50 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



meeting. The Seekonk, a favorite in Massachusetts in September, is ripe here in Octo- 

 ber, and some holding to December. The fact thus shown serves us in a greatly extended 

 list of Winter apples; and at the same time we are not aware that the long keepers fail 

 to ripen so as to detract aught from their market qualities, with perhaps the single ex- 

 ception of the Baldwin. 



The list embraces a few that have been introduced in the last few years, by means of 

 trees grown in other States, that are now beginning to fruit, and which promise well. 



To my taste, the apple I give as " Pound Sour," is one of the best. Some years ago, 

 in making an autumn visit in Oneida county, N. Y., I found this apple extensively 

 grown, and then showing a fair crop of fruit, although at the time very few apples were 

 seen from Maine to Ohio. The peculiar success attending this noble looking variety, 

 led me to make inquiry as to its origin; and I was referred to a clerical gentleman, as 

 the best looal authority in such matters. I succeeded in getting an opinion that the 

 apple had only a narrow, local history. — ^Tree large and strong; head broad or round, 

 and rather open; horizontal branches, well set and stout; bark smooth and light 

 colored. Fruit green, and changing to yellow; round and smooth, to irregular ribbed; 

 very large, — average weight one pound — 150 fill the barrel. Single trees in Oneida 

 county often produce a crop of 40 to 50 bushels. Hardy here. 



Beside the apple, the story of Piscataquis fruits may be told in short. A few pear 

 trees are being set, rather as an experiment, as the older planted have nearly passed 

 away. Of the older trees, the Flemish Beauty endures the best. The Seckel and the 

 Qoodale prove hardy and productive. Plums and Cherries are nearly extinct. Some 

 trees are being planted, under the promise of the vender that the variety shall be exempt 

 from " black knot." The planting of Grape-vines is still in fashion. Among my lato 

 additions, I particularly enjoy the eating of Salem, Massasoit, Croton and Adirondack. 



Hoping to meet with you with samples, 



I remain, very truly yours, 



CALVIN CHAMBERLAIN. 



FoxcEOPT, Deo. 19, 1874. 



EVENING SESSION. 



The exercises of the evening were opened by the reading of 

 the report of the Corresponding Secretary, Dr. J. C. Weston of 

 Bangor. 



It was Voted, That the report be accepted, and the thanks of the 

 Society tendered for the same, and that it be published in full with 

 the Society's transactions. 



Discussion on Orchard Culture. 

 The President. We have a few moments to spare at the present 

 time, and it strikes me that it may be well to devote them to the 

 consideration of some of the points brought out in the report we 

 have just heard. I notice present Judge Gilbert of Bath, and I 

 would call upon him for a few remarks. The portion of the report 

 referring to the culture of the apple, in which Pell's system is de- 

 scribed, is a suggestive point, and one to which some little time 

 may be well devoted. 



