter." "How much do you
cut off?" "One- half .the growth of wood." "Anything more?"
"Yes " "What is it?" "After they get started to grow in the
summer season I pinch the new shoots." "That is a new thing, I
don't like that." This Victoria is a good market currant but I
don't think much of it as a table currant, but if you want to ship
a currant to Chicago or Milwaukee you can do so with this.
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 87
THE HOME PLACE.
By Prof. W. M. MuNSOX, State College, Orono.
The home environraeut of our young people during the first
fifteen years of life exerts a powerful iuflaeuce on their future pros-
pects. Mere sentiment will not keep the boys and girls at home.
It is our duty as progressive men to proclaim in a practical manner
that home life may be made attractive on the farm. It is purposed
at this time to touch upon a few of the more salient points that
present themselves both in making a new home and in improving
the external conditions of the old.
SELECTION OF SITE.
Consider well the location of the house. Do not build a new
house where the old one was simply because the barns are there,
though, other things being equal, the barns should be near the
house, for convenience is an important factor in the value of a
farm. Healthfuluess is of the first importance. Hence be sure
that the location of the residence is such that perfect drainage,
both soil and atmospheric, is secured. Other things being equal a
southern or southeastern aspect is preferable Make use of nat-
ural groves or scattering trees. Nothing you can plant will ever
be so satisfactoi'}'^ as the natural forest trees. The protection of a
natural shelter or windbreak is also to be considered. It takes
many years to provide suitable shelter.
"WALKS AND DRIVES.
It is just as easy to drive in the same place every time, to have
olearly defined drives, as it is to go all over the yard. In general
place a walk or a drive wherever needed, but think twice before,
deciding. All walks and drives should be direct. The drive for
heavy teaming should lead directly to the barns and should not go
nearer the house than necessary.
DRAINAGE.
The importance of good drainage for sanitary purposes and in
the production of ordinary farm crops is fully recognized. But we
sometimes forget that trees and grass are similar to other
88 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
plants in their requirements. P2ven willows do better on well
drained soils than when surrounded by stagnant water. The dif-
ference between well drained and undrained soils often determines
whether a plant is hardy in any given locality.
TUE LAWN.
A good lawn is the most essential element of beauty in any
grounds, and in these days of cheap lawn mowers there is really no
excuse for not having a neat lawu in front of the humblest dwells
ing. It is very little more work to leave the surface of the ground
smooth after the final grading about the buildings than it is to leave
it rough and uneven. Arrange if possible to have a few inches of
loam on the surface when the grading is completed.
The best grasses for a lawn are Kentucky Blue Gra«s, Rhode Is-
land Beut, and Red Top, with a flight admixture of white clover
on heavy soils. Give thorough preparation to the soil, and sow the
seed very thickly — using three to five bushels per acre. Rake on
the seed lightly and roll. Keep the grass closely clipped wiih a
lawn mower durmg the summer. In this way only can the weeds
be kept down and a thick, velvety turf formed. A very good
machine may be procured for about six dollars. In the spring it is
well to rake off the dead leaves and roll the ground, but the prac-
tice of burning over the lawn is not to be commended.
WHAT TO PLANT AND HOW.
The selection of trees and shrubs for planting is always perplex-
ing. A few general principles may aid in solving the question.
First of all, — do not attempt too much. Grounds that are crowded,
> even though the plants of themselves may be choice, have the appear-
ance of an overdressed person.
Do not discard native plants because they are common. The
Beeches, Maples and Elms, the Viburnums and Dogwoods, and the
Rhododendrons and Kalmias are unsurpassed in their respective
classes.
Do not invest freely in untried things. If you have enterprising
and experienced neighbors, consult with them. Otherwise, corre-
spond with some reliable nursery firm, or with some person in
whose judgment you have confidence, for advice in specific
instances. It is usually safer to deal directly with some reliable
firm than to place your order with an agent. As a rule, you will
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 89
pay the agent fully fifty per cent more than the same goods would
cost if purchased direct.
