32 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



The most of our merchants and mechanics, when about to erect 

 dwellings, purchase double lots, that each may possess his own 

 garden, where he may sit under his own vine and fruit tree ; and 

 thus becoming interested in the culture of the soil, our men of 

 wealth often enlarge the spheres of their operations, by purchasing 

 farms in the adjoining country, and improving them according to 

 the best system of modern husbandry, and some instances might 

 be mentioned where these farms pay a larger dividend than bank 

 stock, or stock in trade, or manufactures. 



The society has had an annual exhibition every year but one 

 since its formation. In 185Y, by invitation of the Trustees of the 

 Maine State Agricultural Society, it united with that body in its 

 exhibition at Bangor, and contributed its full share to make it in- 

 teresting and attractive. 



At its exhibitions, the best varieties of peaches, pears, plums, 

 grapes, flowers and vegetables have been represented. Our plums, 

 particularly, have been unsurpassed in color, size and quality. I 

 have attended exhibitions in Boston, New York and Montreal, but 

 have never seen elsewhere, such a variety of this fruit as in our 

 own city, in years of plenty. 



Last September, in spite of the severity of our winters, the spec- 

 imens of pears and American grapes of open culture, exceeded in 

 quantity those exhibited on any former occasion, evincing an in- 

 creased interest in the cultivation of those fruits. The Delaware, 

 Hartford Prolific and Rebecca were nearly ripe on the 17th day of 

 September, but the Concord, Diana, and Isabella had not colored, 

 except on girdled branches. 



Apples appeared in greater abundance than ever before. Two 

 members, each, exhibited ninety varieties. Raising so many 

 kinds is not so profitable to the orchardist as a select few of the 

 best quality ; but we have every year offered premiums for the 

 largest and best variety of this and other fruits, with a view of as- 

 certaining what kinds arc best adapted to our climate and soil. 

 The principal producers of fruit were requested to furnish the Sec- 

 retary lists of apples, pears, plums and grapes which each had 

 found by experience to be the very best for general cultivation in 

 Bangor and vicinity, taking into consideration hardiness and pro- 

 ductiveness of trees and vines, and quality of fruits. By inspec- 

 tion of these lists, it appears that a majority agreed in recommend- 

 ing the following apples : For summer — Bell's Early, Red Astra- 



