38 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



It is estimated that twciity-fivo hundred bushels of the smaller 

 fruits have been raised the last year in Penobscot county. 



What the Bangor Horticultural Society has accomplished for 

 all the surrounding country, similar associations can effect in their 

 several localities, until, from these common centres, a benign influ- 

 ence shall go forth which shall encircle the whole State. By 

 ascertaining the varieties best adapted for every soil and place, by 

 collecting the lessons of experience, by diffusing know^ledge in 

 respect to the cultivation of fruits, and eapecialhj the apple, an 

 increased interest may be excited, so that Maine, at no distant 

 day, may not only raise enough for home consumption, but also a 

 .surplus fur a foreign market, and thus may add hundreds of thou- 

 sands of dollars to the valuation of property. A consummation so 

 desirable is worthy our warmest zeal — our most persevering efforts. 



On motion of Dr. Weston, the following resolve was unanimously 

 adopted : 



Whereas, It is the province of the Board to prescribe and deter- 

 mine the duties of the Secretary, and whereas the more extensive 

 culture of fruit in the State is extremely desirable, therefore 



Besolved, That the Board of Agriculture recommends to the Sec- 

 retary, in addition to his other duties prescribed by statute and by 

 former votes of the Board, an investigation of the subject of Fruit 

 and Fruit Culture in Maine, during the .current year, and the 

 preparation of a leading paper on the subject, to be included in his 

 next annual report. 



The following communications were presented and read : 

 From Joseph M. Smith, Anson. 



My flock of sheep in the spring of 1862, was composed of sixty- 

 seven ewes, four wethers, and forty lambs (or one year olds.) 



From mj' ewes I raised sixty lambs ; I sheared seven hundred 

 and thirteen pounds from the whole flock, which I sold at fifty 

 cents per pound, amf)unting to the sum of 

 Sold ten old sheep for . 

 One ewe, . ... 



Ten lambs, $6, . . ... 



One for ..... 



One for . . . . 



One (ewe) for . 



