80 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



Mr. Feexald. Perhaps I have said enough to day, but I 

 would like to say a M-^ord or two on this subject. I treated the 

 subject of the "Russian apple tree business," and suT)jccts in- 

 timately connected Avith it, in as foir a light as I could under 

 the circumstances. Having investigated the matter for some 

 jnonths past, and having obtained information from various 

 sources, I felt impelled in justice to the people, to give them 

 the result of my investigations. I do not think I have 

 exaggerated anj^thing. I am acquainted with many men in 

 the apple tree business. Among them are some very good, 

 honest, upright and reliable men, who pursue their business 

 on strictly honest principles. I have knoAvn cases where 

 some of this class of men have made good the losses which 

 were occasioned by the mismanagement of their agents or b}'' 

 failures. I have had trees of some of these men which have 

 done well. 



Some say that in New York, in the vicinity of Rochester, 

 and near Geneva, are the most favorable places for the 

 growing of trees. They say the sudden changes we have 

 here render it practically impossible for us to raise good 

 trees. I do not consider this a good ground at all. I believe 

 trees can be raised here in Maine, and that we ought to 

 encourage Maine enterprise in this direction. I am glad to 

 see so much interest shown in this matter. 



The President. We shall now be obliged to suspend 

 the discussion of this subject, much as we would like to 

 pursue it further, in order to devote a few moments before 

 closing the session, to the subject of ferns and ferneries and 

 the cultivation of flowers, in accordance with the announce- 

 ment in the programme. 



The Secretary. I wrote a few days ago to Mr. Vickery 

 of Portland, a well known florist, and a member of the 

 Society, asking for a brief paper for our meeting on some 

 subject connected with floriculture, to fill a few moments. 

 I have received in reply a paper which by permission I will 

 read, regretting that Mr. Vickery is not here to speak for 

 himself. 



