84 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



Proper attention to the propagation of present varieties is 

 also doubtless a most efficient means of great improvement, but 

 in due time there will be more definite evidence on this impor- 

 tant matter. 



With further reference to developing new varieties with a 

 view to securing more valuable types, I want to urge upon this 

 society the importance of this matter. Apparently the Baldwin, 

 your most important commercial variety, is only barely hardy 

 enough to withstand the climatic conditions which are likely 

 to occur almost any winter. In fact, reports appear to indicate 

 that the Baldwin tree has suffered serious injury in some parts 

 of Maine several times during the past lo years. The develop- 

 ing of a variety or varieties that shall possess all of the good 

 points of the Baldwin and at the same time be better in dessert 

 quality and hardier in tree would doubtless add untold value 

 to the apple interests of Maine. That such an aim is possible 

 of attainment there is no reason to doubt. The road to this 

 end might be a long one. Then all the more reason for haste 

 in beginning the work. The possibilities and the end in view 

 are such as to empbatic?dly justify the giving of early atten- 

 tion to it and when this society supports such a movement with 

 its influence and its demands, it will, in my judgment, be taking 

 a most important step forward in the future welfare of apple 

 growing in Maine, 



