I20 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



Since coming into the hall this afternoon, the chairman of 

 the trustees of our society came to me and wished me in some 

 way to thank you all who have come here, especially the organ- 

 ization of the State Pomological Society, and I feel somewhat 

 incompetent to put words together to express how the people 

 must feel in regard to it. Last year, at our annual meeting, 

 the society voted to extend an invitation to the State Pomological 

 Society to meet for its next annual meeting in this place, and 

 I had the pleasure of writing that invitation, and perhaps it is 

 not altogether inappropriate that I say a few words now. Cer- 

 tainly it is a pleasure to me to say a few words along this line. 

 I can assure you from the bottom of my heart that we do appre- 

 ciate it. I can asure you that your presence, your countenances, 

 your shake of hand have enlivened us and influenced us to feel 

 that there is progress ahead in this line of work. 



And this grand exhibit, why, as the last brother said, it is a 

 surprise to me. I must say I couldn't possibly anticipate any- 

 thing of the kind. I am going to say that this exhibit is going 

 to be an impetus to send us as a county way ahead. We may 

 not realize it at once, but it certainly will. At our next annual 

 exhibit I expect to see our tables, provided it is a good year for 

 fruit, I expect to see our tables look better. I expect we will 

 have to enlarge the room to accommodate our exhibit in conse- 

 quence of this exhibit. In behalf of our society I sincerely 

 thank you. 



Now as to the town, it is not necessary for me to say a word 

 probably on this line, because I know you have all felt the appre- 

 ciation that there is felt in this village towards you for coming 

 here. I know, because I have heard it on the street since these 

 sessions began ; bankers, business men, lawyers, doctors, all 

 express the same grand sentiment, "We are glad they came 

 here." "It is a grand meeting." "It brings us up." "It is 

 lifting agriculture." Agriculture is on the rise, thank the Lord 

 for that, if I may use that expression. The agriculturists of 

 Maine feel it and we are on the rise. In behalf of Farmington, 

 I thank you. In behalf of the county I thank you. 



Mr. Gilbert: It seems to devolve upon me at this time to 

 say a few words in response to the remarks you have just listened 

 to, and also to give some information in relation to our presence 

 here and how we came to be here. 



