Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1910-02-08
AMONG THE FARMERS,
SPEED THE PLow."

"sPEED THE PLow."
Correspondence on practical agricultural topic
is solicited. Address all communications u
tended for this department 70 HnNRx l
HAMMOND, Agricultural Editor Oxford Den
ocrat. Paris. Ne.
Information on The Gregory Prize
As result of the New England Frui
Show held in Boston last October, Mr.
James j. a. Gregory of Marblehead
| Mass, has given to the state of Maine
$1,000 first mortgage bond, with the pro
vision that at intervals of five years $20t
of the interest shall be paid to the or
chardist who shall show to COMMITTEES
of three the most excellent orchard o
one acre OF more grown on his owl
land, of trees of his own selection (tht
Ben Davis excepted) five years from set
ting; the first planting TO be In th'
spring of 1910 and judged in 1915. Thi
most generous offer of Mr.. Gregory
has induced others to offer like pre-
miums. This great movement has re
ceived the hearty support OF many o.
our leading orchard men throughout th'
state, with the result that large mum
Der have entered for the contest, AND
names are being booked for the acre OIL
more of standard apple trees. For In
formation regarding this contest, this
circular is published.
Although we do not wish to issue
cast. iron rules or provide for q whole LOT
of red tape, we do believe that If We are
in the forward movement for better fruit
for Maine, and if we would place our
fruit on a par with that Of our western
we must adopt the best meth
ods known to the fruit industry. We
must gain the confidence Of our com
mission men and the consuming public
before We can hope to make success
with our apples. Our first duty is to
thoroughly renovate our present Or
chards and then enter this contest to
show that we believe in the possibilities
of our Maine grown apples. We have
the best of soil, as good climate as can
be found, for many choice varieties, and
one of the best markets of the world al
our very doors. Why should not Maine
lead in this impo tant industry that
means so much to the health as we'll as
profit of our people?
We will outline some of the essential
points to be considered in entering this
contest.
SELECTING STOCK.
1t is left with each contestant to make
his own selection of any standard varie-
ties, the Ben Davis excepted. Or course
much depends upon the right selection.
II one wishes for home orchard alone,
be wants to select those varieties that
appeal to him or his family, for we do
not all have the same taste in this re-
gard; but one should use his best judg-
ment and select those that would give
fruit for the table from early fall to late
summer. This would require but few
providing they were we'll
III a commercial orchard 10
and that is what is most desir-
ed in this campaign, we would recon-
mend but one variety, providing It De q
strong pollenizer; if not, it would be well
to set every fifth row to some variety
that blossomed at the same time and
was rich in pollen. Those who enter
this contest should plan to make this
acre the nucleus of an extensive COM
mercial orchard and start where addi-
tions could be made from year to year
as desired.
The stock should be OF the first quail
ity, preferably two years old, straight, of
good top formation and with plenty OF
roots. 1t is very essential that stock be
selected at the earliest possible moment,
as there is great scarcity OF standard
apple trees in the market.
This circular will be followed by a
regular orchard bulletin to be issued
from the department in March, which
will be sent out in time for each contest
ant to become thoroughly posted before
setting the trees.
ORCHARD BLANKS.
Blanks will be sent to each one who
enters the contest These are TO be
filled out and sent in as soon as possible.
A full record of these orchards will be
kept at the department and notes added
from year to year covering the points
that are most essential to first class Or
chard management. By aid from the
orchardists we hope in time to secure a
complete fruit census of the state.
The following is copy of the outline
to be filled in:
Name.
p. o. address.
Town.
County.
Date.
Location Of orchard las to slope).
No. OF acres planted.
Varieties OF treoe.
For home or commerclai use!
Preparation Of ground.
Kind OF soil.
Plan of setting.
Distance from railroad or electrics.
How to reach the orchard.
We desire the above information SO
that we may visit each orchard while
engaged in our rounds Of inspection and
insect work, so as to keep in touch with
the methods used and the successes at,
tanned.
ORCHARD SCORING.
A suitable score card will be used by
the Judges which will cover the different
points to be considered, such as location,
varieties, growth, tillage or mulching,
freedom from insect pests or fungous
diseases, etc.
The department stands ready to aid in
every way possible in this movement.
All letters of inquiry should be direct
ed TO 4. +. aitchlngs. State Entomolo-
gist, Augusta, Maine.
K. +. HITCHINGs,
In Charge of Orchard Work. =