STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 129 



"Although we do not wish to issue cast-iron rules or provide 

 for a whole lot of red tape, we do believe that if we are in the 

 forward movement for better fruit for Maine, and if we would 

 place our fruit on a par with that of our western neighbors, 

 we must adopt the best methods known to the fruit industry. 

 We must gain the confidence of our commission men and the 

 consuming public before we can hope to make a success with 

 our apples. Our first duty is to thoroughly renovate our present 

 orchards and then enter this contest to show that we believe 

 in the possibilities of our Maine grown apples. \Ne have the 

 best of soil, as good a climate as can be found, for many choice 

 varieties, and one of the best markets o^f the world at our very 

 doors. Why should not Maine lead in this important industry 

 that means so much to the health as well as profit of our people? 



We will outline some of tlie essential points to be considered, 

 in entering this contest. 



SELECTING STOCK. 



It is left with each contestant to make his own selection of 

 any standard varieties, the Ben Davis excepted. Of course 

 much depends upon the right selection. If one wishes for a 

 home orchard alone, he wants to select those varieties that ap- 

 peal to him or his family, for we do not all have the same taste 

 in this regard ; but one should use his best judgment and select 

 those tliat would give fn.iit for the table frori early fall to late 

 summer. This would require but few varieties, providing they 

 were well selected. If a commercial orchard is planned, and 

 that is what is most desired in this campaign, we would recom- 

 mend but one variety, providing it be a strong polenizer; if 

 not, it would be well to set every fifth row to some variety 

 that blossomed at the same time and was rich in pollen. Those 

 who enter this contest should plan to make this acre the nu- 

 cleus of an extensive commercial orchard and start where 

 additions could be made from year to year as desired. 



This stock should be of the first qualit3^ preferably two years 

 ^old, sitraight, of good top formation and with plenty of roots. 

 It is very essential that stock be selected at the earliest possible 

 moment, as there is a great scarcity of standard apple trees 

 in the market." 