In making a selection of flowering trees and shrubs, aim to
secure a succession of bloom, in order that the grounds may be
attractive all summer. Among the earliest flowering hardy
shrubs are Daphne nuzereum and the Fur>^ylhias (of which FoV'
sythia Forfuhii is the best), which bloom before putting forth
leaves, — usually about the first of May. Following these shrubs
are the Jlagnolias, which will succeed in the southern part of the
State, the Red Bud or Judas Tree, and the Hawthorns among small
trees. {?ome of the best of the second early shrubs are the
Azaleas, Bush Honeysuckles (Lonicera Tartarka), Japan Quince,
Lilacs in variety. Double Flowering Flam, Flowering Almond, and
the earlier flowering Spirseas — especially Sjdrcea prunifolii and
Spircea T/iH)ibergii,— also the Weigelas and the Mock Orange
(P/iUadefphus). In late summer we have the late Spiraeas, as
Biimuhla, Blllardi, CaUosn^ etc.; the "Smoke Bush" { lihus
Cotunts), and, best of all, the hardy Hydrangea {Hydrangea pauicu-
lata q r and i flora).
The brightness produced by bulbs and hardy perennials will well
repa}^ a small outlay in this direction. In earliest S|)ring we have
the Christmas Rose {Ilellthorus nigcr), the Snowdrops {Galanthua),
Crocuses and Pansies. ' A little later Tulips and Hyacinths appear,
and these are followed by Columbines, Lily-of the-valley and
Bleeding Heart {Duentra). In summer and early fall the Japan
Anemone, the Golden Colucbbine (aquilegia chrysantlia), the Fox-
gloves, Hollyhocks, Plantain Lily {Faiikia) and the numerous
species and varieties of true lilies, are all very satisfactory and are
easy of culture.
In handling trees, be careful to keep the roots moist. A plant
is a living organism, and is as trul\ sensitive to neglect as is au
animal. A plant out of ground with roots exposed to sunlight and
drying winds is as much out of place as is a fish out of water.
WHEN TO Set.
Asa rule, in this climate, spring planting is advisable ; but it is
well to secure nursery stock in the fall if a root cellar or other con-
venient i)lace for storage is available, as stock from Massachusetts
or New York is likely to be too far advanced before our soil is
ready to be worked. All planting should be done just as early in
so STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
the spring as possible, that the trees or shrubs may become estab-
lished before theleaves putforth. Hardy herbaceous perennials, such
as Phlox, Digitalis, Hollyhocks, Columbines, etc., should as a rule
be planted in September. The same is true of most bulbous plants
including the Crocus, Hyacinth, Lilies, Tulips, etc. The Gladi-
olus is usually set in the spring.
ARRANGEMENT.
The effective arrangement of trees and shrubs is often a most
-difficult problem. One of the first things to accomplish is the
screening of out-buildings and other disagreeable objects. The
best plants for that purpose are evergreens — especially those which
appear best at a distance, as Norway Spruce, Austrian Pine or
Arbor Vitse (White Cedar.) It is not necessary that the planting
be done in formal belts, or hedges. Irregular groups so arranged
that the view is obstructed are better than formal hedges.
There should be an apparent reason for a change of the course
of a walk or drive. This may be accomplished by planting a group
of shrubbery at the junctions of walks and drives and at the more
prominent curves.
There may properly be a border of low growing shrubbery next
to the house, and it is well to plant a vine of some sort by the
piazza. Nothing is better for this purpose than the common
woodbine.
As a rule we desire the grounds about the house to appear larger
than they really are. To accomplish this, avoid too great a variety
of colors ; make as few walks and drives as possible : avoid straight
lines ; do away with boundary fences. The '"flower garden" should
be a little at one side of the house rather than directly in front.
Nothing adds moie to the attractiveness, of the place than a well
kept lawn in front of the house
The general appearance of the ''Home Place" is usually a good
index to the habits and characteristics of its occupants. The
thoughts and tastes of a man are largely displayed in arranging his
home. If the home is slovenly, the man is seldom a neat workman
or a thorough business man, while neatness in the home inspires
confidence.
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. . 91
THE UT[LITy OF THE BEAUTIFUL, OR, WHY CHILDREN-
SHOULD BE EDUCATED IX FLOWERS.
