WORDS OF WELCOME FROM THE BOARD OF TRADE, 

 By the President, Mr. L. E. Flanders: 



Sometime ago, when your genial president, Dr. Twitchell, an- 

 nounced that your society would meet in Auburn if suitable ar- 

 rangements could be made, it gave the members of the Board 

 of Trade great pleasure to do all we could to further these plans. 

 We fully realize that your organization is composed of men 

 from all parts of the State who represent the vocation in life that 

 has been the strength and sinew of this good old Pine Tree State 

 from the time it was organized until the present time. The 

 farmers are the backbone of the State, and we note with interest 

 the way they are forging ahead. The daily press and magazines 

 are continually reporting new ideas and progress along the line 

 of fruit growing. In the western states of course there is a 

 greater variety of fruit grown, but we are glad to see Maine 

 take notice and realize that with a little care and effort she may 

 stand second to none in the product of her apples. A great 

 man)' of the orchards in years past have not received much at- 

 tention. They have been sort of a side line. But we are told 

 by good authority that if as much time were devoted to that part 

 of the farm as to the other parts Maine could easily stand first 

 along this line. 



Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to extend to 

 you, as president of the Board of Trade, a most cordial welcome, 

 and I trust that this meeting here will not only be pleasant but 

 profitable as well, and that as you return to your different homes 

 you will carry with you pleasant recollections of our city. 



Again, in behalf of the Board of Trade I extend to you a most 

 cordial welcome. 



