4 STATE POMOLOGIOAL SOCIETY. 



Of Other fruits there was a small crop, although where not affected b}-^ 

 the drouth there was a good crop of raspberries and blackberries. Pears 

 being iu full bloom at the time of the freeze suffered from the cold. This 

 is especially true of several popular varieties. In some parts of the 

 State the freeze destroyed the currant and gooseberry crop. 



In this connection it is well to emphasize the importance of better 

 culture and a more careful study of all the conditions that bear in any 

 way upon this important industr}^ This would be preferable to the 

 planting of more trees. 



EXTENSION OF FRUIT CULTURE. 



Manj' trees w-ere set during the year, and although the quality is 

 known to be inferior, I am satisfied that more of the Ben Davis have 

 been selected than of any other variety. The high price this apple com- 

 mands in the foreign market may be an apparent excuse for setting the 

 trees, but it is very questionable, although the Ben Davis tree is a good 

 grower and makes a good tree to top graft into some other variety. 



Among the small fruits it is a great pleasure to observe the increased 

 interest shown in their culture. People are learning fast that the}- may 

 raise them readily and in abundance. No subject is listened to with 

 closer attention at our meetings. Knowledge of methods of culture and 

 varieties are eagerlj' sought. Best of all more people are enjoying this 

 luxur}^, which is within the grasp of every man who controls a few feet 

 of land. 



PUBLIC MEETINGS 



A public meeting was held in Deering April 11th, at which Prof. B. M. 

 Watson, Jr., gave an instructive address upon "Hardy Trees and Shrubs." 



The public meeting during the annual exhibition was addressed by 

 Mrs. Alonzo Towle of Freedom, N. H. The attendance was large and 

 the lecture was much enjoyed. 



Desiring to extend the influence and usefulness of the society as far as 

 possible to all parts of the State, it was thought best to accept the cor- 

 dial invitation of Mr. John W. Dudley of Castle Hill and other citizens 

 of Aroostook and hold the winter meeting iu Presque Isle. Later it was 

 arranged to make this a union meeting with the Board of Agriculture, 

 and Secretary McKeen cordially joined with us to make the meeting one 

 of the best. At this meeting special prominence was given to the culture 

 of small fruits, and we were especially fortunate in securing the services 

 of Mr. J. H. Hale of South Glastonbury, Coun. The papers and discus- 

 sions awakened general interest in the subjects presented, and it is 

 believed our efforts will prove of substantial benefit to that section of 

 the State. The members of the society and other visitors were cordially 

 received, and carried to their homes the pleasantest recollections of the 

 people of Aroostook. 



