6 THE CONNECTICUT POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



do. We should consider this question carefully and thoup^ht- 

 fully, and avoid hasty action. 



At the present time the outlook for a ^^ood fruit crop 

 next season is bright. While we have troubles ahead that 

 we are already aware of, yet on the whole we have reason to 

 look forward at this time to a bounteous reward the coming 

 season. There will be many new orchards coming into bear- 

 ing for the first time. 



Rapid as has been our progress for the past few years, 

 the future promises more. Fruit has become a necessary 

 article of food on the tables of rich and poor, and its use is 

 rapidly increasing, both to the physical and moral betterment 

 of its consumers. Conditions are arising which will demand 

 great changes in our methods of cultivation. The field of 

 usefulness of this Society has only just opened before it. With 

 the present demands for 'quality, with the increase of insects 

 and diseases, fruit-growing offers no inducement to the slug- 

 gard ; but for the man with brains and energy who is willing 

 to study and apply the latest methods, to watch carefully and 

 work faithfully, our Connecticut hillsides open wide their arms 

 and promise rich rewards if he will but plant them to tree and 

 vine. 



Next in order the Secretary, H. C. C. Miles of Milford, 

 read his annual report as follows : 



Secretary's Report. 



Mr. President and Fcllon' Members of the Society: 



For the seventeenth time in the history of our Society, the 

 fruit growers of Connecticut have come together in annual 

 session and probably never before under conditions more fa- 

 vorable for a successful meeting. 



It is most gratifying to be able to say to you, that in no 

 single year of the eleven years I have officiated as your secre- 



