STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 3I 



A. L. Simpson, Bangor ; Secretary, Geo. B. Sawyer, Wiscasset, 

 and Treasurer, Chas. S. Pope, Manchester. 



The act of incorporation gave us the sum of $500 annually, 

 but stipulated that a sum not less than that paid by the State 

 should be paid out in premiums. Thus the officers were at once 

 up against the problem of carrying on the work placed in their 

 hands and at the same time paying out all guaranteed funds in 

 premiums. At the first exhibition held at Bangor the records 

 show that $516 was awarded in prizes and was paid in full. 

 Later on, however, the State aid was increased to $1000 annu- 

 ally, where it still remains. This enables us, by exercising strict 

 economy, to carry on the work of the Society in the manner all 

 members are familiar with at the present time. 



I have been led to this bit of reminiscence by looking over 

 the names of those noble men, interested in fruit growing, who 

 associated in the early w^ork of this Society. In that list there 

 are but three left to participate in their chosen work at the pres- 

 ent time. Were this the place, and now the time, it would be a 

 pleasure to recall the lasting aid given to the cause we here rep- 

 resent by those intelligent, broad-minded and unselfish men. 

 Verily the young men of today have a responsibility resting 

 upon their shoulders if they fill the vacancies left by those who 

 have dropped out of our ranks in the passing years. 



Fruit production as a business at the time of the organization 

 of this Society had reached comparatively little commercial 

 importance. The shipment of apples to foreign countries had 

 but barely commenced. Our Maine apples were dependent on 

 the local markets and the Boston demand. From the limited 

 production at that time, but thirty-three years ago, to the million 

 and a half barrels of market apples in a single season is an 

 increase creditable to the State. Just how much of this increase 

 may rightfully be credited to the influence of this Society cannot 

 be stated, nor, as connected with our present work, does it in 

 any sense matter. This Society, according to the light in its 

 possession, has held steadfastly to its mission, at all times put- 

 ting forth its efforts in aid of the industry in its charge to the 

 full extent of the means within its reach. That its course has 

 met the approval of those for whose interests it has labored we 

 have abundant evidence in the cordial support we have been and 

 still are receiving, and I trust that the interest manifested in 



