96 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



from all parts of the State were present and one of the most 

 profitable field meetings was enjoyed by all. 



During the year the Society has lost by death one of our 

 most respected and esteemed members, Ex-President Z. A. 

 Gilbert of Greene. It would be very appropriate for those of 

 us assembled here in the annual meeting of 19 12 to remember 

 that to him and his associates we owe a debt of gratitude and 

 appreciation for their grand work as pioneers in this depart- 

 ment of agriculture and for the safe and sure foundation they 

 laid for a permanent organization solely devoted to the fruit 

 interests of Maine. In all this they manifested great fore- 

 sight and wisdom in recognizing the splendid advantages to fruit 

 growers arising from the natural adaptability of the soil and 

 climate of the State of States. 



This present exhibition is a rare and fitting tribute to dieir 

 much appreciated services. 



During the year there has been more interest manifer5ted by 

 the fruit growers of the State to avail themselves of the advan- 

 tages of membership in the Society. 



We have at present 132 life members and 40 annual mem- 

 bers, being the largest number of annual members before our 

 annual meeting, het us use our best efforts to make it 250 

 life and 250 annual members before the close of this year, 

 making a total of 500. 



Our reports for 191 1 have just been received and will soon 

 be mailed. 



In conclusion let me suggest that as we are about to enter 

 upon a Legislative Session, the fruit growers should remembei 

 that no one else will look out for the fruit industry of the 

 State but the growers themselves. Let us then be up and doing, 

 continually. 



Respectfully submitted, 



E. L. WHITE. 



