118 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



of those consumed in the cities of this country were of the same 

 variet}'. 



In consideration of so many redeeming qualities as the Baldwin 

 possesses, and its still increasing popularity in the markets, and in 

 view of the comparatively small area where it can be grown in its 

 greatest perfection, it seems improbable and almost impossible that 

 it will ever be produced in excess of the demand. The man who has 

 the proper location for a Baldwin orchard and has in his make-up a 

 good share of that all-important element requisite to success in any 

 business, " stick-to-it-ive-ness," need have no fears to invest in 

 Baldwin trees to the extent of his abilit}' to give them good care. 



■ The concluding lecture of the evening was deliv^ered by Mr. L. F. 

 Abbott, agricultural editor of the Lewislon Journal. 



THE FUTURE OF ORCHARDING IN MAINE. 

 By Lyman F. Abbott, 



Of the Ldtwiston Journal. 



"The first dut}' of the farmers of our country is to provide our peo- 

 ple with food and clothing," said an eminent agriculturist to an au- 

 dience of Maine farmers not long since. To do this in the most 

 economic line of labor, yet bearing results satisfactory in point of 

 remuneration for capital and labor invested, is the paramount ques- 

 tion with the Maine farmer to-day. Economic agriculture is a subject 

 for thought, and through intelligent investigation has come to be the 

 solid and magnificent foundation upon which the superstructure com- 

 posed of all other economic industries directly rests, and indirectly 

 every question which concerns the well being of society, as well. 

 Intelligent agriculture lies at the foundation of our prosperity as a 

 State. 



There are various lines of work having an economic bearing upon 

 the success of the cultivator of the soil. The relations of these to 

 other or similar lines of economic agriculture within the borders of 

 our own State, of New England, and measurably of the ^Yest, mod- 

 ifies to some extent success as measured by the usual standard of 

 putting money into the pocket of the farmer. These relations have 

 changed greatly within the last half century. Markets for all the 

 products of the farm have changed. Methods of production, as 

 well as the commodities produced, have undergone a wonderful 

 change. This is true of our stock, our butter and cheese, our apples 



