134 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



The comparatively good crop of the previous season rendered this 

 an " off-year," and the short, sharp drouth experienced in June 

 tended to blight the setting fruit. The crop harvested vp-as, how- 

 ever, fully sufficient for home use. 



Insect depredations vsrere rather in excess of the average. The 

 caterpillars made an onset in the opening days of spring and 

 summer and required "eternal vigilance" to prevent their injur- 

 ing orchards to a serious extent. Those who gave strict attention 

 to their trees were, rewarded by a partial crop of fruit, and in hav- 

 ing their trees kept in a state of vigor and health which neglected 

 ones did not retain. The codling moth and the borer are great 

 pests in some localities, and this 3'ear have done more than aver- 

 age damage. Enough attention is not given to taking care of the 

 wormy fruit and the larvae is left to develop in almost undisturbed 

 freedom. There is increased attention given to exterminating the 

 borer as better knowledge of its habits is diffused. 



Young trees continue to be planted out, but not so largely as 

 formerly. They are mostly from New York nurseries. Those 

 sold for the two past years have been largely Russian and crab 

 varieties. If this continues, nearly every farmer will have a crab 

 orchard soon. We cannot but disapprove of this almost whole- 

 sale planting out of crabs. They may make good trees to re-graft, 

 but we have enough hardy stocks of larger growth and habit that 

 •are preferable. 



W e have a few small nurseries in this county, but the persistent 

 New York tree agents contrive to make the largest sales. The 

 Robertson Bros, of Monroe, have a very good nursery. There are 

 others in the town, also at Belfast, Winterport, and other points. 



I have a very good opinion of the Uurlbut apple. I procured 

 some grafts of II. J. A. Simmons of Waldoboro'. They have 

 been set two years. They have made a splendid growth and look 

 thrifty and hardy, but have not yet fruited. As far as growth is 

 concerned, I can endorse Mr. Simmons' high opinion. 



The Naked Limbed Greening maintains its high character and 

 is gaining new friends. This apple is extensively grown in Mon- 

 roe and Prospect. The Rhode Island Greening does not do very 

 well with us and appears not to be entirely hardy. The Yellow 

 Bellflower does well — even best — upon heavy soils, — on laud 

 where the Baldwin would throw up at once. 



We recommend the putting out of more Duchess of Oldenburg, 

 and Red Astrachan, for fall use and marketing. They are ready 



