DAIRY AND SEED IMPROVEMENT MEETINGS. 1 55 



We feel that those who make this petty and shortsighted 

 criticism of the experiments in progress at the University of 

 Maine do not, in any respect whatsoever, represent the opinion 

 of the progressive and intelHgent cattle breeders of this 

 state. We feel that the farmers and breeders of this state, 

 who have any real knowledge or comprehension of what breed- 

 ing means, desire to see made now, just as they did when they 

 helped to inaugurate the work, the most searching, thorough- 

 going and careful investigations on the subject which it is pos- 

 sible to carry out by the most approved scientific methods. 



The Committee would again emphasize to the Association the 

 fact that, from the very nature of the material, progress in this 

 experimental work must necessarily be slow. We have been 

 working with the utmost rapidity possible for four years and 

 have not yet completed the necessary experimental herd. When 

 this work was begim it was pointed out that ten years was the 

 shortest period of time in which definite and conclusive results 

 could possibly be even hoped for. Nothing which has occurred 

 since has caused us in any way to change our estimate on that 

 point. The work is proceeding as rapidly as it is possible for it 

 to proceed, with the facilities at hand and with due regard to 

 thoroughness. Just as soon as definite results are received they 

 will be reported to the Association. 



It is recommended that the Committee on Breeding be con- 

 tinued, as its work is not finished. 



Respectfully submitted, 



Raymond Pearl^ Chairman. 

 F. S. Adams, 

 w. g. hunton. 



Afternoon- Session. 



Meeting called to order by the president. 



The following officers were elected for the ensuing year : 

 President, H. M. Tucker. Canton ; Vice-President, L. C. Hols- 

 ton, Cornish ; Secretary, Leon S. Merrill, Orono ; Treasurer, 

 F. S. Adams, Bowdoinham ; Trustee, J. A. Ness. Auburn ; Dele- 

 gates to Federation of Agricultural Associations, H. M. Tucker, 

 Canton, and A. L. Pope, Manchester ; Visiting Committee to 

 the College of Agriculture, A. E. Hodges, Fairfield Center ; 



