REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER. 7 



worked out which show that it is of as much importance for the 

 farmer to practice scientific selection of seed of plants as it is 

 to breed his live stock according to principles of selection. We 

 believe some work in this line could be profitably carried on by 

 the Department, if funds were provided. 



With the potato crop there is also a promising field for seed 

 selection. Prof. Webber of Cornell University states that 40 

 or 50 good sized potatoes per hill have been grown by right 

 seed selection and methods of culture. The farmers of Maine 

 have been giving potato culture special attention for several 

 years past, and each year we are doing more in this line. By a 

 careful selection of seed, by thorough preparation of the seed 

 bed, and by the use of improved methods of cultivation, this 

 industry has been largely developed. Only that seed should be 

 planted in which the eyes are strong, and indicate the growth of 

 a strong, vigorous plant. 



The crop of 1908 was the finest and largest crop of potatoes 

 ever raised in jNIaine. More than ninety per cent of the entire 

 crop were merchantable potatoes, free from rot and practically 

 free from any skin disease. The price was above the average 

 early in the season, and gradually increased until the close of 

 the year, with indications that the spring prices would be 

 exceedingly high. The average yield through the State has been 

 advancing. 



The promise of a full crop of apples as indicated by the boun- 

 tiful blossom of the trees was not fulfilled, as blight prevailed 

 to a large extent, and in some sections the crop was very light. 

 The orchard industry is one of our main branches of farming, 

 and in spite of the fact that unfavorable weather conditions and 

 depredations of insects have depressed this industry somewhat, 

 it is slowly but steadily increasing in extent, and we are firmly 

 of the opinion that it is to be one of the most profitable indus- 

 tries of the State. In order to accomplish this result, however, 

 the individual fruit grower has a personal work to do. The 

 orchard is too largely neglected. A better system of pruning, 

 cultivating, fertilizing and spraying should be adopted. The 

 Department has given this subject much attention during the 

 past year. Prof. Hitchings, the State Entomologist, and other 

 interesting speakers have delivered many lectures along the line 



