12 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



The pears shown were of good qualit}', and the interest shown in 

 this part of the exhibition clearly indicates that the people of Maine 

 are realizing that they can raise their own pears. There were fine 

 specimens of plums, though not as man}- varieties as sometimes 

 shown. 



There was an unusually large and effective display of flowers and 

 plants. These were arranged by President Pope and his assistants 

 with great taste, and the exhibition as a whole was well arranged 

 and attractive to visitors. During the first day the storm clouds 

 burst over the fair grounds and at intervals the rain poured down 

 through the week. This kept many from bringing in exhibits and 

 very materially reduced the number of visitors. 



There were several collections of fruit from Aroostook county. 

 It is gratifying to note that gradually more fruit is being produced 

 there. The specimens were not large, but some were of good size 

 and quality. It is especially pleasant to the members of our society 

 to welcome Aroostook people among our exhibitors. 



There were insufficient assurances for us to announce in advance 

 that the Hon. Henry E. Van Deman, Pomologist of the Agricultural 

 Department was expected, but this only made his presence all the 

 more agreeable when he actually arrived among us. The fruit- 

 growers of the State were delighted to meet him, and to welcome 

 him to the Pine Tree State. About the fruit tables he rendered 

 efficient service in the identification of varieties, and freely imparted 

 to all any information he possessed. He expressed himself as 

 agreeably disappointed with the quality of our fruit, and did not 

 hesitate to assure us that fruit growing ough. to be more generally 

 extended in the State. At our evening meeting Mr. Van Deman 

 gave the fruit growers a valuable lecture on the industry and the 

 work of his department. We only regret that more of our fruit 

 growers did not meet him while here. Since meeting with us he 

 has shown an active interest in all that affects the industry in the 

 State and heartily co-operates with us in every effort to promote it. 

 His visit will be remembered with pleasure by the officers especially, 

 who will be delighted to meet him or anj' of his official associates in 

 Maine hereafter. 



