38 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



ation of order offered by Hon. W, Gilbert at last winter meeting' 

 (see proceedings, 1874, page 100) ; re-arrangement and assign- 

 ment of duties of standing committees, etc., etc. 



Two o'clock P. M. Public meeting for discussion of Pear cul- 

 ture, Grapes and Small Fruits. 



The programme will be subject to such changes as circum- 

 stances may require, and other matters pertaining to the efficiency 

 of the Society, and the promotion of Fruit culture, will be con- 

 sidered, as opportunity will allow." 



The President, in a brief address, welcomed the members and 

 visitors to the meeting, and presented the report oi the Committee 

 appointed at the last Winter Meeting to prepare a Catalogue of 

 Fruits for Maine, accompanied by a list of varieties for the con- 

 sideration of the convention, and as a basis for the catalogue to be 

 adopted. 



REPORT. 



It has been the desire of all connected with the Society to make 

 it — the Society — an authority on all matters pertaining to the cul- 

 ture of fruit in our State. In our transactions thus far, this end 

 has never been lost sight of; and it is pi'oposed to ever keep it in 

 view in our future efforts. It may be that the aim is higher than 

 we shall ever be able to reach, yet 'tis an object worthy of being 

 striven for. The field on which we have entered is a broad one ; 

 and though we have entered upon it with earnestness, and* are pur- 

 suing our labors with zeal, yet we realize that the results achieved 

 are hardly perceptible. Indeed, we are aware that we can accom- 

 plish but little at a time, and we shall be fully satisfied if that little 

 is accomplished. We do not expect to perform all there is to be 

 done at once ; hence every step should be carefully taken, that we 

 may not want to retrace it as soon as gained. 



There is need of a reliable authority in matters pertaining to 

 fruit ; and though we may not be able to settle beyond all further 

 controversy all questions on which fruit growers are divided, yet 

 we may be able, if our work be carefully and faithfully performed, 

 to spot here and there a tree which may prove a guide for others 

 to follow. 



The enquiry is frequently heard from those who propose to plant 

 trees and vines : " What varieties shall I plant?" The members 

 of this Society, individually and collectively, have many times 



