6 THE CONNECTICUT POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



over 500, and we hope it will be a matter of duty and prifie 

 to each present member to renew for 1906, and at the same 

 time persuade some fruit growing- friend to join the Society. 



We hope to reach the 1,000 mark in 1906. 



Active interest by each of our present members will give 

 us this result. Let us have your enthusiastic help. 



The report of the Secretary, H. C. C. Miles, was next 

 in order. 



Secretary's Report. 



Mr. President and Members of the Society: 



For the fifteenth time the fruit growers of Connecticut 

 come together in annual session as an organized body. This 

 large and enthusiastic gathering is significant of the progress 

 of Horticulture in our State, and the widespread interest that 

 is being manifested in everything pertaining to the subject of 

 fruits. 



What rapid changes have taken place in our Connecticut 

 fruit growing since this Society was organized in 1891 ! Then 

 the culture of peaches for market was still in its infancy and 

 only a few orchards of any size were to be found in the State. 

 Noiv scores of farmers make this their leading crop ; thou- 

 sands of trees have been planted on what was once abandoned 

 land and the crop in seasons of plenty reaches over a half 

 million baskets. 



Tlieii the Connecticut apple was grown in an indifferent 

 and haphazard way and as a side issue. Noiv, with the help 

 of spraying and better methods of culture, the crop has 

 become a very important one, and Connecticut apples are 

 recognized in the markets as being of the very highest quality. 

 Large orchards are constantly being planted and we have 

 come to understand that no fruit crop oft'ers surer returns on 

 our soil than does the apple. And yet, after all, we must admit 

 that commercial apple growing in this State has but just 

 started. 



Fifteen years ago but few strawberries were shipped out of 

 the State as compared witli what reaches the market to-day, 



