8 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



ically. We have the same markets, and cHmatic conditions are 

 similar to a large extent. With the hope of bringing about more 

 intimate relations, your Secretary invited the several societies 

 represented to send delegates to our annual meeting. The 

 proposition met with a cordial response, and as a result we had 

 with us delegates from the several societies in New England. 



It was an altogether pleasant and novel feature of the meeting, 

 and it is a pleasure to note, as will be seen by the transactions, 

 that the invitation of the Connecticut Pomological Society to 

 meet with them at Hartford at their annual meeting in February 

 was accepted. 



THE ANNUAE MEETING. 



The cordial reception given to the society and its visitors by 

 the Gardiner Board of Trade and the citizens generally was the 

 pleasantest feature of the meeting. It is pleasant and helpful m 

 this work to be among one's friends. Appreciation and courtesy 

 .are great stimulants in all our efforts in this world, which is too 

 often indifferent to the best things. 



The papers and discussions were timely and helpful and it is 

 with pleasure they are now submitted to the fruit growers of 

 the State. 



IN CONCLUSION. 



The fruit growers of the State are expecting much from the 

 society and it is right they should, for that is just what the 

 society was organized for. There are thousands of fruit grower^ 

 in the State, but since the organization only a handful, so to 

 speak, of the most enthusiastic fruit growers have united with 

 the society. Is there any good reason why so many for their 

 own assistance should expect so much from so few enthusiasts? 

 What the society now needs is the hearty support and active 

 membership of the fruit growers of I^Iaine. This would enable 

 the society to do work that it has never before undertaken. 



This report will close a long term of official life in connection 

 with the society. While there has been an increasing amount of 

 labor with each successive year, the service has been cheerfully 

 given. The results have made a good showing for the society. 

 Personally I wish to thank the members for their continued con- 

 fidence in placing the duties of the office in my charge. I also 

 wish especially to thank my official associates for their assistance 



