22 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



ulated in having such fruit to present there, and then in having 

 a man who is wilHng to take off his coat and go to work against 

 seemingly large obstacles, and formulate and systematize the 

 work and put it before the people at that show. 



You have also what has been referred to tonight as your state 

 experimental farm. Now in that matter you are distinctively 

 ahead of any other state in New England, and I want to say 

 right here that I believe that is going to be an immense benefit 

 to the State of Maine. If it is ably and honestly and efficiently 

 conducted it may be one of the most potent factors in the de- 

 velopment of pomological matters in this state. And I beg to 

 caution you to keep your eyes upon it and see that it is mnde a 

 power not only in agricultural matters but also in horticultural 

 affairs. 



Then another point in which Maine is distinctively in advance 

 of other states in New England is in the matter of state legis- 

 lation regarding the grading and packing of fruit. This is an- 

 other matter upon which New^ England should act as a unit, but 

 it seems that you are a little bit in advance of the procession 

 and that you have set the pace in that direction. And while 

 perhaps your bill may be immature and incomplete, I believe it is 

 the entering wedge and that it will be a great benefit to the fruit 

 growing interests of Maine, and I congratulate you in having 

 it. It is going to work hardship to no man or fruit grower. 

 Tho?e who have objected to any such measures are those whose 

 objection should not carry great weight. Those wdio are hon- 

 est in their desires to have the fame of Maine fruit known 

 abroad, and favorably known, have been m favor of it. 



Now as to conditions which enter into the making of better 

 fruit in New England, I want to say just a few words on the 

 economic side. And first of all, we who are engaged in agri- 

 culture and horticulture should have a larger faith in our own 

 soils and climates and conditions. We do not realize the pos- 

 sibilities that are in our soil, and in our climate, and in the con- 

 ditions about u^;, such as markets, etc. And last of all. we 

 should have faith in ourselves to work out those things. 



Coming down from Boston I read a chapter in a book which 

 I purchased there on a miracle of self confidence. And I wish 

 everyone could read that chapter. The book is called "Peace, 

 Power and Plenty," and although it deals with economic sub- 



