STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 99 



the initiative in creating desire for this industry, assi.^ting in 

 fqrmulating- plans for the building of substantial greenhouses, 

 and offering more liberal premiums upon a greatly increased 

 variety of blossoming plants. 



Another line of work suggests itself as bearing directly upon 

 markets, yet outside the established lines already attempted, and 

 that is to urge upon the officials at our agricultural fairs the vital 

 importance of offering more liberal premiums on fruits, flowers 

 and vegetables. 



The great bulk of the revenue at nearly all fairs is devoted 

 to the vaudeville and the races, and only the merest pittance paid 

 to him who grows the substantial or cultivates the beautiful. 

 From fifty cents to one dollar is the maximum premium in the 

 fruit, vegetable and floral department, while the races call for 

 purses reaching into the hundreds. It is folly to waste time in 

 regrets over this condition unless there follows some well 

 digested movement towards reform. This feature of our fairs, 

 important in the highest degree, is steadily dropping out and 

 solely for the reason that its value to the State and importance 

 to the exhibition is not appreciated. 



When we attempt any discussion of markets all these factors 

 enter in and call for recognition, and until each receives its full 

 measure of support, 'and all conditions are made favorable for 

 the furthering of the industry in all departments, the organization 

 which stands as the representative of these varied industries is 

 derelict of duty. If in the past it has not been considered the 

 duty of this body to assist in correcting these conditions, the time 

 has surely come when the scope of its field of operations may 

 well be extended, and assistance given along all lines leading to 

 broader* markets. 



Every grower of farm products is helped when the essential 

 quality of Maine products is known to the widest possible range 

 of readers and visitors, and as this impression is backed by the 

 quality of the goods put on the market, a permanent and grow- 

 ing trade is assured. 



Looking to the future and realizing the sure outcome from 

 the greatest possible development of the fruits, flowers and other 

 farm products, the next step by this body is clearly indicated. 



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