^TATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY- 89 



That a standing committee of five be appointed by the president, 

 secretary and treasurer, whose duty it shall be to make a revision of 

 the society's catalogue of fruits, and that the results of their inves- 

 tigations be furnished the secretary for publication. 



That our Congressmen be requested to use their influence in secur- 

 ing the passage of the bill before Congress reducing the rates of 

 .postage on seeds, bulbs and plants sent through the mails. 



That in the opinion of our respective bodies the rates of postage 

 -should be as low as the rates made for similar service in the Prov- 

 inces and other foreign countries. 



That the Secretar}' be instructed to forward a copy of the same to 

 •our members of Congress. 



On motion of Mr. Atherton a vote of thanks was extended to the 

 citizens of New Gloucester for their cordial reception extended to 

 •us, and their generous hospitality. Also to the Maine Central Rail- 

 road for reduced fares over their road. 



Mr. Haskell of New Gloucester, expressed in behalf of the citi- 

 zens, the pleasure the meetings had afforded them and thanked the 

 two organizations that had presented to them so much useful and 

 practical knowledge of fruit culture. 



PUBLIC SESSION. 



Hon Z. A. Gilbert read a paper showing the results of his in- 

 quiries regarding the Red Russet. 



THE RED RUSSET. 

 By Z. A. Gilbert. 



Several years ago I had my attention called to samples of apples 

 named Red Russet, and not then having any knowledge of this 

 variety my interest was awakened at once and I proceeded to ''read 

 up" on this variety and post myself on its merits. The history of 

 this variety, so far as known, is here given. 



Supplementing the matter of history, I sought to learn the appre- 

 ciation in which this apple was held b}^ our fruit growers. Inquiry 

 was made through the agricultural papers and resulted in the receipt 

 of letters from various parties who were growing the fruit, some of 

 which are given herewith : 



