NINTH ANNUAL MEETING. 15 



of much pleasure and practical value, while a tour of the 

 extensive orchards of Messrs. Merriman, Rogers and 

 Gridley furnished valuable object lessons for all. 



The last outdoor gathering of the year was at the Con- 

 necticut Agricultural College, at Storrs, in September. 

 While not so fully attended as some of the others, those 

 who did attend, had a splendid opportunity to become 

 acquainted with this important institution — "the farmers' 

 own college." All viewed with much interest the work 

 being carried on in the Horticultural Department under 

 direction of Professor Gulley, and all appreciated as well 

 the kindness and hospitality shown us by the entire faculty 

 and friends at Storrs. 



Following up the success achieved in our first exhibi- 

 tion of '98, arrangements were early begun for the second 

 annual fall exhibit, which took place at Meriden October 3 

 and 4, 1899. The different features and the results of that 

 meeting are so fresh in your minds that I need not speak 

 of them in detail. Suffice it to say that as regards an 

 attractive display of fine, perfect fruits, this exhibit has 

 never been equalled in the State of Connecticut. Even so 

 high an authority as Mr. Geo. T. Powell of New York 

 State, who was present as a speaker and expert judge, was 

 obliged to confess that "the show of apples was the besf 

 he "had seen anyivhere that season." 



As showing the interest manifested in the exhibition by 

 the fruit growers, there were very nearly 500 separate 

 entries. The premium list amounted to $368.85, and the 

 total awards were $274. In only one particular did this 

 exhibition lack of being a complete success, and that was 

 in point of attendance. It seems unfortunate that all who 

 directly or indirectly are interested in horticulture did not 

 avail themselves of the rare privilege and valuable object 

 lessons afforded them in this grand show. Doubtless some 

 mistakes were made in this, our second attempt in exhibi- 

 tions, but, after considering it all, I believe we should 

 have the courage to continue these annual fruit exhibits. 



Responding to a very pressing invitation from the 

 Higganum Grange, the Society met in that town January 

 31. Well attended and productive of much profit and 



