14 AGRICULTIRE OF MATXK. 



ment of our live stock interests has been in the hands of Mr. 

 F. S. Adams, whose practical as well as scientific knowledge has 

 enabled him to make his work successful. 



The work of dairy inspection was in the hands of Mr. 

 Russell S. Smith up to October, when he retired to accept a 

 position in the Dairy Division at Washington. Mr. Smith was 

 always zealous in the work of raising the standard of Maine 

 dairy products. His departure was a distinct loss to the depart- 

 ment and the state. On his retirement the work of dairy 

 inspection was placed in the hands of Mr. A. M. G. Soule, in 

 connection with the inspection of other foods. Reference is 

 had to the reports of Mr. Adams and Mr. Smith. 



HORTICULTURE. 



The fruit interests of the state are yearly assuming increased 

 importance. No state in our broad country can surpass or equal 

 Maine in the quality of her orchard products. We have many 

 thousand acres of hill country that are especially adapted to the 

 production of the finest apples that grow. It is gratifying to 

 note that our orchardists are recognizing this fact and are 

 working to place the orchard business of the state on a business 

 basis. In this connection we wish to recognize the great work 

 the Maine Pomological Society is doing. Its annual exhibition 

 this year, held in the City Hall, Bangor, greatly surpassed all 

 former exhibitions, both in quantity and quality of fruit shown. 

 The work in this department has been under the State Horti- 

 culturist, Mr. A. K. Gardner, and his assistant, Mr. H. P. 

 Sweetser. Their efiforts have been untiring and we believe they 

 have given universal satisfaction to the fruit growers of the 

 state. Reference is had to their report, to the report of the 

 great meeting held in Auburn and to the transactions of the 

 Pomological Society. 



PEST ACT. 



The unexpected discovery of powd^ery scab in Aroostook 

 county, the sudden appearance of the army worm and other 

 insects, pests and diseases destructive to vegetation indicate 

 strongly the need of legislation designed to prevent, control and 

 exterminate such insects, pests and diseases. We suggest the 