Pomology iu all its range is so closely allied to floriculture that
it seems impossible to treat of one without the other. The science
that deals with fruit must also include the flower, as all fruit is only
the flower brought to perfection.
The botanist sees the apple In the delicate blossom as perfectly
as the pomologist does in the ripened pome. As science broadens,
specialists become the order of the da}', a single line of work
demanding the entire attention of the individual or society. Would
one study thoroughly any kind of fruit, he must know it through-
out its earlier stage of planthood ; its habits as a flower and its
development into fruit. No pomologist can fail to be a botanist.
He may not have familiarized himself with the books, yet he must
know the fruit he cultivates and loves.
In the early days of our Normal Schools before our Agricultural
College had made itself felt as an educator, or even the agricultur-
al and pomological societies had begun their teaching in our State,
I found it didkult at first to interest, in the study of botany the
young men who were fitting themselves for teachers. They met me
with, "It is a girl's study," ''AVhat do I want of it?" A flower
to them was an insignificant thing not worth their attention.
Women have always cultivated flowers. A woman who does not
love them is an anomaly. Eve, we know, devoted her whole
time to the garden — being the first pomologist of whom we read.
Adam probably assisted her, but men, as a rule have not been
given to the cultivation of flowers, except for gain. But this, in
a measure is passing away.
Decoration Day, the transition from the cruelty and barbarism
of war to the peaceful mission of flowers, laid lovingly on a fallen
comrade's last resting place has wrought a wonderful change. The
most significant holiday in Maine to-day is Decoration Day, when
men march with banners, to the beat of the drum, bearing not
arms, but armfuls of flowers to decorate the graves of both friend
and foe. It was my pleasure to be in the White City Decoration
Day. The army hat was everywhere. The G. A. R. man interested
me more than any other exhibit. I was impressed with the fresh-
ness of his uniform as though it had been ordered for the occasion.
92 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
b;it it may have been the bright flowers he wore that'gave a roseate
tinge to his entire outfit.
Arbor Day is another significant day, contemplating as it does
the planting of shade audoruaiueutal trees and seeking to create an
interest in tree planting and culture which may eventually lead to
the study of forestry. Our Maine forests have been unsparingly
sacrificed.
I was pleased last summer to iiud in the town of Eustis on the
Dead River, a well kept pine grove, trees straight and beautiful.
It was small ; highways bordered it on three sides. In the pleasant
inquiries made by several individuals "Have you seen our pine
grove?" I read the pride of 3'oung and old in this bit of our former
glory as a Pine Tree State.
"We are never too old to plant a tree. Whittier writes to a
friend : "I am sorry to find that the hard winter has destroyed some
handsome spruces I planted eight years ago, they had grown to be
fine trees. Though rather late for me, I shall plant others in their
places for I remember the advice of the old Laird of Dumfiedikes
to his son Jack, 'When ye hae neathing better to do ye can be aye
sticking in a tree, ifU aye be growing when ye are sleeping.'"
Whittier adds, "there is an ash tree growing here that my mother
planted with her own hands at three score and ten."
It was a very happy thought to incorporate Arbor Day into our
school system — for w'hatever we would have blossom in the nation
we must plant in the schools. The trees chi'dren have i)lanted with
their own hands will ever after be to them objects of love and care.
Arbor Day may be made very helpful as an educator. No subject
Las called forth a more abundant literature, all its own, than
flowers. The greatest and best of earth have sung of them, "Con-
sider the lilies of the field how they grow."
We have no more touching picture of Robert Burns than he
gives us, himself, in "To the Daisy " Seated upon his plow,
which he has stopped in the furrow, to pick up the little flower he
has unwittingly crushed, we hear him say :
"Wee, modest, crimson-tipped flower,
Thou's met me iu an evil hour,
For 1 maua crush among the stoure,
Thj' slender stem.
To spare thee now is past my power,
Thou bonny gem — "
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 93
A love for flowers must lead to a love for good literature. Bry-
ant, Longfellow, Whittier, Emerson, Wardsworth a-nd Tennyson
are all apostles of Nature, and many whose names are unknown to
fame have bequeathed to us literary gems which must always be
associated with the flowers.
