366 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



nurserymen of the State to make definite returns to us of what they 

 had for sale, and what they would have in the future, that wo might 

 publish a definite statement to answer such questions as gentlemen 

 ask. This has not been accomplished ; but 1 tliiuk we can at this 

 meeting give such notice to the nurserymen in the State as to 

 induce them to make returns which can be published hereatler 

 in our proceedings. If we can, it is desirable that we should do it. 

 We want to give them a gratuitous advertisement, if the}' will 

 furnish us the information. 



Mekrill. I think it is the worst thing we can do to recommend 

 growing trees for our own use. AVe may get a good many ideas b}' 

 growing trees that will be profitable, as fruit-growers. I find the 

 best orchards in the State, or as good as an}-, coming from western 

 New York, raised b}- men who have had thirty or forty years expe- 

 rience. I am considerably indebted to New York and Pennsylvania 

 men for things I have learned in fruit growing. I think when we 

 discard these men we are giving oursielves awa}-. 



The Prksident. These trees are raised in mellow soil, and grow 

 rapidly. Take these trees and transport them long distances, tied 

 up a month before setting out, then exposed to cold winds, and set 

 them on hard soil, and they cannot do well. 



Jordan. In speaking of western trees, I do not mean to say 

 there are no good western trees. The trees I had of Whitnev were 

 ofrafted in the limbs ; also of Smith. New York trees are grafted 

 in the butt; they die easily — don't seem to be hardy. In the New 

 York trees I didn't see anything but the graft. I have no trouble 

 .^about making one of those trees live a 3'ear or two, but cold winters 

 kill them. I don't think it makes any difference where the root 

 ■of a little tree is grown ; I think it will grow as well in one place as 

 another. 



Gilbert. I dislike to have this meeting adjourn without re[)udi- 

 ating any sweeping assertions with regard to the worthlessness of 

 New York or Maine trees. I do not quarrel with nurserymen, whether 

 they grow trees in Maine or New York. I have repeatedly stated that 

 in order to secure success we must have good trees to start with. 

 If the gentleman who denounces Maine nursery trees bases his jiulg- 

 ment upon the trees sold and offered for sale for several years past 

 at Mechanic Falls, b}' a person celebrated in connection with the 

 '' scythe sharpener," I should agree with him. 



