state; POMOIyOGlCAL SOCIETY. 21 



system of co-operation should be devised) ; or by assisting our 

 fall fairs in making their horticultural displays more attractive, 

 and eliminating the midway, the faker and the dancing girl, 

 thus removing temptation from the direct path of our beloved 

 young people, and inviting them to a closer acquaintance v^ith 

 the true and the beautiful. 



But to return to our work in hand. Our programme is long 

 and heavy. Too long perhaps for due consideration to all its 

 parts, but our annual report, year book and various other chan- 

 nels through which our horticultural literature is disseminated, 

 reach out over a broader field and are read by thousands who 

 are not as yet members of the society. For this you will pardon 

 a long program. 



I await with interest the report of our committee on the 

 standard package. Surely this question will be ripe now for 

 action, and results are looked for. 



The long expected experimental fruit farm must be purchased 

 this year if at all, as the funds which are on hand for running 

 it will soon be diverted into other channels. Other countries 

 and states support several farms in different localities. I am 

 fully of the opinion that if a judicious and careful selection is 

 made, the farm ought not to be a burden but a glory to the State 

 and practically self sustaining. 



Following this on our programme is legislation to promote 

 apple growing. I know our speakers, committee men and 

 members will formulate a suitable measure to be presented 

 before our next legislative assembly. These three measures if 

 brought about will put us on a high and direct road to success. 



"What's the trouble with the apples this year?" This per- 

 tinent question was asked by a local editor and is deserving of 

 a reply. I would say that apples are only a chance or second- 

 ary crop in most parts of Maine. This year there happens to 

 be a small crop, consequently the coddling moth and various 

 other insects, including fungus diseases, had more disastrous 

 results. The only sure remedy for this inferior fruit is to 

 specialize. When we take as good care of the apple tree as a 

 good dairyman does of his cows, or a flower lover of his plants, 

 there will be no inferior fruit and these troubles will melt away 

 like mist before the rising sun. 



