4 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



very extensive and embraces a large number of varieties. Evi- 

 dently pear cultu.re in Maine is a success, and is rapidly increas- 

 ing in importance." ***** 



Prom the Maine FaDuer. 



The annual show of fruits, flowers and vegetables at the Lewis- 

 ton City Hal), made b}' this Society last week, was by far 

 the best exhibition held by the Society since its foi^iation five 

 years ago. It was estimated to have been about twice as large in 

 nearly every department as that held one year ago in Watcrville. 

 Being in the centre of a region 'noted for its natural advantages 

 for fruit growing, and inhabited by a people possessing a high 

 degree of intelligence, combined with cultivated tastes and rare 

 skill in producing many things which minister to the comfort and 

 delight of social life, it was no surprise to witness large collections, 

 and a great variety of choice orchard and garden fruits contribu- 

 ted by the fanners of Lewiston and the towns surrounding. 

 From the fact that the .State Agricultural Fair had been held only 

 one week before, and the excitement attending that event had in a 

 great measure sated the curiosity of the thousands of people who 

 were present at Portland from all parts of the State, the attend- 

 ance upon the Fomological exhibition was comparatively light ; 

 yet it was evident fiom the manifestations of pleasure experienced 

 by all who viewed this hitherto unequalled display of the fruits 

 and other products of the skill of our people, that the Societv has 

 commenced a work, and has presented claims to toe consideration 

 of the citizens of the State, which will eventually receive an appre- 

 ciative response, and be recognized as one of the most valuable 

 and important agencies for promoting the industrial 2:)rosperity of 

 the farming population, as well as educating the masses in a 

 knowledge of the fine arts requisite for the complete development 

 of the resources and capabilities of the soil. 



The weather during the three days of the exhibition was very 

 favorable, affording a fine oj^portunity to those who could, to 

 witness this grand show ; and the hundreds of people who devoted 

 a few hours each to the examination of the splendid collection in 

 the hall will retain for the remainder of their lives a vivid sense 

 of the beauty and lovliness ot this vast contribution to the cause 

 of elevating the standard of horticultural progress. During the 

 last day the children had permission to atteiul at a low rate of ad- 

 mission ; and it was regretted that arrangements were not season- 

 ablv made for the convenient attendance en masse of the school 

 children of Lewiston and Auburn, as well as the adjacent locali- 

 ties. The ofllicers of the society were nearly all present, and 

 from beginning to close, labored assiduously and disinterestedly 

 for the success of the exhibition. * * * * 



The display of apples, pears and grapes, whether in collections 

 or as single sjoecimens was creditable, and proved to all be- 



