i6 THE CONNECTICUT POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 



to be opposed to the law, most of the other opponents being 

 disgruntled owners of single trees or small groups of them, 

 who would rather have disease and death among their trees 

 than to , receive suggestions and help from the state. The 

 owners of over 90 per cent, of the trees in the state were 

 against repeal. Commercial orchardists and well-informed 

 amateurs eradicate the disease at first sight, for their own 

 and their neighbors' protection ; but only the strong arm of 

 the state can guard these orchards and the choice fruit of 

 many a private garden against the spread of disease from 

 over the fence on the grounds of a careless or unthinking 

 man, who, while he would not directly rob nor wrong his 

 neighbor, wants the privilege of maintaining diseased trees 

 that will do it just as effectually, The larger commercial 

 growers, with so much at stake, studied the disease and the 

 ruinous effects of its blighting spread, and were alert at all 

 times to pull out and burn diseased trees promptly. 



The law was most helpful to small orchardists and 

 those who want a few peach trees for the family supply; 

 these need the enlightenment and protection of the law. 



The one great blessing of 1896 was the apple crop, — the 

 most abundant for many years and more than usually free 

 from imperfections. Prices ruled very low and net cash 

 returns were not so great as in former years ; but the great 

 crop caused us to seek wider markets, and a trade has been 

 established that will be of lasting benefit. In 1896, many 

 small towns all through the south had apples in car-lots for 

 the first time, and, in future years, will take many more at 

 higher prices. 



With good culture, proper feeding, spraying and thin- 

 ning, the apple is still the king of fruits for Connecticut. 

 With careful grading and honest packing it will always be 

 a safe and sure money crop and that, too, on much of our 

 rough, hilly land that is of little value for other crops. 



Cherry planting has been greatly neglected. In nearly 

 every home where land is sufficient there is a need of from 

 two to six cherry trees, right away, this coming spring ; 

 while, if grown as a commercial crop, our markets are ready 

 for the product of many thousands of trees. 



The new race of Japan plums still continues promising. 



