REPORT OF STATE HORTICULTURIST. 67 



business. A little later a request came from W. H. Conant in 

 behalf of the growers of Buckfield for such a meeting and st'll 

 later a request from Mr. Yeaton for one in South Paris. 



The first school was held in South Paris, Feb. 11-14; the 

 second was at Buckfield the following week for four days anl 

 the last at East Hebron, Feb. 25-27. These schools were a 

 distinct success and the 212 growers who registered for the 

 three meetings expressed themselves as much pleased over the 

 work. The average daily attendance was about 25 and many 

 of the growers were present throughout the meeting. 



In detail the work consisted of instruction in grading fruit 

 for box packing, the proper way to naii up a box, the method of 

 placing the papers in the box, adaptability of various packs 

 and their construction, most efficient way to wrap apples and 

 the manner of putting on the cover and storing the box. Dem- 

 onstrations were given in facing, wrapping, tailing, pressing, 

 heading, and nailing the barrel fruit, showing the proper meth- 

 ods and improper methods of doing each of these operations. 



Short talks were given at various times upon different phase? 

 of orchard management. All who were present were given the 

 opportunity to practice what had been given them in the way of 

 instruction. Many acquired considerable proficiency in the 

 work. Many ladies as well as men attended the school, 

 especially at Hebron, and, as a general thing, the ladies ac- 

 quired the knack of packing much more quickly than the nien. 

 A few boys were also present and showed that they were 

 greatly interested in the work. 



The apparatus and various supplies, including paper, boxes, 

 presses, packing tables, hammers, nails, etc., were furnished by 

 the Department, which also share'd in the expense of obtaining 

 the fruit. The hall and the janitor service were furnished by 

 the local men. Mr. Yeaton, Mr. Sweetser and myself under- 

 took the work of instruction. 



The great interest in these meetings shows the importance of 

 the work and they will be continued next season as already 

 many applications have been sent in. They afford a special 

 opportunity for discussion along all lines pertaining to fruit 

 growing and fruit marketing, so that it is worth while for 

 those growers who already have a fairly clear conception as 

 to grading and packing. 



