STATE FOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 33 



near future ; and not only learn it, but learn to accept it and prac- 

 tice it. 



If there is one point in fruit culture that needs impressing more 

 than any other, it is that of fertilizing. More orchards are starved 

 to-day than are well fed. More poor apples than good are pro- 

 duced, and largely for the want of manuring. It is a thing we 

 should dwell upon. Too many orchards get no plant food except 

 what they forage. Too man}- people give what little dressing they 

 apply to the orchard grudgingly. If orcharding is worth pursuing 

 at all, it is business to work it for all it is worth. The quicker 

 3'oung trees are grown, the less time the borer and the caterpillar, 

 the woodpecker and the canker worm have to work on them. The 

 sooner they are driven to bearing size, the sooner the investment 

 will pay. 



Fred W. Ritchie, of AVinterport, a successful orchardist, says : 

 "I cannot raise such apples as the market demands, such as will 

 bring the highest price, and such as I want, without liberal manur- 

 ing and cultivating. I should as soon think of raising good corn 

 without cultivation and close attention, as good crops of apples." 

 We might glance over the State and present a long list of names of 

 successful orchardists, and not one would present an example of 

 success without effort. 



[The writer here mentioned numerous instances of the successful 

 cultivation of orchards, in various sections of the State, showing 

 the practical benefits of high cultivation.] 



The lesson is : The tree that has the most and best plant food at 

 its disposal, succeeds best. 



The hardier and eai'lier varieties of grapes can be grown with lit- 

 tle care and attention, and as successfully as an apple tree. They 

 ought to be produced in abundance on every farm. The}" require 

 but small space ; and, grown about the door3'ards or the buildings, 

 are ornamental as well as useful. Change Scripture a little to suit 

 the climate, and with a little effort, all ma\" sit beneath their own 

 vine and apple tree. 



The subject of fruit growing is receiving increased attention in 

 Maine. At no previous time in the history of the State has so 

 much attention been given to planting of new orchards, or to the in- 

 telligent care of those already existing, as during the few past3-ears. 

 Apples in our local markets are often scarce and high. Discussions 



3 



