176 AGRlCUIvTURE OF MAINE. 



a high yielding strain. The plan is to make in the catalogue a 

 plain statement of conditions under which the crop was grown, 

 and the yield as declared by the grower, and as observed by the 

 inspector. The Department asks the cooperation and assist- 

 ance of every member, to the end that a catalogue of Maine 

 Seed Improvement seed be issued every year. 



In bringing this report to an end I wish to make several 

 recommendations. 



It would seem to your secretary that more specific plans 

 should be drawn up by the association to the end that results 

 be more uniform. 



That a more thorough study be made of varieties and strains 

 in relation to the localities in which they are grown. 



That the association should take some action to discourage 

 the sale of potatoes for seed, which are infected with "black- 

 leg" and other infectious potato diseases. 



That the association should endorse the work of the U. S. 

 Government in its study of potato diseases in Aroostook Coun- 

 ty, and encourage the work in every way possible. 



It is the opinion of the secretary that there may be strains 

 or varieties of potatoes which are more resistant to disease 

 than others, and that the association should make an investi- 

 gation of the matter and if such strains be found or originated, 

 encourage their propagation. 



I quote from Mr. Alitchell's report at the meeting December 

 4, 191 2. "As a Seed Association we must have something to 

 sell. For, say as much as you will, the success of this organisa- 

 tion depends fundamentally on its profitableness to the seed 

 grower." And I recommend that the association make a study 

 of the seed markets and its demands ; that plans be drawn up 

 for producing seed which is wanted in the market, in quanti- 

 ties which will tempt the buyer. 



In closing my report I wish to again thank all who have in 

 any way assisted me — not only in preparing for this meeting 

 but throughout the season. 



Mr. President, I respectfully submit this report to the Maine 

 Seed Improvement Association. 



C. R. LElvAND, 



Secretary. 



Voted, that the report of the secretary be accepted and placed 

 on file. 



