22 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



and feed more economically by having a better knowledge of 

 dairy rations. I believe more have kept records of the indi- 

 viduals of their herd and more of those that failed to return a 

 profit have been sold. I also believe the high prices for 

 grain have resulted in a more careful study ana that a decided 

 improvement in feeding and care has been made during the 

 year. 



I have attended 76 meetings, with an average attendance of 

 92. I have not been able to respond to all the calls for my 

 time and I believe that the Seed Improvement work should be 

 provided for in such a way as to allow, as formerly, the 

 Assistant Dairy Instructor to do the dairy work. 



The work of cow test associations has been carried on as 

 last year. It has been hard to find competent testers willing 

 to do the work for the price that could be paid ; therefore, sev- 

 eral associations have temporarily ceased operations. It is 

 hoped that these associations will soon resume work, as the 

 results obtained from a properly organized association more 

 than repays the cost. 



I again desire to express to you my kind regards for the 

 uniform courtesy extended by those connected with your De- 

 partment ; to the press of the state, my thanks for the kind 

 reports of meetings attended ; to the Uni-versity of Maine and 

 Experiment Station, my best wishes for the assistance ren- 

 dered by those engaged in the work of these institutions ; to 

 the granges in Maine, my gratitude for the many mvitations to 

 partake of their hospitality which I have so much enjoyed ; and, 

 finally, to the dairymen of Maine I desire to extend my appre- 

 ciation of their forbearance of my efiforts expended in their 

 behalf. 



Respectfully submitted. 



J. H. BLANCHARD, 

 State Dair\ Instriictur. 



