STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 7 



made very pleasant and profitable in consequence of this hospi- 

 tality and suggests in emphatic terms the desirability of more 

 general field work in connection with our meetings and exhibi- 

 tions. 



The executive committee were unanimous in declining the 

 invitation from the trustees of the State Agricultural Society 

 to hold the usual autumn exhibition in connection with the State 

 Fair. The terms proposed were of such a nature as to make the 

 cost of the exhibition more than our society could afford to pay. 

 A circular in detail was prepared by the secretary and sent out 

 to members, during the summer. 



In the absence of authority to do otherwise the executive com- 

 mittee decided to hold the autumn exhibition and winter meef- 

 ing together, and by invitation of Skowhegan Grange we 

 assembled in their beautiful and well equipped halls. The suc- 

 cess of this meeting suggests, that it may be better hereafter to 

 have the annual exhibition occur at a time when it is possible to 

 show the public the superlative excellence of Maine fruit instead 

 of half grown, poorly colored specimens, that can only do the 

 cause of fruit growing irreparable injury in the future as they 

 have done in the past. 



LEGISLATION AGAINST INSECTS AND FUNGI. 



In several states the injuries sustained by the attacks of insects 

 and the growth of fimgi have resulted in the passage of laws to 

 control and so far as possible destroy these common foes. The 

 laws in some cases make it the duty of orchardists and others to 

 destroy the pests found on their own premises. Other states, 

 like Massachusetts and California, have made liberal appropria- 

 tions with which to fight and destroy troublesome insects and 

 fungi. Feeling that these matters are not local, there are many 

 who are now urging upon Congress the passage of general laws 

 that shall apply to all the states. Fruit growers in other states 

 have solicited the influence of our society to insure the same, 

 but as yet no action has been taken in the matter. The time 

 seems drawing near when there will be a demand for something 

 of the sort. 



