ANNUAL REPORT. 1 89 



growing- of this fruit. The neighboring city is supplied, 

 besides shipping to the Boston market a car or more each day 

 while the berry season lasts. As it was in the height of 

 picking when this meeting was held, but little time could be 

 devoted to the visitors by the growers themselves, but the 

 company were given full permission to inspect the fields and 

 observe the methods of culture, picking and packing. The 

 pickers were largely Italian women, and the fruit as fast as 

 picked was packed in crates and hurried to the refrigerator 

 cars for shipment. 



After the company had enjoyed a bountiful lunch at the 

 hall. President Eddy called to order and an hour was spent 

 in informal speaking and discussion. 



Rev. Mr. Tree of Hamden welcomed the visitors and 

 referred to the progress made in the growing of fruits in 

 that town. 



Vice-President Putnam responded in behalf of the Society, 

 savine that it was a treat to see such fine fields of berries and 

 such clean culture over wide areas. This is an object lesson 

 to every farmer. 



Stancliff Hale spoke next. He said these clean berry 

 fields are a revelation, especially in a wet season like the pres- 

 ent one. !More mulching material is needed to keep the fruit 

 clean in such a season. 



Mr. A. N. Farnham of Westville was called upon to tell of 

 his berry crop and he responded briefly. Prof. W. E. Britton, 

 State Entomologist, followed. N. S. Piatt referred to the 

 success attained with the strawberry in this section and the 

 fact that several valuable varieties have originated here. 



J. M. Hubbard of Middletown spoke of the extension of 

 fruit culture in the state. Much of the waste land is being 

 planted to fruits, thereby adding to the wealth of the state. 

 A wonderful amount of strawberries are consumed by our 

 people. Fruit is now a common food ration. A fact worth 

 considering is that fruit growling is a business that benefits 

 all engaged in it or in any way touched by it. An interesting 

 address was made by Mr. A. Warren Patch, the well known 

 Boston fruit dealer. "We have been receiving lots of 'water' 



