REPORT OF STATE HORTICULTURIST. 'J'J 



REPORT OF ASSISTANT HORTICULTURIST. 



To Hon. W. T Guptill, Commissioner of Agriculture : 



I respectfully present my report as Assistant Horticulturist 

 from June, 1916, to January, 1917. 



I have visited thirty-five nurseries in the state on inspection 

 work. The condition of the nurseries I found to be generally 

 good. They are growing ornamental trees, flowering shrubs, 

 roses, perennials, berry plants, currants, gooseberries and ever- 

 greens. A number of the nurseries that are growing raspberry, 

 blackberry and strawberry plants ; a few nurseries grow apple 

 trees, very few plum, pear and cherry trees. The growing of 

 evergreens is quite extensive. 



In the Carleton orchards that I have visited I find that the 

 growers are taking an interest in their orchards, and they were 

 pleased to receive all the information that I could give them in 

 regard to their care and cultivation. Most of the orchards 

 looked very well and care had been taken of the trees. The 

 cultivation was quite good. I believe the Carleton Contest is a 

 very good thing for the State of Maine. It creates an interest 

 in orcharding, helps the farmers strive to make their orchards 

 better, and brings them closer to the Department of Agriculture, 

 with mutual benefit for us all. 



In my opinion, what we want in Maine is for all to pull 

 together for the grand old state. Let the country and the world 

 at large know what we are raising here. Let them know the 

 natural advantages we have and the splendid sites for orchards 

 that can be bought at a very reasonable price. 



The quality of Maine apples is equal to apples grown any- 

 where. Their keeping quality is very good, which is a decided 

 advantage to our Maine farmer. The price of Maine grown 

 apples has been very good this season and there has been a good 

 demand for them from different section of this country. Thev 

 also have brought a very high price from across the water. 



