72 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



funds to a large extent maintain them, and it is time for a closer 

 union among them. They have alf^o the right to expect the aid of 

 our public schools. The future development of our great natural 

 resources must largely be the result of the combined educational work 

 of all. There is no occasion for other than cordial feelings among 

 these organizations. We must show the public that we are worthy 

 teachers, that we are deserving of confidence, and convince the peo- 

 ple, moreover, that our object is above all things to make true, useful 

 men and women, by placing within their reach a knowledge of the 

 means b}' which the goal is reached. 



DISCUSSION. 



The remainder of the forenoon was occupied with a discussion of 

 the papers read, the main features of which are presented below : 



Mr. T. M. Merrill, New Gloucester. Last year I had trees that 

 were all matured and seemed to be full of apples, but when picked 

 the}- would average only about half a bushel to a tree. 



Mr. D. H, Knowlton of Farmington. The King of Tompkins 

 in this county, though not a very large bearer, produces an average 

 crop as good and marketable as that of any other varietj' raised. 



Mr. Merrill. It must be that the King of Tompkins does well, 

 according to the amount of this variety exported. I would like to 

 ask those who have grown this variety, how they regard it and what 

 kind of fertilizer they use for the trees? 



Mr. Atherton. I have had some experience in growing the King. 

 I do not like the idea of pitching into anyone, but I sometimes get 

 a misapprehension of the meaning of a writer, as I have the one who 

 read the first essay. The trouble came when he laid considerable 

 stress on planting trees on land sloping in certain direction, after- 

 wards saying that under no considerations should an orchard be planted 

 on a southed}' cant. What is a man to do when he has no northern 

 slope upon which to plant his trees? I want to say to such, don't be 

 discouraged ; plant on a southern slope and observe the rules and 

 you can succeed. Some of our best orchards are planted on a southern 

 or eastern slope. During one time I had the privilege of visiting the 

 farm of T. B. Hunter. He showed me an old orchard on a hillside, 

 having a steep slope to the south, planted with native fruit, and the 

 •orchard succeeded well. There was something about it that made 



