TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL MEETING. g 



ly lacking for any reliable and complete figures of the size 

 and growth of the orchard industry of the state. 



3. As a Society, we may well consider, and 1 believe 

 undertake, the co-operative buying of supplies for our mem- 

 bers. Some of our members who are large growers 

 and consequently large users of fertilizers, spraying supplies, 

 etc., have already tried the plan of buying together, with suc- 

 cess ; why cannot such a plan be extended to all the members, 

 provided no orders for less than carload lots at any one point 

 are accepted. This would be practical co-operation, and 

 ought to give all the benefit of large orders and lowest prices. 



4. We should appoint a permanent committee on co- 

 operation, whose business it shall be to study and report on 

 the co-operative handling of our fruit. 



This may seem like a step far in advance, but as pro- 

 duction increases, especially of apples, and comp^etition in 

 the larger markets becomes keener, such a move will be 

 forced upon our growers, and there is much to be gained by 

 being ready to solve the question when that time arrives. 



5. Our growers need instruction in better methods of 

 packing their fruits for the market. This matter of proper 

 grading and packing is one of the weakest points in New 

 England fruit growing to-day, and our members are entitled 

 to the best help that- can be given them on this question, 

 which is of the most vital importance to every man who 

 would secure the highest returns from his fruit. 



Finally, let us have the greatest faith in our organiza- 

 tion, and let us support it loyally and avail ourselves of all 

 its advantages. True, it cannot accomplish miracles, but if 

 through such organizations as this Society farmers learn to 

 work together, trust each other better, have a deeper faith 

 in their calling — in short, to labor together for their own 

 interests, then shall dawn a really "New Era in Agriculture." 



Your Secretary desires to sincerely thank all who hctve 

 assisted and encouraged him in the work and have borne 

 with his many shortcomings, and in the years to come may 



