STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETT. ' 23 



to, Mr. Davis noted the growth of fruit culture in Massachusetts 

 and Maine, saying that in 1812 the Massachusetts Ilorticultural 

 Society's catalogue embraced but four varieties of pears. Mr. 

 Davis then proceeded to speak of the influence of the culture of 

 fruit and flowers upon those who engage in it. At their conclu- 

 sion, the remarks of Mr. Davis were warmly applauded. 



Z. A. Gilbert, Esq., of EastTurner, President of the State Society, 

 was next called upon. His remarks were devoted principally to 

 the growth of apple culture in the State. He closed by warmly 

 thanking the Portland Society and Portland gentlemen for their 

 generosity and courtesy to the Society he represented. 



T. C. Ilersey, Esq., noted the growth of fruit and flower culture 

 in Portland. In 1859, he said, there were but two graperies and 

 two green-houses in the city ; now there were scores. He thought 

 that the tide was again setting towards the farms in Maine. For- 

 merlj' young men from the country left the larms for the city, but 

 now city young men are going to Maine farms. lie could name 

 ten young men from Portland who had taken farms in Maine within 

 a year or two. He thought the State should be more liberal to- 

 wards agricultural societies. 



Hon. W. W. Thomas, Jr., was called upon by Mr. Hersey. 

 After a few humorous remarks respecting his knowledge of agri- 

 culture, Mr. Thomas proceeded to notice the varied resources of 

 Maine, and closed his interesting remarks by urging upon Maine 

 people the duty of honestly standing up for the good old Slate. 



Dr. J. C. Weston, of Bangor, said that whatever reputation he 

 had obtained as a fruit culturist was due to the interest awakened 

 in the subject by the Portland Horticultural Society, years ago, 

 when he practiced medicine in this city. Dr. Weston also gave 

 some very interesting reminiscences and facts in relation to the 

 Bangor Horticultural Society. 



Hon. George F, Talbot was next called on. He said he always 

 had had a taste for horticulture and fruit culture, but had never 

 had opportunity to gratify it. He hoped, however, that some time 

 in the future, in the world beyond, those forbidden to gratify such 

 pure inclinations in this life, would have broad acres and ample 

 leisure. Mr. Talbot noted the fact, that despite our short sum- 

 mers, we had before us perfect fruits and flowers ; more perfect 

 than can be found in more propitious climates. He then fell back 

 upon the apple as the best of all fruits. Early in the history of 

 our race he felt that the apple got a bad name, but regained its 



