34 STATE POMOLOGTCAL SOCIETY. 



of horticultural inetliods and practices are pursued with more inter- 

 est than formerly-. Results are more narrowly- watched. Experi- 

 ence is carefully sought to guide the amateur. 



The great central and southern belts of the State, more especially 

 west of the Penobscot river, are finely adapted to apple growing. 

 The western and northwestern sections will produce Baldwins hard 

 and firm almost as the rocks they grow among. Even the north- 

 eastern portion produces good apples of the ver}- hardiest or ''iron- 

 clad" varieties. Aroostook is as yet by no means to be given over 

 as a hopeless fruit section. In its borders plums are particularly 

 free from insect enemies. Pears grow finely on our clay loams, and 

 are thriftiest and most productive near bodies of water. Maine 

 apples have long keeping qualities, are hard and firm and bear long 

 transportation well. There is a tendency' to grow fewer varieties 

 and larger quantities of standard sorts ; especially those which from 

 experience have proved adapted to our wants, are good keepers and 

 staple in the markets. 



The future of Maine fruit growing is, we trust, to be a bright 

 one. The increased attention which it receives seems to warrant 

 the prediction. Not only are more and more apple trees set each 

 year, but small fruits are receiving attention also. Although there 

 is much of improvement to be made, yet the beginning is so tar 

 good. Strawberries are receiving attention. Demand far exceeds 

 supply. Our strawberries, coming into the market late and in good 

 condition, bring a good price. Late supplies of this delicious berry 

 often bring as good prices as the earlier ones from more southern 

 States. Cranberries are the natural product of many bogs and 

 lowlands, and are cultivated with profit in parts of the State. 

 Cherries and plums are considerabl}' grown in spite of black knot 

 and curculio. Peaches are produced in favored places in quantities 

 sufficient to be a market crop. Grape culture is on the increase. 

 Raspberries and blackberries are not much cultivated, the wild 

 product being as yet too plentiful. But they will soon command 

 attention. The gooseberry- and currant have not yet recovered their 

 former importance since the advent of the currant worm. 



The State Pomological Society is doing a good work. Its annual 

 meetings, exhibitions and reports are valuable. It exerts a marked 

 influence on the fruit interests of the State. A good society is a 

 power for good. The power of organization is mighty in results. 

 It is helping set Maine along the tide of progress to be one of the 



