14 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



tlieir gain is our loss, and we must look at this question as men of 

 Maine, from the stand-point of our own State. .But some cautious 

 people say, " This condition of thing's is all true, and we regret it 

 as deeply as any one, but is it prudent to admit the existence of 

 such untoward circumstances even to ourselves?" I think we 

 have pursued this prudent policy full long enough, a policy about 

 as prudent it seems to me, as that of the ostrich, which thrusting 

 her head into the sand, believes no one can see her. Evils, I am 

 sure, are half overcome when we fairly and squarely admit their 

 existence and full magnitude and danger, for then, not till then, 

 can we confront them ; then only can we seek out and apply the 

 remedy. 



Is there a remedy for the decline in the farming districts of 

 Maine ? I believe there is, and that it consists chiefly in this : in 

 making farming more profitable and more aUracHve, since surely it 

 is in quest of something more profitable or more attractive that our 

 young men and maidens have deserted our farms. The line of 

 our effort then is plain. What shall we do in this line ? How 

 can we make farming profitable and attractive ? What are the 

 best, surest and simplest means to this end ? What methods will 

 be attended with the most lasting and beneficent results ? These 

 are among the most important questions now pressing upon us. 

 Tliesc are questions for you agriculturists of Maine to answer. 

 This problem is especially your own ; and it is to you that the 

 State looks for a practical and satisfactory solution. 



Gentlemen, if we can believe the signs of the times, you have 

 already commenced to solve this problem. You have begun to 

 apply the principle of cooperation, so potent in other industries, to 

 farming. As proof of this I cite the many cheese factories and dairy 

 associations which have sprung into existence all over our State 

 within the last two years. Indeed, one of the chief labors of our 

 Legislature last winter, seemed to be the incorporation of those 

 very associations. A goodly number of these factories are now in 

 active operation and are proving sources of wealth to the districts 

 in which they are located. Our farmers are also beginning to 

 discard some of the old time crops which many seem to raise from 

 force of habit, and without regard to whether they are profitable 

 or not ; and to turn their attention to those products, especially 

 of the garden and orchard, which command the quickest sale and 

 the highest prices. I say our farmers are beginning to do this, 

 and I use the term advisedly ; for it is only here and there a 



