STATD rOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 27 



into the future and see somewhat along the line of possibilities 

 what we have shown to us here today ; and he, I am sure, for I 

 have heard him so state, looks into the future still further and 

 anticipates for Maine fruit and its growers more triumphs than 

 have yet been won. 



The industry then was in its infancy. Sometimes I think that 

 it has not outgrown its infancy ; but, at the same time, when I 

 find how many men there are in the State who have benefited 

 by the teachings of the society and the inspiration which they 

 have gained from attending our meetings and reading our trans- 

 actions, I am sure we can see that we have accomplished much. 

 I regret that we have not accomplished much more, but that we 

 have not accomplished many things is not our fault. 



Our Society, and the fruit growers of the State, are faced by 

 important fruit problems today. I don't know why it is, but 

 somehow it seems that every step we advance, the next step is 

 more difficult. It is the plan of the great Creator, I believe, to 

 make us work harder and work better. 



But we are doing all we can to meet these problems, and our 

 program for this meeting is shaped so far as possible to meet 

 these questions, these difficulties, where we can not only give 

 you some good lectures by eminent authorities but mutually con- 

 verse upon these subjects and bring out the difficulties. I know 

 the people of Dexter will be well pleased with the program. We 

 have flattered ourselves thai, it is an exceedingly good one ; and 

 I anticipate that as one result of our meeting here you will go to 

 your homes much wiser in fruit culture than you are now. 



Franklin county is one of the smaller counties in the State, 

 but the fruit growers of the county this year will receive over 

 $200,000 for their apple crop, and it is the largest item in the way 

 of agricultural products that our county has ever had in any one 

 year. 



I can assure you again that we are exceedingly glad to be here. 

 We know we are going to have a good meeting and we hope 

 that your anticipations will not be disappointed. 



Now, thanking you still further for your cordial invitation, 

 sir, and realizing, as I have already said, that we shall have a 

 good meeting, I gladly give way to those who are to follow. 



