(j6 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



used for the manufacture of explosives, in case of war, and 

 in times of peace, can be utilized for the production of nitrates 

 for use in agriculture, so as to cheapen food supplies by in- 

 creasing its production through the agency of a low-priced 

 fertilizer. 



It is, perhaps, not generally known that the price that the 

 farmers of Maine have been obliged to pay for their fertilizer 

 ranges from six to seven dollars per ton more than more fav- 

 ored states. This means that, considering the added expense 

 of shipment to Maine, we pay from three to four dollars per 

 ton more than the same analysis is sold for elsewhere. 



The short crop of potatoes this season has caused prices to 

 rule high on both table and seed stock. In our efforts to im- 

 prove conditions and secure a wide distribution of our products, 

 more attention should be paid to the importance of growing 

 more seed of the better class, in order to supply an increasing 

 demand for our northern grown potatoes for planting purposes. 



The southern states are planting larger areas of potatoes each 

 year and they have found that northern-grown seed from 

 Maine gives better results than from seed obtained elsewhere. 

 There is a great opportunity for developing our seed trsde with 

 the South and the work already done has resulted in hundreds 

 of inquiries regarding Maine seed. Upon a recent trip through 

 the South, I came in personal contact with large interests which 

 were not only ready, but anxious to make arrangements for 

 the purchase of Maine certified seed. 



Respectfully submitted. 



F. L. HUTCHINSON. 



Chief, Bureau of Marketing and Siipplics. 



