52 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



are successful we hope by another summer to be able to say just 

 what fungi cause the leaf spot in Maine. 



In closing I wish to repeat and emphasize what has already 

 been called to your attention ; namely, that anything in the line 

 of specimens of fruit rots, leaf spots, or fungous diseases of any 

 kind which you may send to the Station will be verv' much 

 appreciated. In this way you will help to make the work of 

 our department more effective and helpful to the pomologists 

 and all others who are growing crops in Maine. 



THE CHERRY. 

 By S. G. Shurtleff, South Livermore. 



While the transactions of the Maine Pomological Society 

 have included ample discussions of the various fruits grown in 

 this State, these discussions have not, so far as I have observed, 

 included the cherry. It is exceedingly strange that so desirable 

 a fruit, a luxury within the reach of any person who owns half 

 an acre of ground, should be so underestimated. Its value is 

 recognized in Europe where it is universally grown, in some 

 countries, it is said, more than any other fruit. In this country 

 it is not grown to any extent ; in most sections seldom found 

 in the farmer's garden. In ]\Iaine it is perhaps less grown than 

 in any other state. 



In recent years canned fruits have become an important 

 branch of domestic economy. Among the various fruits used 

 for this purpose none are more valuable than the cherry. Many 

 fruits lose in flavor in canning. Not so with the cherry ; some 

 varieties improve in flavor in canning, especially the sour varie- 

 ties. For this purpose alone this fruit should receive more 

 attention. 



Again, in early summer at the commencement of the hot 

 season, the appetite is capricious, it craves fruits, especially acid 

 fruits. It is at this season the cherry ripens ; and it is exceed- 

 ingly welcome, not only on account of its delicious flavor, but 

 also because it is exceedingly wholesome. As an article of 

 diet the red varieties seem to supply just what nature calls for. 