The legend of the blue-eyed forget-me-not carries its own moral
lesson with it.
"When to the flowers so beautiful,
The Father gave a name,
Back came a little blue-eyed one —
All timidh' it carae
And standino; at the Father's feet,
And gjizing" in His face,
It said, in low and trembling tones,
And with a modest grace,
'Eh^ar God, the name Thou gavest me,
Alas! I have forgot.'
The Father kindly looked Him down
And said, 'Forget-me-not — ' "
The old red schoolhouse over which so much sentiment has been
wasted was never a thing of beauty. It was usually located in an
out of the way place, on land not worth cultivation, cheaply con-
structed, to say nothing of its ornamentation.
We sigh when we think even of what our tastes might have been
had our youthful educational environments been more suggestive
of beauty.
Miss May's picture of the transition of the old red schoolhouse
we tiust does not a[)p!y to all.
"I remember the old red schoolhouse
On the other side of the stream,
Where we went to school together, Will,
When life was like a dream.
I went to the dear old schoolhouse.
Only the other da)"-,
And I sat on the steps where we jumped the rope.
But I did not care to stay.
The blinds were closed, the glass was gone,
And would you believe it, Will !
They were turning round where our wits were ground,
The wheels of a cider mill."
It certainly is no advance in our civilization to turn the school-
house into a cider mill. It may be a more appropriate use for the
94 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
building. Under the wise management of the Pomological Society
we trust cider-mills will not be a necessity.
So much depends upon the tastes acquired in the formative
period of life, it should be the purpose of our educational system to
strengthen the natural taste in all that is pure and elevating and to
cultivate a true love for symmetry, proportion and beauty.
On the taste of the individual, depend the habits, and from the
habits develops the character. The mission of the true educator is
to unfold the crumpled tissue of the child mind and so impress it
with things pure and beautiful that there shall be no room forsensu-
alityi intemperance and other vices. Moral elevation must result
from familiarity wiili beauty in nature and art.
The time seems ripe in our State for some aggressive movement
in the line of rural decorations. The coming year marks a great
change in the ownership of school property. The old district sys-
tem is to be superseded by the town. It would seem a very
proper time to consider the improvement and the ornamentation of our
rural sclioolhouses. The movement should be an educational one.
Some general purpose, something in which all our interests center,
something that shall touch us all, something that shall make every
spot set apart for the education of the children of the State a
delight and a joy, is of more importance to us as a people than
tariff reform, demonetization of silver, or the annexation of the
Hawaiian Islands. It is necessary that the movement be general,
one that shall extend to every little schoolhouse of the State. The
cities and larger villages, with commendable pride, are building for
school purposes structures that are models of convenience and
architectural beauty. These, with their well-kept lawns and ample
playgrounds, are among the most ornamental buildings, wherever
reared.
This work is foreshadowed in the movement recently made, to
place our national flag upon every schoolhouse of the land. Beside
unifying us as a people it has inspired every child with a new and
fervid love of native land before unknown. No district so small
or poor that has not hung out its flag when its patriotism was
stirred.
The tendency of our educational system as a State should be, to
inspire every child with a love of our own dear Maine, as the freest,
purest, most beautiful spot of all the earth." Blended with the love
of our national flag should be the love and pride in our State
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 95
emblem, with its piue tree emblazoned on a shield upheld by our
sturdy pillars — the sailor and the farmer. Its "Dirigo" and star
should have a meaning that should make even the heart of the
child glow with pride. I recently heard a returned missionary who
had been journeying around the world for the past five years, say
that she had been asked since her return, 'What sight impressed
you most?"
