102 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



the principal has seen fit to impose upon them is to prepare a report 

 of the papers and the talk presented here at the present time. I 

 suppose some of them are scribbling down what I am saying now, 

 as they have what Secretary McKeen and the other speakers have 

 been talking about ; and in due time it will get into the academy 

 and perhaps through them be handed down to future generations of 

 pupils. What I wish to say is this, — I want to encourage just that 

 kind of work, because if we can interest young men and young 

 women, and boys and girls in this work of fruit growing and flower 

 culture, or in anything that will cultivate a better taste and increase 

 a knowledge of Maine and what grows in it, that work is in the 

 right direction. 



Through the courtesy of Mr. Sampson, the secretary received a 

 very neatly prepared report of the afternoon session, and it gives 

 him pleasure to publish so much of it as refers to National Floral 

 Emblems : 



Mrs. Beedy read an excellent paper prepared by Janet L. Dingley 

 of Auburn. A short resume of the National Floral Emblems of 

 countries across the Atlantic, opened the article — The shamrock of 

 Ireland, the thistle of Scotland, the rose of England, the fleur de lis 

 of France and the edelweiss of Switzerland, each by its manner of 

 growth on events connected with its history, bringing dear and 

 inspiring memories to minds of loyal citizens. 



The first movement towards a United States Floral Emblem was 

 made in the woman's congress at the World's Fair. Among other 

 ideas advanced it was proposed that the emblem take the form of a 

 garland composed of as many flowers as there are states in the 

 Union, each chosen by the respective states. The ballot was 

 opened November 4. Several states have already decided. Ver- 

 mont will be represented by red clover ; Iowa chooses Indian corn ; 

 California the poppy, and Wyoming the sunflower. What shall 

 Maine choose? The paper did not commit itself but presented 

 fairly the arguments in favor of the various flowers. 



The apple blossom would make a fine appearance in the garland, 

 but it withers and falls the day it is born and can hardly represent 

 the enduring nature of our State. Golden rod is perhaps the most 

 widespread of all Maine's flowers, but it is objected that the petals 

 are so fine it would make an indistinct blur in the hands of the 

 engraver. The grand old pine, however, has none of these faults. 

 It is green and beautiful through summer and winter. It has an his- 

 toric value also. The first flag that led American soldiers to battle 



