50 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



tilizing value of feed is substantially determined by its percentage 

 of protein. 



So this problem presents itself to us from two sides. We go 

 back to the relationship between the farm and the herd. Follow- 

 ing this system which I have indicated, all the time you are 

 improving the productive capacity of your herd you are improv- 

 ing the productive capacity of your farm. The two things work 

 together in this way, each aiding the other, and the result is more 

 profit for the farmer, and, what is even better, by making it a 

 matter of study and thought it becomes a work in which he can 

 take satisfaction ; the doing of these things becomes not mere 

 drudgery to be endured, but life to be enjoyed. 



SOIL AND TILLAGE. 

 By David M. Kelsey, Durham, Ct. 



Experience meetings are usually more valuable for agricultur- 

 ists than mere instruction, but as Commissioner Gilman, in his 

 introductory remarks, made use of the word "education," I shall, 

 like a good soldier, obey orders, and attempt to instruct you. 

 Now, the instruction usually offered to farmers through 

 addresses at meetings, the press, and other printed matter is of 

 three kinds. First and narrowest, specific and special directions 

 for doing some one thing in a certain way. This is always dan- 

 gerous and often injurious, because conditions constantly differ 

 and relations vary with each year, each location, and each kind 

 of crop. 



The second form of instruction, and a much safer one, is the 

 relation of the experiences of some practical farmer. This does 

 not give specific directions or advice, but simply the detailed 

 facts, leaving the listener to draw his own conclusions and make 

 his own plans. As experiences, this is highly valuable. The 

 intelligent person can always make use of it somewhere, some- 

 time. 



But the third and highest form of instruction I shall also make 

 use of today. It is by a statement of broad principles and under- 

 lying truths which are fundamental to any success. This may 

 but discourage you at the first, but these statements will bear the 



