156 state; pomoi^ogicaIv society. 



and then to be taken up by the several states in after meetings, 

 and in the hope that legislation may come out of the discussion 

 and the education and the work, which it seems to me is vital to 

 us along these lines, whether it comes in one year or ten. We 

 have taken hold of this in the State of Maine and we don't pro- 

 pose to let go until we get something tangible. I voice the sen- 

 timents of a great majority of this society, and yet I do not know 

 of one who seems to be in a hurry about it. Let us find out 

 what we want and then take hold unitedly and go to the legisla- 

 ture and demand of our State legislature that they give us pro- 

 tection. But that protection would be very little for us unless 

 we could have you co-operate with us, New Hampshire, Ver- 

 mont and Massachusetts. It seems to me this matter is of 

 transcendent importance to the fruit interests, in order that we 

 may reach what Mr. Elliott has touched upon, those higher 

 levels. We all recognize the fact that he has presented, that 

 it is only the man who is doing the very best, only he who is 

 striving to improve, who grows, who is making his mark in the 

 world or who is accomplishing anything. So this work, it seems 

 to me, not only helps the man who is trying to help himself, but 

 it forces others to lifting up of the standard of work in their 

 orchards, to the growing of a better quality of fruit, and there- 

 fore to a better reputation in the market for us all. I wish I 

 could ask of the representatives present, Mr. Wheeler, and Mr. 

 Kinney and Mr, Clark, if they think it would be safe for us to 

 accept the invitation and meet with the Connecticut Society in 

 February. I have an invitation passed me by Mr. Knowlton 

 from Mr. Miles, Secretary of the Connecticut Society, and also 

 a letter from Mr. Rogers, their representative, expressing his 

 regret that he could not be present, and giving us an invitation 

 to meet with them in February. Will your society send a 

 delegate there? 



Mr. Clark. I think it will be so arranged although we have 

 no meeting before then. I think arrangements could be made, 

 and it is so near I think some one would be there any way. 



Mr. Wheeler. I know perfectly well that our society would 

 be only too glad to send representatives to that meeting in Feb- 

 ruary to discuss this matter further. I was rather unprepared 

 to discuss the question here today, but I know we have men that 