She said, "I tried to recall the scenes that had made the great-
est impression upon me, and there came before me in thought the
time when I stood in the presence of the greatest mountain on the
earth. I looked at the eternal snows of that great mountain peak
and I was lost in wonder and admiration of the grandeur of that
great mountain and it seemed to me that nothing in the world had
ever so spoken to my soul of God and His greatness. But I passed
on to view some of the marvels of the handiwork of man and I stood
in that wonderful spot the, Laj Mahal, and again I was lost in wonder
over the spirit of man. But I want to tell in all this vast
journey what has stirred my heart most. It was last Christmas
morning on the shores of a heathen land, my mail had not come
to me for nine weeks. The first letter I opened was from. home
— it contained — this, and she held up to the audience a little flag.
At the sight of it my heart was stirred as nothing else had ever
done, and I said then as now :
" 'There is a laud on earth supremely blest,
A dearer, sweeter spot than all the rest.
And thou shalt know where'er thy footsteps roam.
That laud, that country, and that spot thy home.' "
Our fathers and mothers builded well in laying the foundations
of our social, political, and religious liberty.
We have now our Memorial Day, our Arbor Day, our flags and
our fine schoolhouses in the cities and larger towns. We need
belter schoolhouses in the country, whose preservation and orna-
mentation shall be the pride of every man, woman and child in
in their vicinity. It has occurred to me that this Pomological Society
is in a condition to foster this work by encouraging village and
rural improvement societies having for their object the improvement
and ornamentation of streets, school grounds, roadwnys, cemeteries
and any other public grounds by planting, and cultivating trees,
by locating and protecting grass plots, lawns and boulevards, and
generally doing whatever may tend to the improvement and adorn-
ment of the place.
96 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
The decoration of our school grounds need not be burdensome,
in the way of labor or expense. Once create the taste, and it will
be done as easily as the flag was procured. The children and
teachers must be made the special guardians of every tree and
plant. Our own native trees and flowers form the most beau if ul
setting for our rural schoolhouses. What more beautiful floral
ornaments than our native ferns? We may not be able to sing :
"A rare olcl. plaut is onr ivy sjreen
Creeping where uo life is seen."
The ivy is very Englishy. Though flourishing well in Canada, it
does not thrive in our climate ; but we may well sing of the beauty
of our native Virginia creeper, or, as it is commonly known, the
woodbine. Our native Clematis is another trailing plant well
adapted to ornamental purposes. Both of these plants take kindly
to cultivation, and in a few years transform ugly, uninviting places
into marvels of beauty.
A well located, a well kept, small country schoolhouse,.with its
ornamentation of lawns, trees and flowers, is more than poetry,
more than painting. An encouraging sign of the times is the
interest shown in the appearance of railroad stations. The Maine
Central has done ranch to beautif}' its stations and ground, making
them desirable waiting places for travellers and ornamental where-
ever located. 1 wrote the General Manager, Payson Tucker, ask-
ing him to give me a brief outline of his system. In reply, he
says, "We have adopted a style of architecture for our station
buildings which is uniformly used. We have also a standard set
of colors to be used in painting them. We expect our employes to
keep our property in a neat and attractive condition, and I am
happy to say that they heartily co-oi)erate with us and do all in
their power to put and keep our property in good shape."
There is, I believe, a pleasant rivalry among the station agents.
The road furuis^hing the trees, shrubs and flowers and offering a
prize for the most pleasing effect produced. Such a system of or-
namentation for our rural school grounds might be made effective
either by the town or some society interested. Among the most
beautiful of all the exhibits at the World's Fair was that of Horti-
cultural Ilall. One could but feel that he would like to eat his way
through the pomological display and then wander at leisure amidst
acres of flowers. The flowers, what pen can describe them. One
Azalia in the French department, yaids in circumference, with its
STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 97
solid mass of pure white flowers was a thinisf of beauty, a joy for-
ever to all who beheld it.
Flowers, flowers everywhere ; out of place, nowhere- The Cali-
forniau knew that his fruit display was rendered much more attrac-
tive by the few bright plants he so artistically placed among bis
oranges. How cold and barren even the great exhibition would
have been without flowers ! As I looked at that formidable engine
of wary the enormous Krupp' gun, surrounded on all sides by mis-
siles and weapons of warfare— the entire building being filled with
them, I was rested to turn from these to the fountains and flowers
the artistic Germans knew so well how to place effectively, even
among guns and bombshells.
