Tenth Annual iVIeeting 7 



such difficulties and overcome them. I must add that some 

 splendid vegetables and fruits vv^ere shown in the packing sheds, 

 attesting to the skill of Messrs. Atvvater as market -gardeners. 

 These field meetings continue to be one of the most valuable 

 features of our work, affording as they do the opportunity to 

 see fruit-growing conditions as they really exist and to discuss 

 around the growing tree or plant problems of vital importance to 

 us all. We should aim to hold one or more each month from 

 June to October, and they would repay many times the cost of 

 time, money and effort. We hope there will be a generous 

 response next season to the appeal for farms to meet upon. 



Again our Society scored a success in its annual fall exhibi- 

 tion held at Middletown, October 4-5, 1900, the best show in 

 many respects we have yet held. There were fifty -six exhibi- 

 tors, nearly eight hundred separate entries of plates of fruit, and 

 $320 was awarded in premiums. The showing of handsome, 

 perfect specimens of the fruit - grower's skill was magnificent 

 and called forth the admiration of all who saw it. Surely our 

 annual fruit exhibits are the finest thing of the kind ever seen 

 in Connecticut and compare favorably with those of older and 

 larger state societies. Great credit should be given our JVliddle- 

 town members and friends for their hearty support of this 

 exhibition. 



The $500 annual appropriation from the state has been of 

 great assistance in carrying out the Society's work. It makes 

 possible the publication of a creditable report of our proceedings, 

 which is important as showing to the state what we are doing, 

 but also as a means of preserving valuable horticultural informa- 

 tion for future reference, and if the work is continued will form 

 a library of greatest value to every cultivator of the soil. Can 

 any one contend but that the money thus spent is well invested, 

 and could not an increase, even, be used to still greater advan- 

 tage? Why should not the state contribute liberally to an 

 industry so closelv related to the welfare of her farmer citizens? 



In conclusion, let me say that if the Society has attained 

 strength and success the responsibility of keeping up to the 

 standard rests upon us all, officers and members. Your officers 

 have, I believe, done what they could with the means at their 

 command. Let us all be loyal to the organization and strive to 



