70 STATE POMOLOQICAL BOCIETT. 



And the undeniable fact is that we are neai- the northern border 

 of the great apple-growing belt of the Atlantic side of the conti- 

 nent, and some portions of the State probably extend beyond that 

 border. Our seasons are short, our summers cool. One of the 

 effects of this condition of climate is, that many varieties of the 

 apple, while they are diminished in size, and sometimes color 

 more faintly, are yet more compact and crisp in their texture, and 

 will keep longer than the same varieties grown in more genial 

 latitudes. On the other hand I am obliged to testify, from per- 

 sonal knowledge, that while some of our most esteemed varieties 

 grow larger and much better in West Virginia, and on both sides 

 of the Missouri river, six and seven- degrees south of the latitude 

 of Augusta, I have seen apples in Leavenworth in great abund- 

 ance, perfectly sound, fresh and sprightly, in the month of April, 

 and superior in size, texture and flavor to any usually grown 

 here. 



The Capacity of Maine Vindicated. 



The question therefore meets us at the threshold, whether our 

 soil and climate are such tliat we can produce apples in variety 

 and abundance, and of the highest quality. For answer, I appeal 

 to history. We know it was formerly done. It is now done on 

 new soils. It is now done with skill and intelligent treatment by 

 far too few on the old soils of the older parts of the State. It is 

 doubtless true that the superiority of the apples of the other dis- 

 tricts named, arises largely from the freshness of the soil. Another 

 thing in their favor is a nsildor climate and longer summers. Again, 

 in those new communities they have been always on inquiry for 

 the best varieties, while we have been content to receive from olir 

 ancestors the sorts which they, in tlieir limited means of discovery, 

 were content to plant, without reaching forth for still better vari- 

 eties. It is true, also, that in most if not all of those districts, 

 there is a strong element of lime in the soil. On the other hand, 

 much of our soil is disintegrated granite and other feldspatic rock 

 abounding in potash ; and although we may not easily produce 

 apples of the size of the Twenty Ounce, the Big Romanite, and 

 others of their types, yet countless examples demonstrate that we 

 can grow apples of good size, good color, good flavor, and of all 

 qualities suitable to all the many uSes to which this fruit can be 

 profitably applied. 