Columbia can no longer hesitate over her' emblems. Corn, our
golden maize was everywhere — booths, pavilions, arches, towers
made of corn, whole rooms decorated with it, entire buildings filled
with it. Corn was king. As a State we need no other floral
emblem than our pine tree, this every child should be taught to love
aud honor. For the nation let us
"Ela/on Columbia's iMTibleni,
The bouuteou.s, golden corn."
"The rose may bloom for England,
Tlie lily for France unfold ;
Ireland may honor the .shamrock.
Scotland her thistle bold ;
But the shield of the Great Kepublic,
Tlie gloi-y of the West,
Shall bear a stalk of tasseled corn —
Of all our wealth the best !
The arbutus aud the goldonrod
The heart of the Xortli may cheer ;
Aud the mouutaiu laurel for Maryland,
Its royal clusteis rear ;
Aud jessamine aud magnolia
The crest of the South adorn ;
But the wide Re])ublic'.s emblem,
I? the beauteous goldeu corn."
The thoughts I would leave with you are these : The study of
flowers should be begun in childhood. Such study is of practical
value to the individual, to the community, to the nation; to the
individual in the development of pure tastes, right habits and ele-
98 STATE I'OMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
vated character ; to the connuunity by leading to the preservation
and beautifjnng of public grounds where they exist and by
creating a demand for them where they have not been provided lor
in the laying out of the town ; to the nation in developing leaders
whose lives have been ennobled, by contact with the beautiful and
who by such culture have fitted for a more thorough, scientific
work in agriculture, foiestry, pomology and all other agrarian pur-
suits ; leaders capable of taking the people ba< k to the great heart
of nature, to God.
INDEX,
PAGE.
Adams. F. S.. paper by ,. 41
Auiiual Address 42
Address of AVeloonie 39
liespoQse to same 41
Allen, \V. H., letter from 31
Bakkows, Miss Anna, paper by oo
Beedy, Mrs. H. B. C, paper 91
Business Trausaotioiis 23
< 'l-AKK, Hokatio, on Varieties 31
Dawks, S. H.. paper l)y 32
Demoustratiou in Apple Cookery 55
Doings of the Society 4
Exhibitions :
Annua 1 6
Winter Meetinjj 20
Winthrop Meeting 5
Premiums awarded 13
FKKi>i\(i Apples to Stoek 02
Fruit rremiums, too small .54
Knowi.ton, D. II., pitpt-r l)y 57
LoHi), H. M., aiidress by 39
liUce. Willis A., paper by 4()
Talk on Small Fruits, by 3S
Maisk Ai)ples at the World's Fail' 4(i
Members of the Soeietv :
Annual for 1S1)3 10
lSi»l 10
Life .Members 9
Munsou. \V. M . palters by S2. 87
OucnAi;i>iN<; 35
Diseussioii 77
100 INDEX.
I'AOK.
Oftioors for 18!)4 ; -
PiJiniANKNT Fund ^2
Place, tilt- Iloiiii! ^j
Plum Grovviu';- , ^j-
Best Varieties f^^
Pruniug -^
Thinning out tlio Fruit 72
Cultivation -^
Plum — \'^nrieties :
Field, Bradsliaw, Guii, French Danisou,Hudson Kiver, I'urjile
Egg, Coe"s Golden Drop, Italian Prune, Stanton, Monarch,
Lombard, Peine Claude de Bavay, Japan Plums, Botan «8-(if>
Moore'fi Arctic 75
Quaekenbos ^ 7?^
Po|ic, ( harles S., Annual Address 42
Discussion by ;^5
Progranmies 29
Public Meetings ^_.)j
KEl'OKTi^— of Secretary ;^
Treasuier j ]
Scale of Points 51
Small Fruits :
Varieties best adapted to Maine 30
Talk, by Willis A. I.uce 38
Paper, by S. D. VVillard 85
Spraying and its Residts ... 82
Tirco-Mii. B. M.. letter 31
Utility of the Beautiful 9^
Wheeleh, Charles E., paper l)y 62
Willard, S. D., papers by 65. 85
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