NINETEENTH ANNUAL MEETING. J 



There is thus presented to this Society an opportunity, un- 

 paralleled, which we should promptly grasp, of being of di- 

 rect practical benefit to those unacquainted with the state, 

 desiring' to take up fruit growing in our midst. Your Pub- 

 licity Committee, appointed at the last annual meeting, has 

 done some excellent work, and two leaflets are offered you 

 which it is proposed to give wide circulation throughout 

 the entire country. Your Society made a large exhibit, in 

 the interests of the state, at this New England Fruit Show, 

 consisting of a car load of all kinds of Connecticut grown 

 fruit available at that season of the year. 



I am proud to say that Connecticut stood in the front 

 rank, as ever, in quality, variety, character and tasteiulness 

 of display. I wish at this time to publicly acknowledge the 

 free contribution of fruit and more especially of cash in con- 

 siderable amounts, also cash and trophies for special pre- 

 miums, all of which assisted your Society very materially 

 to make a creditable exhibit. In addition to the state exhib- 

 it above referred to, there was a goodly number of individual 

 displays which carried off a fair share of first premiums, 

 competing with all New England. 



Your Society has held a number of meetings in all parts 

 of the state during the past year which have been well at- 

 tended, thus showing a desire for knowledge and a broader 

 view of life. It is necessary and important that all the agri- 

 cultural interests in the state work in harmony. Whatever 

 is of benefit to one is of benefit to all. United we stand, 

 divided we fall. Let us remember that old fable of the 

 bundle of sticks. 



I wish again to emphasize the necessity of applying 

 business methods to our work. There is no business of 

 more varied interests, and requiring a wider range of knowl- 

 edge than agriculture. It is an honored calling and once 

 stood in the front rank before the public. If we would re- 

 tain that position we must show the public that we are 

 worthy of it. We must think and work and act along 



