ANNUAL REPORT. 263 



that he was glad to see so many present. He said that the 

 benefit of these gatherings is very largely in getting away 

 from our more or less narrow conditions at home, and meet- 

 ing our fellow farmers, which must result in broader views 

 and greater encouragement to do better work in the future. 



Prof. Gulley was next introduced and welcomed the 

 visitors in a hearty manner. He said the object of inviting 

 the society to come to Storrs was to enable the fruit growers 

 to see the college, study its work, and learn what it is doing 

 for the boys and girls of the state. He referred to the out" 

 break of "black knot" and "peach yellows," which just now is 

 somewhat serious on plum and peach trees and suggested that 

 its recurrence is upsetting some of our former theories re- 

 garding fruit diseases, and is forcing us to study these 

 problems anew. 



Mr. George A. Hopson of Wallingford, a trustee of the 

 college, was called upon and responded briefly. He was fol- 

 lowed by Mr. H. G. Manchester of Winsted, who also is a 

 trustee. Mr. Manchester said that his specialty is more in the 

 line of consuming fruit than in growing it. He spoke a good 

 word for the college and said he was proud to have been a 

 student here. 



The next speaker was Mr. Charles E. Steele of New 

 Britain, well known for his success in preserving and canning 

 fruits for market. He spoke as one interested in the cutlure 

 or fruits and in the work of the society. He referred to 

 the importance of forestry in this country, and the respect 

 and veneration we should have for trees, and for the natural 

 beauties of our state. Mr. Steele said we waste too much of 

 our fruit crops. The windfalls and imperfect fruit should be 

 preserved in the form of juices, canned and dried fruits, all of 

 which make valuable foods. "Let there be no waste in the 

 fruit business," exclaimed Mr. Steele. 



Prof. H. W. Hillyer of Farmington. formerly of the 

 Wisconsin Agricultural College, spoke next, saying that in 

 Wisconsin the watchword is "Service to the State," and that 

 the college students have this impressed upon their minds at 



