Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-02-04
Circular Of Much Interest
To Maine orchafdists.
Governor May Send Delegates
To Legislative Convention.
Coast Defense Exercises al Port.
land, Aug. 2 to II
STATE HOUSE CALENDAR.
Next Meeting of Governor ana Iou"e''
Thursday, Feb. ~, at 10 A. NJ.

Announcement is MADE dt Ihe NC
partment of agriculture OF the lssu-
ance of the following pamphlet under
the title of "Circular of Information on
Orchard Work." which refers to the
gift of 81, 900 to the State by James n.
Gregory of Marblehead. Mass, and
will prove of great interest to orchard
lists throughout the State. The cir
cular is issued under the personal di-
rection of Prof. f. +. Hitchins, who
has charge of the orchard work for the
department, and the text is as fol-
lows:
'As the result Of the New England
Fruit Show held in Boston last Octo-
Der, James II. Gregory of Marble
head Mass, has given to the State of
Maine a ST. 900 first mortgage bond,
with the provision that at intervals of
five years 5000 of the interest shall be
paid to the orchardist who shall show
to committee of three the most ex-
cellent orchard of one acre or more
grown on his own land, of trees of his
own selection the Ben Davis except
ED five years from setting: the first
planting to be in the spring of 1910 and
judged in 1915. This most generous
offer of Mr. Gregory's has induced 9TH
crs to offer like premiums. This
great movement has received the
hearty support of many of our leading
orchard men throughout the State.
with the result that a large number
have entered for the contest, and
names are being booked for the acre or
moro 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 whole
lot of red tapr, "" do believe that if We
are in the forward movement for bet
ter fruit in Maine, and if we would
plac" our fruit on par with that of
our western ncighbors. we must adopt
the best methods known to the fruit
industry. We must gain the conf
dencc of our commission men and the
consuming public before we can hope
to max" a success with our apples
our first duty is to r"noVatc our pres
ont orchards and then enter this con-
test to show that we believe in the
possibilities of our Maine grown APP
pies. 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 at our very
doors. Why should not Maine lead in
this important 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 stan
dard varieties, the Ben Davis excepted
or course much depends Upon the right
selection. II one wishes for a home
orchard alone. he wants to select those
varieties that appeal to him or his
FAMILY, for we do not all have the same
tastes in this regard, but one should
use his best judgment and select those
that would give fruit for the table
from early fall to late summer. This
would require but few varieties pro-
Vldlng they were we'll selected. If Il
commercial orchard is planned and
that is what is most desired in this
campaign, we would recommend but
one variety. providing it be strong
poleniZer, If not it would be well to
set every fifth row to some variety that
poisoned at the same time and was
IiCn IN pollen. THOSE who enter this
content should plan to make this acre
the nucleus Of an extensive CONNER
clal orchard and start where additions
could be made from year to year as de-
sired
The stock should be of the first
quality. preferably two years old
straight, of good top formation and
with plenty of roots. 1t is very es-
sential that stock be selected at the
earliest possible moment. as there is a
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
VIII be sent out i'm time for each con-
testant 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
Hlied out and sent in as soon as possl-
pie full record of these orchards
VIII he kept at the Department and
notes added from year to year cover
ing the points that are most essential
10 hfSt-c.asS orchard mana cement. BY
ala IRON the orchardists we hope in