EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING. 9 



addresses and discussions was most helpful to all of the large 

 number who attended. 



The year 1908 again demonstrated the value of these out- 

 door gatherings, where plant and tree are studied at first 

 hand and the living objects point their lessons and impress 

 upon all important truths. More and better field meetings 

 should be our aim. 



Many of the large agricultural fairs of the State desired 

 to have our annual exhibition held w^ith them. After care- 

 ful consideration, your ofiicers decided to again exhibit with 

 the Rockville Fair, where several successful exhibitions had 

 been held by us in the past. Accordingly our 11th annual 

 fruit show was held at Rockville, September 22 to 24, and 

 while, owing to the short crop of apples in 1908, the display 

 of fruit was smaller than usual, still the undertaking was a 

 success, and a creditable showing of Connecticut fruits was 

 made. The peaches, pears and grapes were especially fine and 

 the display attracted the attention of thousands of admiring- 

 people. The spraying exhibit and demonstration was a very 

 instructive feature of our fair. 



Between 700 and 800 plates of fruit were on exhibition, 

 and premiums amounting to $306.15 were awarded to 42 ex- 

 hibitors. 



A more detailed account of the exhibition will be found 

 in the report of our Committee on Exhibitions. 



Institute Work. 



Of the Society's institute work not much that is new can 

 be said. During the past year institutes have received their 

 full share of our attention, and we have met the demand for 

 such work so far as possible and the condition of affairs in the 

 institute system of the State would allow. Since February 1, 

 1908, our Society has held or taken part in six institutes : 

 Woodbridge, February 19; Ekonk, February 28; Milford, 

 March 3; North Haven, March 27; Naugatuck, March 31, 

 and Southington, January 29, 1909. 



