110 STATE POMOLOGIOAL SOCIETY. 



Several growers have exhibited specimens of Japan iilums, Abuudaace 

 and Burbank, at our exhibitions. The fruit is so attractive in itsapjtear- 

 ance and so much has been said about them that more or less have set 

 the trees. So far we have only favorable reports from growers. As yet, 

 however, it is hardly safe to plant largely, unless one is willing to regard 

 such action as experimental. They certainly deserve a thorough trial in 

 Maine. 



JOSSELYX BOTAXICAL SOCIETY OF MAIXE. 



During the spring of 1895, a number of people actively identified with 

 the study of Maine plants thought it would be highlj' advantageous, if 

 they, and other persons of similar interests, could come together and, by 

 an exchange of thoughts and methods of work, place upon a more definite 

 footing this branch of scientific study in Maine. This suggestion was 

 first made by Mrs. H. K. Morrell of Gardiner, and verj' soon the matter 

 was taken activelj' in hand by the present Secretary, and a circular, signed 

 by a number of representative persons, was issued calling a convention of 

 Maine botanists at Portland, from July 12 to 16, 1895. 



I'he meeting opened on the morning of July twelve at the rooms of 

 the Portland Society of XaturaJ History. In the absence of the distin- 

 guished President, Dr. William Wood, the Vice President, Mr. Joseph P, 

 Thompson called the meeting to order and extended to the convention a 

 cordial welcome to the rooms of the Xatural History Society. Prof. A. 

 L. Lane of the Cobura Classical Institute, Waterville, was made chair- 

 man of the convention, and Mrs. Mary E. Taylor of Portland, Secretarv. 

 A committee of arrangements was appointed, consisting of Merritt Lyndon 

 Fernald, Joseph P. Thompson, Mrs. Helen Coflin Beed\', Miss Kate Fur- 

 bish and Miss Ellen M. Cram. 



The preliminary business being settled, Mr. Frank S. Collins of Maiden, 

 Mass., gave a very instructive and practical talk upon the study of marine 

 algge or "sea mosses,"' illustrating his remarks with many carefully pre- 

 pared specimens. Mr. Collins was followed by Miss Kate Furbish who 

 had brought with her from Poland Springs a number of the rarer and 

 more interesting plants of that vicinity. Her talk was informal and 

 many of those present took active part in the discussion of the plants 

 exhibited. 



In the afternoon the party went to Fort Preble where they were very 

 kindly received by the commanding ofiicer, Lieut. E. E. Gayle. Under 

 the direction of Mr. Collins, the sea shore about the fort was carefully 

 examined and manj- alga^ detected, these specimens proving valuable 

 material for still further practical remarks and directions. 



The second day's session, Saturdaj-, opened with a very sliggestive paper 

 by Mrs. Mary E. Taylor on the teaching of botauj^ in the schools. The 

 paper contained mauj' valuable hints, and the discussion which followed 

 showed a lively interest in the important question. The last of the fore- 

 noon was taken up by Mr. Fernald in a talk upon the geographical distri- 



