I08 AGRICULTURE OK MAINE. 



Deming Pump Company, Salem, Ohio 50.00 



Charles J. Jager Company, Boston, Mass 50.00 



Portland Farmers' Club, Portland, Maine 50.00 



FXIMINATION OF SOME OF THE ORCHARDS. 



One hundred and seventy-eight farmers entered orchards in 

 the contest. During the past four years, members of the 

 Bureau of Horticulture have made frequent visits to the or- 

 chards. Many contestants encountered serious difficulties and 

 some withdrew each year. 



During the summer of 1913, nearly all of the orchards were 

 visited by two of the judges who are also members of the 

 Bureau of Horticulture, and at that time comparative values 

 were obtained through the use of a score card especially pre- 

 pared for this work. Owing to the lack of sufficient funds, it 

 seemed expedient to eliminate all unnecessary expense. To 

 accomplish this end it was deemed advisable to visit only the 

 orchards which with the best of care and favorable conditions 

 might have a possible chance for one of the premiums, and also 

 those not visited in 19 13. A circular letter was sent to all the 

 contestants who would be excluded, giving the complete score 

 of their orchard, their relative standing, and asking their con- 

 sent to the plan. With the cooperation of the growers to this 

 plan it was found necessary to visit only sixty-five orchards. 



TRANSPORTATION. 



With the approval of the State Auditor, Mr. Callahan, 

 arrangements were made for a driver and the Ford car of Mr. 

 A. A. Conant, Hebron, Maine. 



SCORE CARD. 



A. In judging the orchards a score card was essential and 

 after considering the values of different factors governing the 

 relative rating, the committee adopted such a card. 



B. Copy of card. 



