DAIRY AND SEED IMPROVEMENT MEETINGS. 169 



a number of inspectors are employed, as it makes it easy to 

 trace any poorly sorted or diseased tubers back to the inspector 

 who may be responsible for its bearing the blue tag of our 

 Association. 



In closing, I pledge myself to aid in every way, my successor 

 who takes up the work in 191 7. I ask that you bear in mind 

 that it takes the better part of the first year to get the work 

 firmly in hand; therefore, do not criticise too harshly my suc- 

 cessor in his first year's work, but lend him your support at all 

 times and our certified seed potatoes will stand at the top, from 

 Maine to Texas. 



Respectfully submitted, 



E. A. ROGERS, 



Secretary. 



Voted, that the report of the secretary be accepted. 



Mr. Rogers: I want to say that a few days ago we got a 

 check from the Bangor Chamber of Commerce, covering the 

 amount given for premiums two years ago. I think these 

 premiums have been sent out; that was the way I left it, so 

 the check could be cashed and the money sent out, and if it 

 has not been sent it will be shortly. 



President Copeland : The members will understand that 

 the Bangor Chamber of Commerce offered several prizes two 

 years ago and through an oversight the money was never paid. 



Dr. Woods: I wonder if it would not be a good idea for us 

 to adopt a policy that we will not accept premiums and put 

 them in the schedule until the premiums themselves are put 

 mto the hands of the Association. I can see where a person 

 might object to this Association when they won a premium 

 oft'ered under our name and the premium was not awarded for 

 two years. We ought to be protected in some way. I suggest 

 that the cash be turned over to us as a guaranty of good faith 

 at the time the prizes are offered. 



President Copeland: The premiums only called for $9 

 instead of the $25 offered. 



Dr. Woods : It is not the question of the amount, but it 

 would protect us as an Association. I think this should be 

 kept in the hands of the executive committee ; it should see that, 

 if one should feel called upon to offer a premium, that he give 

 up the price. 



