128 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



ambition to master the difficulties and multiply the orchards, 

 and in concentrating efforts to produce only the best fruit pos- 

 sible in each locality. The problems hinted at are so profound 

 and far reaching that they may well claim our united effort 

 and in the results obtained there will surely follow clearer vision 

 touching the fundamental purpose at the conception of this con- 

 ference. Well may we of Maine rejoice in this gathering of 

 the students and workers of New England. Our welcome is 

 cordial for our obligations are fully recognized. This Society 

 is honored in this Conference of fruit interests and the industry 

 in Maine must receive a decided impetus from the presence 

 and counsels of these representative leaders from other States. 

 This is indeed a happy hour for your representative who finds 

 his most profound hopes realized in this coming together. It 

 is for us devoted to the advance of the fruit industry in Maine 

 to drink deep draughts of inspiration at this session and carry 

 to our homes the valuable lessons these gentlemen will present 

 for our consideration. We as a Society, have taken a step far 

 reaching in its significance to New England fruit interests and 

 it behooves us to set ourselves in line to realize all that is pos- 

 sible today, and in the future, as the result of this union of 

 forces for specific results. 



Asked by our Secretary to present recommendations for 

 future work, my first will be one looking to a permanent organ- 

 ization of New England workers for the specific purpose of 

 holding yearly conferences upon fruit and kindred topics; for 

 the closer acquaintance df each others' methods and for the con- 

 sideration of questions vital to the best progress of rural New 

 England. Set off in a measure by ourselves it is peculiarly 

 fortunate that we may thus unite and so wield an influence not 

 possible for either State alone. 



Time is presenting great questions for our thoughtful con- 

 sideration. Rural conditions are changing rapidly and grave 

 problems rise before the student of rural progress. The multi- 

 plicity of helps pouring in must be intelligently directed to the 

 good of the greatest number or they will lead to a paucity of 

 ideas upon subjects which must ever supply the mainspring of 

 action in rural life. Before satisfactory results can follow 

 legislation there must be public sentiment in its favor and the 

 next step for the friend of the apple is to help create a demand 



