STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 45 



"Twenty-six years ago last October, at a meeting of the board 

 of agriculture in this town, the organizing of a pomological 

 society was freely discussed and a committee consisting of Z. A. 

 Gilbert, J. A. Varney and A. L. Simpson was elected to prepare 

 articles of incorporation and to be present at a meeting to be 

 called at the town of Winthrop, January 14, 1873. At that time 

 and place, the Alaine State Pomological Society was born. So 

 you meet with us, not only as an annual exhibition, but it is also 

 the 26th anniversary of your organization, lacking only a few 

 days. Knowing full well we shall be much benefited by the 

 Avise teachings and practical lectures by the members of your 

 noble organization, we again extend to you a hearty welcome 

 and trust that these meetings will be mutually helpful." 



The response was made by Secretary Knowlton, who tendered 

 the speaker and the good people of Skowhegan the thanks of the 

 society for the courtesies they were enjoying on the present 

 occasion. He briefly reviewed the work of the society and the 

 purpose for which they were meeting in Skowhegan. Some of 

 the best fruit grown in the State comes from the fertile hillsides 

 of Somerset county, and some of the most skillful fruit growers 

 are producing the fruit. It has been a matter of regret that 

 scores of these growers have not united with the society in pro- 

 moting the industry. Possibly it may, in a measure, be the 

 society's fault, inasmuch as it is meeting in the county for the first 

 time. This year the time seemed favorable for the holding of 

 the meeting here, and the programme prepared for the occasion 

 is one that bears on the present condition of fruit culture in the 

 State. It is a matter of congratulation that you have grown so 

 much fruit the past year when other parts of the State have had 

 little or none, but the foe may reach you next year and the les- 

 sons taught at this meeting may be helpful to you. It is the 

 hope of the officers of the society that you may gain the most 

 advantage possible from this gathering here. Pleasant recollec- 

 tions will be carried away from this meeting and the best wishes 

 of the society for your future success in fruit and flower culture 

 wall remain with you. Thanks for your cordial invitation, 

 thanks for your kind assistance, thanks for your hospitality that 

 has thrown open the doors of your beautiful halls and made 

 Skowhegan a favored location for a winter meeting of the 

 pomological society. 



