30 STATE POilOLOQICAL SOCIETY. 



The place of meeting had been selected as one of the strong- 

 holds of the Society, being a central point in a locality long cele- 

 brated for the production of fine fruit ; and embracing among its 

 population many valued members of the Society, A general invi- 

 tation had been extended to the fruit growers and horticulturists 

 of the State, by printed circulars, posters and publication in the 

 newspapers ; free return tickets were issued by the Maine Central 

 and other railroad companies, and all persons attending were 

 freely and hospitably entertained by the people of Monmouth, 

 who were unremitting in their efforts to make the meeting a pleas- 

 ant and profitable one. The weather proved propitious. The 

 attendance was much larger than at any previous Winter Meet- 

 ing, filling the spacious auditorium of the church at each public 

 session and affording gratifying proof of the progress of the 

 Societ}'. 



The exhibition of winter fruits was quite satisfactory, embracing 

 a great variety of specimens, all in fine condition, neatly arranged 

 and correctly named, and generally of superior quality. For full 

 details of the exhibition reference is made to the report of the 

 special committee on the subject in subsequent pages. Tlie tables 

 were decorated with an elegant basket of cut flowers from the 

 conservatory of the Misses Pope of Manchester, and some fine 

 plants in pots contributed by the ladies of Monmouth. 



It is much to be regretted that the shortness of the time as- 

 signe*! for the meeting prevented the full consideration of all the 

 subjects embraced in the programme. In every other respect the 

 meeting was a most gratifying success. 



FIRST DAY. 



The Society assembled pursuant to adjournment, at the time and 

 place designated, and was called to order by the President. Then 

 proceeded to arrange the order of exercises for the public sessions. 

 Messrs. Alfred Smith of Monmouth, F. M. Woodward of Win- 

 throp and Charles II. Jones of Warren, were appointed a com- 

 mittee to examine and report upon the exhibition of fruit. 



Adjourned. 



Re-assembled at 6| P. M., the President in the chair. 



M. J. Metcalf, Esq., of Monmouth, then presented the following 



