STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. I9 



was organized in 1873, and each year since then you have been 

 holding your meetings and exerting your influence, travelHng 

 along these well marked lines toward helping yourselves, and 

 not alone yourselves but your fellowmen. I believe the day 

 wnll come when many, many acres of the State of Maine that 

 are now going to waste and are unprofitable will be rendering 

 a good profit to their owners by the production of fruits. And 

 when that time comes I am sure that many thanks will be due 

 this organization for the great influence that it has exerted. 

 However* I did not come here this evening for the purpose of 

 making any discussion in regard to your organization or your 

 work, but I came simply as a representative of the citizens of 

 Waterville to extend to you a cordial welcome, giving you the 

 freedom of the city, and placing at your disposal whatever you 

 may find of use to you therein, all of which I gladly do. 



RESPONSE. 

 Will E. Leland, Sangerville. 



Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: 



After listening to the cordial words of welcome to this beauti- 

 ful city so fittingly expressed by your chief executive, it gives 

 me pleasure in behalf of the members of the ?klaine State 

 Pomological Society to oft'er a few thoughts in return. 



This society has been organized thirty-five years and during 

 that time its work has been carried forward, so far as state aid 

 is concerned, with a very modest stipend. In fact, so much 

 progress would not have been possible but for the generous 

 support and hearty welcome which we have received from year 

 to year. 



The farmer's work is to grow trees, plants, animals. These 

 are living organisms, consequently demand a higher intelligence 

 to comprehend the law^s that govern growth, selection, health 

 and all the various conditions that pertain to the vital forces of 

 living, sentient beings, than do other occupations that have to 

 deal only with inert materials. It is the object of this society 

 to encourage the fruit growing branch of our Maine farming, 

 and our program is arranged to be instructive and helpful to 

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