Q2 STATE POMOlOGICAL SOCIETY. 



nurserymen of the State to make definite returns to us of what they 

 had for sale, and what they would have in the future, that we might 

 publish a definite statement to answer such questions as gentlemen 

 ask. This has not been accomplished ; but 1 think we can at this 

 meeting give such notice to the nurserymen in the State as to 

 induce tliem to make returns which can be published hereafter 

 in our proceedings. If we can, it is desirable that we should do it. 

 We want to give them a gratuitous advertisement, if they will 

 furnish us the information. 



Merrill. I think it is the worst thing we can do to recommend 

 growing trees for our own use. We may get a good many ideas by 

 growing trees that will be profitable, as fruit-growers. I find the 

 best orchards in the State, or as good as any, coming from western 

 New York, raised by men who have had thirty or forty years expe- 

 rience. I am consideral>ly indebted to New York and Pennsylvania 

 men for things I have learned in fruit growing. I think when we 

 discard these men we are giving ourselves away. 



The President. These trees are raised in mellow soil, and grow 

 rapidly. Take these trees and transport them long distances, tied 

 up a month before setting out, then exposed to cold winds, and set 

 them on hard soil, and they cannot do well. 



Jordan. In speaking of western trees, I do not mean to say 

 there are no good western trees. The trees I had of Whitney were 

 grafted in the limbs ; also of Smith. New York trees are grafted 

 in the butt ; they die easily — don't seem to be hardy. In the New 

 York trees I didn't see anything but the graft. I have no trouble 

 about making one of those trees live a year or two, but cold winters 

 kill them. I don't think it makes any diflference where the root 

 of a little tree is grown ; I think it will grow as well in one place as 

 another. 



Gilbert. I dislike to have this meeting ailjourn without repudi- 

 ating any sweeping assertions with regard to the worthlessness of 

 New York or Maine trees. I do not quarrel with nurserymen, whether 

 they grow trees in Maine or New Yorlv. I have repeatedlv stated that 

 in order to secure success we must have good trees to start with. 

 If the gentleman who denounces Maine nursery trees bases his judg- 

 ment upon the trees sold and offered for sale for several years past 

 at Mechani(; Falls, by a person celebrated in connection with the 

 " scythe sharpener," I should agree with him. 



