The Portland daily press., 1888-02-25
MAINE PoMoLocIsTs.
Proceedings OF the Closing Day Of
Their Meeting.

The third and last days session Of the
Fruit Growers Convention at New Glouces-
ter, opened Friday morning at o'clock,
being called to order by Mr.. o. G.. Nelson
Of New Gloucester A larger number were
present at the opening than on previous
days.
The committee on fruits reported by Mr..
ID. G. Briggs, chairman, a complete list OF
fruits on exhibition, 100 exhibits in ALL In
the judgement Of the committee the best ex-
hibit was by G. K. Staples Of Temple, 10 va
rieties Of apples. The second best was by j.
l.. Davis Of New Gloucester. 6 varieties.
Third best, J. w. True Of New Gloucester,
varieties The committee commended an
exhibit Of Bellhowers made by G. A. Fogg Of
New Gloucester, and an exhibit of kings by
Mrs. E. p. Spring Of the same town.
The committee to whom were referred the
presidents address, reported through their
chairman, Mr.. Knowlton Of Pennington,
and recommended action ON its several
suggestions. 1t was voted to accept the
following.
THAT in case of joint exhibitions with
the State Agricultural Society, the executive
committee arrange programme for an eve
ming meeting.
2-That the executive committee make
such arrangements as shall protect the inter-
ests of the annual members during the hold
ing of exhibitions and that the same be pub
lished as one OF the society's exhibition
rules.
3-That the executive committee make
such revision of the premium list as may
seem for the best interests Of the society.
THAT standing committee of five be
chosen to revise the catalogue Of fruits, and
4lsnt.. tod In. fhn
nual report.
"a resolution to request Congress to re-
duce the rate of postage on seeds, bulbs and
plants.
The first topic for discussion was paper
read by Mr.. q. A. Gilbert Of Greene, upon
THE RED RUssET.
The history Of the Red Russet, so far as
known, said the speaker, is that it originated
on the farm of Aaron Sanborn, Hampton
Falls, N. H., about the year 1910, and seems
to be a cross between the Baldwin and Rox-
bury Russell.
1t is remarkable for its keeping qualities
under some circumstances. 1t requires a
cool cellar. 1t bears abundantly and has but
one out, which Is that it bears only every
other year.
The speaker read letters from a number Of
fruit growers in the State expressing differ
ent opinions as to the desirability Of grow
ing this variety
Some discussion was called out by Mr.. Gil
bert's paper. as it was claimed by some
that the origin of the Red Russell was
spore produced in grating.
Hon. Rufus Prince, President Of the State
Agricultural Society. read paper on
THE PRESENT OUTLOOK FOR FRUIT GROW
ERs IN MAINE.
Mr.. Prince said that several questions
came into discussion Of the subject. First,
can fruit be grown with certainty in Maine?
Second, is our soil and climate adapted to
fruit growing? IL we take the harder ap-
Piles, pears, plums and cherries, no part of
the civilized world is better adapted to their
production.
If we are to try fruit-growing on a large
scale, we must not be captivated by large
stories of new and untried varieties, for a
variety may be faultless in one locality and
nearly worthless in another For instance,
the Baldwin is perfectly at home in its ma
tive soil of Massachusetts,, while with us it
must have favorable locality. He thought
nature had fitted our State for growing later
keeping apples, and we could compete with
our other States in this class of fruit. We
could rely upon our orchards for as good
crops as for any crops Of our farms. And Is
not the future outlook such that We who
have had lifelong experience in fruit
growing, can encourage the young man to
extend his orchards?
1t is but few years since our markets ex-
tended to the larger and distant cities. Now,
Maine apples are quoted in foreign markets,
and higher than that of any other State.
New outlets have opened, so now no fruit
grower need fear he cannot sell his surplus
Late-keeping Maine apples stand at the top
of the market.
There is a large and increasing foreign de-
mand for Maine apples. If we wait for this
demand to increase and keep up our reputa-
tion, we must do two things; be ready to
supply this demand so that other markets
will not be sought. and second. have our
fruit what 1t is represented to be, not good
ones on the top of the barrel and inferior
ones in the middle.
To keep up the fertility of our orchards,
pasture with sheep and swine. Such Or
chards will be less troubled with worms,
bOrers and mice.
pied by consideration of paper presented
by Hon. p. M. Anger. pomologist to the
to the Connecticut State Board of Agricul-
ture. Prof. Anger's paper was upon the
topic
SMALL FRUIT CULTURE.
He said: / feel some diffidence in ap-
preaching this subject as what l may
suggest though adapted to the latitude OF
Connecticrt may not be good for that ofMaine.
The question may be asked, who shall raise
fruit? The answer may be, every one who
has the land.
As the strawberry stands first in respect Of
value, IL may well first claim our attention
The land that has given us the best results Is
a deep hard loan. We consider that two
years cultivation Of some hoed crop like corn
or potatoes Is good preparation for the rails
ing of strawberries, as it rids the land Of
weeds and the Larvae of the white grub.
The mistake is often made OF having the
ground too heavily stocked with plants
Where we desire heavy yield in plants we
plant late in July in rows 20 inches apart
We never allow any blooms the first year But
raising plants for sale and raising fruit are
not necessarily c0incident
The speaker then emphasized the value of
under drainage. We have found that land in
the most porous condition will stand a drought
best. By understanding and subs0iling we
aereate deeper and thus add largely to the
resources and plant food in the soil. One of
the most important factors in the growing of
awberries is to manure literally. Manure
Of granted horses properly composted Is ex-
cellent commercial fertilizers should be used
to supplement the manureS of the farm.
Do varieties wear out? In general; yes.
In how long? That depends upon the treat
ment. They may be continued long time
with good management. But we would not
advise grower to try for second crop with
the same plants or grow two successive
years on the same ground.
The results of crop depend much on
careful handling by the piekers. The green
hull with short steam should never be de-