2 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



requires correspondents and observers in every town ; and besides, 

 when a work which requires the cooperation of many is attempted 

 by a few it must necessarily be done imperfectly. " In the multi- 

 tude of counsellors there is safety." 



Among the objects which the Society has prominently in view 

 are the following : To develop and systematize the pomology of 

 the State, — to fix reliable and standard lists of varieties of fruits 

 adapted to the different sections, by the aid of which the beginner 

 may avoid the loss of his time and money in planting unsuitable 

 varieties upon the recommendation of itinerant venders, — to ascer- 

 tain and disseminate the knowledge of the principles and processes 

 essential to successful cultivation, — to develop the capacities of 

 the State to raise not only its own fruit, but its fruit trees also, 

 affording a surplus of both for exportation instead of importing 

 vast quantities of each as at present, — to obtain and publish 

 accurate annual statistics showing the condition and progress of 

 this important interest, and finally to do away with that feeling of 

 exclusiveness and conceit which still obtains to some extent 

 among fruit growers, and substitute in its stead a universal desire 

 to promote each others' welfare, so that while there shall ever be 

 among fruit growers a healthy and generous emulation there shall 

 also be more frequent and friendly consultation, a closer union 

 and better fellowship. " There is that s^cattereth and yet increaseth; 

 and there is that withhuldeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to 

 poverty.'' 



The flattering reception accorded to the first volume of the 

 Society's Transactions, the eagerness with which it was sought 

 for and read, the favorable notice which it received from the press 

 and people of the State as well as from agricultural journals and 

 distinguished pomologists abroad, — have greatly encouraged the 

 Society in its efforts during the past year, and furnished unmistak- 

 able evidence that the results of its labors are appreciated and 

 being utilized by large numbers of people. 



Having given in the animal report for 1873, a detailed account 

 of the origin and organization cf this Society, and, as introductory 

 thereto a brief outline of the iiistory of orcharding in Maine, 

 together with the Society's Transact')ons up to and including the 

 winter meeting held at the State House in Augusta, in January, 

 1874, it will be my purpose ia the following pages to state, briefly 

 as possible, what has been done by the Society during the past 

 year so far as its transactions are of general interest, omitting 



