50 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



growers, and have accomplished much in the improvement of 

 their methods of marketing. That their organizations will do 

 much to improve their methods of production is doubtless true. 



Other sections have requested information as to the necessary 

 steps in organizing such associations and will probably take up 

 the matter in the coming year. We have advocated small or- 

 ganizations to start with as we believe they make a more rapid 

 progress in securing a solid foundation upon which to build. 

 Spirit is a big factor in the success of these bodies and large 

 numbers do not tend toward good spirit. The older associa- 

 tions have maintained their interest, enthusiasm and progress 

 and it is a matter of pride that they compare favorably with 

 those in other sections of the East. 



By location New England is an apple producing unit and if 

 we secure a uniform series of local associations there is no 

 reason why they can not be united later into a large exchange 

 similar to that of the Northwest. The growers of Oregon. 

 Washington and Idaho have demonstrated the practicability of 

 such a selhng agency for their fruit. The citrus growers of 

 California have perfected an even better system of marketing 

 and it is up to New England to put her fruit growing upon a 

 similar basis. There is no reason to doubt that such an organ- 

 ization would be successful. 



THE NECESSITY OF ADVERTISING OUR APPLES. 



The improvement that has been accompHshed in the produc- 

 tion of a finer grade of fruit has been especially noticed in the 

 last few years. In fact, our fancy apples compare very favor- 

 ably with those of any other producing center. Maine apples 

 have long been known for their fine quality and it is generally 

 conceded that for certain varieties the natural conditions of our 

 state are unsurpassed. The fruit stands up well under long 

 shipments and will keep almost indefinitely when care has been 

 taken in the production and when picked at the right time and 

 properly stored. 



The state law recently passed will go a long way toward pro- 

 moting better grading and packing and will protect the shipper 

 of honestly marked product. With the enactment of this law 

 we are far in advance of most other states. One of the things 

 that we need, then, is a better method of selling our fruit and a 



