STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 5 



also suggests that the Society deserves the active co-operation of 

 all interested in the welfare of the State. If its membership could 

 be doubled, its usefulness could largely be increased. 



So far as possible it is the intention of the officers of the Society 

 to make its work aggressive, firmly believing the industry it repre- 

 sents to be in its infancy. With this in view they have had a wide 

 correspondence with fruit growers and the officers of other societies. 

 They have also by all means possible endeavored to advance sound 

 business principles in growing fruit and in preparing the same for 

 market. They realize the importance of establishing a reputation 

 for Maine apples in the markets of the world, and with this in view, 

 they have urged the growing of the best varieties in the best man- 

 ner and the most careful packing of the fruit before it leaves the 

 farm. Should their ideas prevail, the^^ believe the buyer would need 

 no other guaranty than that the fruit he was buying was grown and 

 packed by an honest Maine fruit grower. The officers have also 

 endeavored to cultivate pleasant, social intercourse among fruit 

 growers at their various public gatherings. The results have been 

 very gratifying. 



The present volume is arranged similar to that of the previous 

 year, so that as far as possible the business transactions are placed 

 together, the papers and discussions offered at the meetings being 

 arranged not in the order of presentation but rather with reference 

 to their subjects. 



It would be of great assistance to the officers of the Society if 

 the fruit growers of Maine would send them items of interest relat- 

 ing to fruit culture. The possibilities of this industry are not yet 

 understood by the public, nor are they fully comprehended by our 

 farmers. Information sent to the Secretary, stating the results of 

 fruit growing would be very helpful, for as yet we have had no 

 statistics bearing on fruit culture. It is also a pleasure to the 

 officers of the Society to hear from those who desire information 

 upon fruit subjects, for they are frequently able to render the 



inquirers a valuable service. 



D. H. K. 



