STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 3I 



Two years ago at your urgent solicitation, and against my 

 own best wishes, I accepted this honorable position and in ac- 

 cordance with my pubHc declaration at that time shall turn the 

 duties over to my successor at the close of these sessions. The 

 complete harmony of purpose and loyalty of every officer and 

 member have made possible the remarkable exhibitions held 

 and the high character of every session. In this short period of 

 time the scope of our annual exhibitions has been radically 

 enlarged. I bespeak for my successor the same cordial, hearty 

 support so fully accorded me, pledging my earnest co-operation 

 in promoting whatever will best build up the fruit interest of 

 this good old State. That interest is only in its infancy. Wisely 

 fostered and carefully guarded and protected Maine can easily 

 "be placed first of all the eastern states in volume of production 

 as it is today in the natural quality of its product. Our objec- 

 tive point must be a live, positive, aggressive fruit sentiment 

 spreading yearly, insuring proper care of all orchards, better 

 knowledge of the principles of cultivation and fertilization, com- 

 plete protection from pests and diseases by spraying, a wise and 

 effective law insuring a true pack, a clean grade, and honest 

 Ibrand upon every closed package and behind all this thoroughly 

 organized local fruit shippers' associations to lift the burdens 

 from the individual grower and insure fair returns for every 

 package. Then, with ten million barrels yearly as our contribu- 

 tion to hungry consumers we shall, through united effort, make 

 the fruit industry a constant mine of wealth and our praise will 

 be in all the mouths of a grateful public. 



"You can climb to the top of the loftiest hill 



If you work; 

 You can make of yourself whatsoever you will 



If you work: 

 A faith you must have rooted deep in your soul, 

 A purpose unshaken, a firm self-control, 

 Strife on without ceasing, you'll reach to the goal, 



If you work." 



