Q^ STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



the tree would soon be exhausted. Unless you can remedy this 

 by thinning the fruit, it is a serious objection. The annual bearera 

 are the most profitable. 



The subject was laid on the table. 

 Adjourned. 



EVENING SESSION. 



The society re-assembled at half-past seven o'clock. A paper 

 was presented by Granville Fernald of Harrison, on "Cherries in 

 Maine," and one by Lyman F. Abbott of Wilton, on " Small 

 Fruits," — both of which, with the discussion which followed, are 

 here given : 



Cherries in Maine.* 



BY GRANVlLLi; FERNALD. 



In considering topics of popular interest, the discussion of which 

 is presumed to promote the general intelligence, health or moral 

 elevation of the people at large, the essayist is expected to give 

 his reasons " for the faith that is in him." 



I am aware that the history of the cherry tree in our State for 

 the term of, at least, one generation back, is not calculated to in- 

 spire much enthusiasm in the minds of those who wish to adopt 

 the business of fruit growing for profit ; and the fact that the com- 

 mon feeling and expression regarding the cultivation of this deli- 

 cious fruit, indicates a conclusion that its culture and successful 

 production is a hopeless undertaking, is almost enough to deter 

 one from attempting to combat the well-settled convictions of 

 many highly intelligent and influential fruit growers, as well as the 

 prejudices of the less informed, non-professional class, who take 

 the results of common observation and hearsay as proof positive 

 of the truth or fulsity of any special theory. 



It will be admitted in the commencement that certain causes, 

 hitherto undefined and generally unknown, have for many years 

 banished the cherry tree from most of our gardens. Within the 

 memory of many of us, the cherry was a thrifty, hardy and pro- 

 ductive tree, growing rapidly from the start, bearing early and an- 

 nually heavy crops of juicy, healthful fruit ; of all fruits, combin- 

 ing in the highest degree those qualities which satisfy and cheer 

 the parched palate during the burning heats of midsummer. With 



*The cuts used iq illustration of this paper were furnished by Messrs. Luther Tucker 

 A Son, publishers of the Cultivator and Country Gentlemen, Albany, N. T. 



