94 state: poaiological society. 



iiess of the clanger, as soon as the presence of the brown-tail 

 moth in the State became known. The emergency was met in 

 the best manner possible, without the least delay, and at small 

 expense to the State, and all was accomplished that could be at 

 that time. We are now on the eve of a legislative session and 

 the further steps necessary must be provided for by the passage 

 of such laws and making of such appropriations as will make 

 possible the thorough and continuous protection of the State 

 until these pests are finally destroyed. Every lover of the shade 

 trees as well as grower of fruit, has need to be aroused to the 

 danger now threatening and the importance of protecting our 

 markets as well as homes and forests, by guarding jealously our 

 trees, and this society can do no less than devote its energies to 

 the spreading of knowledge regarding the danger, and to a dis- 

 cussion of the best measures looking to complete protection. 



Although as yet the brown-tail moth is confined to isolated 

 spots they spread rapidly, while, because of the location of their 

 nests in the top, and at the extreme ends of the highest branches 

 of the tall elms, their extermination becomes a difficult problem, 

 with the desired end somewhere in the dim future. Our mar- 

 kets are in danger, our trees are in danger, the fruit industry is 

 in danger and this society the only one specifically interested, 

 hence here is room and call for active efforts not to be dela3'ed. 

 While there may be danger from excess of paternalism in the 

 affairs of the State or nation, it surely cannot be claimed that 

 we have yet reached the danger line in protecting our fruit and 

 fruit trees. This society may well go to the coming legislature 

 prepared to insist upon favorable action along the lines indi- 

 cated, and surely to initiate measures which, when they become 

 laws, will result in the uniform grading of Maine fruit. Today 

 this is a hap-hazard, hit-or-miss practice, no two packers having 

 the same standard, and worse than all. a large quantity of our 

 choicest fruit going out of the State without being properly 

 branded, or, what is worse, carrying a foreign name, while the 

 seconds go abroad as Maine Baldwins. 



Unless there is activity on the part of those specially inter- 

 ested there is grave danger that the name "Maine" will come 

 to be established in the great markets as indicating second quality 

 fruit. Growers have for vears been selling their Baldwins and 



