26 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



Organization, consultation and co-operation is the slogan of the 

 manufacturer, the mine owner and the railroad magnate. 

 Whether this policy is to prove beneficial or the reverse, it is a 

 condition of the times, — a situation, not a theory. 



Education, organization and co-operation are to bring to the 

 farmer his full share of the fruit of his labors. Much along 

 this line has already been done by the Grange and kindred socie- 

 ties like the Maine Pomological Society, but much more remains 

 to be done. I believe it is the province of this society to con- 

 sider not only what varieties of fruit are the most profitable to 

 cultivate in our State and how best to overcome the many hind- 

 rances in the way of fruit raising and fruit growing, but also to 

 consider how fruit raisers are to realize the largest profits from 

 their crops. 



Again, I extend to you, one and all, a hearty welcome to the 

 hospitality of our town, and trust that your visit here may result 

 in mutual good, and that when you return to your respective 

 homes you may carry with you pleasant recollections of your 

 visit. 



RESPONSE TO ADDRESS OF WELCOME. 

 By D. H. Knowlton, Farmington. 



I can assure you, sir, and the good people of Dexter, that we 

 are exceedingly glad td be with you. We have anticipated rather 

 more this year than usual, because the invitation from the 

 Grange reached us early, so that we have had all the year to 

 think about it and anticipate it, and I can assure you that up to 

 this point we have not been disappointed in our anticipations. 



The Maine Pomological Society was organized nearly thirty 

 years ago. It was organized when the industry in the State was 

 in its infancy. Brother Gilbert, who has the honor of presiding 

 over our body at this time, had the earlier honor of being the 

 society's first president, and largely through his efiforts the 

 organization was perfected at that time, and during all these 

 years that have intervened he has been one of its warmest 

 friends and wisest counselors. He, perhaps better than many in 

 the State who were interested in fruit culture, could look forward 



