3 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



tation which from long established usage are expected on such 

 occasions. The other roads and the lines of steamers centering at 

 Portland made the most liberal provisions iu this respect. 



The public introductory exercises, necessarily deferred till the 

 evening of the second day, consisted of the "opening address " 

 by(.the President, and the "Society's Annual Address," which on 

 this occasion was delivered by Hon. W. W. Thomas, Jr., of Port- 

 land, of both of which we are enabled herewith to present ver- 

 batim reports, deferring to subsequent pages the lists of eutries 

 and premiums. 



OPENING ADDRESS, 

 By the President, Z. A. Gilbert, Esq., of East Turner. 



The evolution of another year has again brought us together for 

 the purpose of celebrating this the second annual exhibition of the 

 Maine State Pomological Society. While our society represents 

 the whole State, we find ouselves at this time associated with the 

 Portland Horticultural Society — a society engaged in a work 

 similar to that represented by us, older in years, yet somewhat 

 local in its efforts and in its influence. Hand in hand do we at 

 this time work, and here with our united strength have brought 

 together the products of the orchard and garden and the gems of 

 the conservatory, which you see displayed in the exhibition hall. 

 Of the exhibition I need not perhaps speak further, than to say, 

 that in extent and variety, in perfection and beauty of specimen 

 it can but be satisfactory to the two societies represented therein, 

 and also to the large number of visitors who have this day visited 

 it, as well as to those whom we hope to welcome during the remain- 

 ing days of its continuance. As a whole it speaks to you in words 

 more eloquent, in sentences more gracefully drawn than any lan- 

 guage of mine. Its influence we trust will tend to greater interest 

 in the cultivation of fruits and flowers, and thus while our homes 

 are rendered more attractive, our lives will be made purer and 

 better. To this exhibition we welcome you all, and while you 

 enjoy its beauty and variety, let your hearts and your minds be 

 opened to its influence. While it delights the eye and satisfies 

 the soul, let it also be your teacher, that you may go from here 

 refined in spirit, elevated in your aims, purposes and aspirations. 



