78 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



home markets became almost wholly glutted. Over-production is 

 doubtless a partial cause for this state of things. Outside compe- 

 tition is also a matter of concern to us, of which we are likelj* to 

 have more in the future. 



Under this state of things the apple is assuming a preeminence 

 over almost every other crop sold from the farm. Since the opening 

 of the shipping season a brisk demand has sprung up at remuner- 

 ative prices, shippers taking them at the homes of the growers. 

 They are now paying two dollars per barrel for Baldwins in fair con- 

 dition. 



The foreign market is almost certain to improve as our people be- 

 come better acquainted with the best methods of harvesting and 

 caring for the crop, preparatory for the market. Reports of sales 

 in England indicate that the superiority of Maine fruit is there be- 

 coming better understood. In Boston, Maine apples, for shipping 

 purposes, are quoted twenty-five cents per barrel higher than Massa- 

 chusetts fruit, all going to show that whatever crop fails to find a 

 satisfactor\' market, the apple, in the future, is not likely to be one 

 of that class. The proper selection of varieties demands careful 

 consideration. In Androscoggin County that matter is taking care 

 of itself. Shippers prefer and take all Baldwins offered, wliile other 

 varieties are taken sparingly. Consequently, the Baldwin, for that 

 reason, as well as from its adaptability to different soils and its pro- 

 ductiveness, is the general favorite here. 



The question. Who should raise apples? also demands attention. 

 Not every one, certainly, who owns land should undertake it largely, 

 though every owner of onh' one acre should cultivate a few trees. 

 Orchards will not flourish on some soils — some locations are unfa- 

 vorable to their growth, and he should let orcharding alone who has 

 no faith in it and regards an apple tree as an unsightly thing or only 

 as a cumberer of the ground." 



The remainder of the afternoon session was occupied with a 



DISCUSSION OF VAKIETIES. 



Mr. GiLiJEUT, being called upon to open the discussion, said: 1 

 hardly know what branch of work, in regard to the fruit lists, you 

 would like to take up. It hardly seems to me possible or necessary 

 that we should take it in order, and make an examination of the 

 entire list. There are some varieties urged upon our attention 



