STATE PO^rOLOGICAI, SOCIETY. 95 



seeing the number ones packed and stamped "Canada Baldwins" 

 and the seconds "Maine Baldwins." This means that unless 

 care is taken the name, which should mean so much, will come 

 to have a commercial standing, which will in no sense indicate 

 the place where the fruit was grown, but simply the grade, and 

 this not the best. Once established it would be well-nigh impos- 

 sible to correct, but would stand for all time an obstacle in the 

 path of the producer. The dair}- workers of the State have for 

 years been obliged to contend with this commercial rating, which 

 attaches "Vermont" to th^ highest grade of dairy butter, even 

 though made in Maine ; while Maine butter, which very likely 

 was made in Vermont, sells at a lower price. This is purely a 

 commercial rating, yet it operates and must operate against the 

 Maine producer. Far more is involved in this fruit problem, for 

 the greatest bulk goes upon the foreign market, where the name 

 becomes a trade mark of inestimable value, to be most sacredly 

 guarded. 



If we are thinking only of the possible returns for the crop 

 of the present year the full significance of this will not be real- 

 ized, but I raise the note of warning and urge upon this society 

 the importance of protecting the future orchardists of Maine by 

 jealously guarding and protecting the name. When the prod- 

 ucts of our orchards reach five and ten million barrels yearly the 

 word Maine stamped upon every barrel of choice number ones 

 will have value everywhere for the individual producer. Permit 

 this name to be accepted commercially as indicating number 

 twos and you place an insurmountable obstacle in the path of 

 every aspiring grower, and cast one side the reputation of the 

 State for producing the best quality of fruit. It is time we shook 

 off the indifference so long manifest, and began a vigorous cam- 

 paign, not to cease until the superiority of Maine fruit is fixed 

 in the markets of the world. 



This exhibition, magnificent as it is, these yearly gatherings 

 of the cream of the orchards, may be pleasant occasions, but 

 shame upon us if our energies are spent in mutual admiration 

 over what these tables hold, and we fail to set in motion meas- 

 ures which will protect the State, promote the industry and pre- 

 serve our reputation for superior quality. 



