128 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



orchards. I learn that in some parts of this county, particularly 

 the lower part, good crops of apples were realized the past season. 

 The towns of Windham, Gorham, Gray, New Gloucester, and most 

 of the towns in this county, have a soil naturally well adapted to 

 fruit growing, and we have many earnest, progressive farmers 

 who are endeavoring, by intelligent and sacrificing labor and 

 investment, to solve the question of the profitableness and econ- 

 omy of fruit-raising. 



Our supply of trees for planting comes mainly from the Western 

 nurseries, though some of our Maine nurseries are being drawn 

 upon for a part of the trees required for new orchards ; and I 

 believe our home-grown stock is generally found good. 



I am not aware of very serious damage to apple or pear trees 

 on account of blight. I have noticed indications of leaf blight on 

 my pear trees, but I think it was not so bad last year as in previ- 

 ous years. I am testing the effects of a thorough top-dressing 

 with coal ashes on pear, plum and cherry trees, for the purpose of 

 promoting a healthy condition, and for protection against insect 

 enemies, particularly the curculio. 



The Baldwin apple is the principal kind raised for the general 

 market, and is, in this section, very produftive, and in elevated 

 localities quite hardy. But in low places, where an extreme 

 degree of cold prevails in the winter months, I think it is less 

 hardy and apt to die out in a few years. 



The Northern Spy, Ilubbardston Nonsuch, Rhode Island Green- 

 ing and Roxbury Russet, are being propagated more than formerly. 



The improved varieties of crab apples are being planted here 

 quite extensively, on account of their fine quality for cooking and 

 preserving, and superior hardiness. The Transcendent Crab is 

 very popular, — more so than any other. 



The principal market for any apples raised hereabouts in 1876 

 was Bridgton, where they have been worth from $1.50 to $2.50, 

 according to quality. 



I have noticed in the towns of Waterford, Sweden and Lovell, in 

 Oxford county, during the past autumn, some well kept orchards, 

 and in some parts of those towns good crops of fruit were raised. 



I congratulate the lovers of fruit culture on the success of the 

 State Pomological Society in awakening a fresh interest in this 

 favorite pursuit, and remain, with sincere regard. 

 Your ob't serv't, 



Granville Fernald. 



