THIRTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING. 3 



size or shape that would be desirable. Another year or two 

 will probably be required to determine just what is wanted. 



Probably the most interesting occurrence of the season was 

 the remarkable second crop of strawberries. Without question 

 that is the most noticeable freak of that valuable fruit since it 

 has been under cultivation. It was not confined to New Eng- 

 land, but occurred all over the northeastern United States where 

 strawberries are grown. To account for this second crop, 

 which, in some sections, and on some varieties, almost equalled 

 the usual one, many reasons have been advanced, none of which 

 it seems to me to definitely explain it, nor can I add anything 

 to make it more clear. It is safe to say that years will elapse 

 before New York market reports will again regularly quote 

 home-grown strawberries in September and October ; or that 

 such an exhibit of this fruit will be found at our annual fair 

 as was on the tables at Berlin last fall. Probably the most 

 interesting question to arise from this peculiar crop is as to the 

 efifect upon the product on those bearing beds next season. 



The San Jose scale is still the leading insect topic discussed 

 by the horticulturist. P)Ut we have the assurance that extensive 

 experiments made the past season have demonstrated that the 

 insect con be controlled, if not eradicated, with reasonable out- 

 lay, but that only the thorough operator will be successful. The 

 details of this work will be presented later in the session. 



The Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commission of Con- 

 necticut placed the preparing and making of the pomological 

 exhibit from this State in the charge of this Society, and placed 

 'at its disposal funds for the purpose. To make that display 

 there has been collected and is now in cold storage something 

 over 100 barrels of apples, which will be used during the earlier 

 part of the Exposition. This collection embraces the principal 

 valuable varieties grown in the State, and will be supplemented 

 by fruit of the coming season as soon as mature. Visitors 

 there will be able to compare our New England apples with 

 the home-grown fruits of the land of "the big red apple" and 

 upon its own territor\-. I trust the comparison will be favor- 

 able in all respects for eastern-grown fruit. The annual 

 exhibitions of this Society have become one of its most impor- 

 tant features. Under the present plan of holding them in 

 connection with the fairs of other regular organizations of the 

 State, they are proving great sources of education and pleasure. 



