46 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



field, and there was a time when I was quite familiar with a few 

 orchards in the neighborhood of Kent's Hill. The cultivation, 

 however, cannot be neglected. 



The Rhode Island Greening is another variety that gives good 

 returns if well cared for, bearing annually a fair crop free from 

 scab. 



The Northern Spy, were it not for its shy habit of bearing, 

 would be esteemed above the Stark or any of the newer varieties 

 as it combines good keeping qualities and flavor. 



The Fameuse at one time were largely set. The trees are 

 being grafted over in most orchards, as the scab makes the fruit 

 nearly worthless in an ordinary season. 



The Milding, or Winter Gravenstein, gives promise of being 

 a very desirable variety in the county. The tree proves hardy, 

 a prolific bearer and vigorous grower. As the trees grow older 

 there seems to be a tendency for the fruit to scab somewhat. 



The Rolfe originated in the county and at one time there was 

 a large call for scions. Both tree and fruit are subject to the 

 fungus and of late the trypeta has greatly damaged the crop. 



The Hurlbut is not a late keeper and is probably not being set 

 to any extent at present. It is a good bearer and has been one 

 of the most profitable apples in our orchard. 



The large crop in our section last year and good prices gave 

 new interest and an unusually large number of trees were set 

 last spring, while old orchards received such a trimming and 

 fixing up as they never had before. 



I have had but few years of experience but am convinced of 

 the necessity of thorough care of the orchard. We all know 

 the value of manure. It is plant food. A little of it makes a 

 big apple instead of a small one. Which is worth more? We 

 need to practice more what we already know. It takes courage 

 to raise nothing but apples in the orchard with the barn full of 

 stock, and yet we know that one crop is enough to expect if we 

 wish it to be the best possible. 



There is a question in the minds of Piscataquis orchardists 

 whether or not we are making a mistake in setting these newer 

 varieties that are not considered of first quality in the home 

 market. I hope to learn something on that point from the 

 experienced fruit growers here today. Also how long a time 

 the young trees should be left before topworking when that is 

 the end in view? 



