STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY, 4^7 



[From D. B. Woodbuiiy, Paris.] 



The benefit that may be derived from this meeting cannot be over- 

 estimated. 



It is very necessary that we start aright in all things. Perhaps 

 more so in Pomology than many others, as many years may pass 

 before we discover an error involving much labor and dcla^' to 

 rectify. 



That our labor may be both profitable and pleasant we must avail 

 ourselves of each others experience, and in no way can this be 

 better done than by meetings like this. 



The probable increase of our population should encourage us to 

 do our very best to furnish them with an abundance of the very bes 

 fruit. It is a necessar}^ article of food, as well as a luxurv. It 

 pays well to see it growing, and will pay well in the future at selling 

 time. As the population has doubled every twenty-five 3-ears we 

 should prepare to double our fruit product to meet the increasing 

 demand. It might pa}' us to quit exporting our Main-born people, 

 and have their help to double the fruit crop for exportation instead. 



Our climate and location, though far at one corner, afford us 

 advantages in growing and exporting fruit that should not be for- 

 gotten. Our long, cool autumn is just what our apples want to 

 finish their growth, and prevent their ripening too earl}-. With 

 our rapid transportation we can send tliem around the world three 

 months before the}' perish with us. If our Baldwins ripened by 

 August we should have to catch and eat as they fell from the trees, 

 but as they are slow growers they only finish their growth here before 

 cold weather, and keep till spring. ***** 



Perfection will never be attained, but let not this discourage us 

 from coming as near it as possible. 



Every farm or garden spot should contain a good supply of apple, 

 pear, plum and cherry trees. Nor should we forget to provide the 

 grape, raspberry, currant and gooseberry ; and a strawberry bed 

 sufficient for the needs of its visitors, which will include the birds. 

 As we want their help and company we may as well grow enough 

 of all fruits to give them their share of the best. 



In our flowers we are more favored, for tlie birds have not vet 

 learned their worth or their own needs, though they take their baths 

 in my Pond Lily tubs of a morning. And as every living tiling was 

 created for some good purpose, let us give tlie flowers their place 

 and read a cheering lesson from their bright faces. 



