REPORT OF STATE HORTICULTURIST. 



To the Hon. J. P. Buckley, Commissioner of Agriculture: 



I herewith submit my second annual report as State Horticul- 

 turist for the year 19 12. 



Early in the year Mr. G. A. Yeaton, the Assistant Horticul- 

 turist, resigned to accept another position, and much difficulty 

 was experienced in obtaining a capable man for the position 

 which he had so ably filled. Mr. H. P. Sweetser of Cumberland 

 Center was finally chosen and has proven a very valuable man 

 in the work. To each of these men I wish to extend my warm 

 appreciation for their hearty cooperation at all times. 



The results from this season's work are very encouraging 

 and the interest and enthusiasm manifested in many sections 

 argue well for the rapid improvement in our fruit. The num- 

 ber of growers who have sprayed their trees is much larger 

 than heretofore, and, wdiile there remains a great deal to be 

 accomplished along this line, the prejudice is being overcome 

 by results shown. More realize the absolute necessity of apply- 

 ing the spray mixtures at certain times and within limited peri- 

 ods, if good results are to be obtained. 



Lime-sulphur has been used more than any other fungicide 

 and has given good satisfaction. Bordeaux Mixture has been 

 used sparingly, mainly for the scab spray, and has not been a 

 successful material when used later in the season. Arsenate 

 of lead has been found to burn the foliage somewhat this 

 year, but has not done serious damage, and is still the most 

 satisfactory insecticide. 



The unsprayed fruit was not as good as during the previous 

 season, mainly because of climatic conditions. It was much 

 subject to scab, fruit spot and other diseases. This is also true 

 of the sprayed fruit where the regular scab spray was omitted. 

 The red varieties, after a spring two weeks late, and a damp, 

 rather cloudy summer, did not mature as early as they did the 



