32 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



woman and child in America and abroad, that we can reach, 

 have had all the apples they need or can eat. But there is such 

 a thing as under-consumption; and we suffer from both. 



One of the best ways to correct over-produotion is to adver- 

 tise the apple and increase consumption. And the plan pro- 

 posed iby the International Apple Shippers' Association to sell 

 stamps to be placed on barrels and boxes, the proceeds to be 

 used in an active advertising campaign, is a good sound busi- 

 ness proposition, and should meet with the assistance of the 

 growers of our state. The only good adverse criticism I have 

 heard of the so-called stamp act is that, as usual, it all comes 

 out of the producer. But we have grown accustomed to that. 

 Proper distribution, fortunately for us all, has at last been 

 recognized by the government, and the agricultural depart- 

 ment now realizes that while the man who can show us how 

 to grow a good red apple where poor ones grew before is 

 a public benefactor, he also will be a benefactor who can solve 

 the problem as to how the grower can secure sixty cents in- 

 stead of thirt}'-five cents of the consumer's dollar. 



We are partly to blame for the present condition ourselves, 

 in not cooperating for our mutual protection. The success of 

 so many who have tried it, proves it a part solution of the trou- 

 ble. An old farmer said to me a short time ago, "This talk of 

 cooperation may be all right, but oxen and horses don't work 

 well together." I agree with him; but in such cases why not 

 have a separate association for each? 



The city press would have its readers believe that part of 

 the high cost of living can be laid at the door of the cold stor- 

 age warehouses, which are, in reality, an equalizer of prices, 

 and a necessity to the fruit business. In fact, I consider cold 

 storage such a necessity that I again urge upon our members 

 some action, at this meeting, looking to the future establish- 

 ment of some local storehouses through the fruit belt. I am 

 firmly convinced that concentrated action along this line will 

 bring results. 



Our insect pests and fungus troubles seem to multiply, and 

 your officers this year have tried, in the program to be pre- 

 sented to you, to cover the important ones, and have been 

 fortunate in securing the best authorities in the country to 

 instruct us in the best and latest methods to combat them. I 



