8 AGRICULTURi: OF MAINE. 



The poultry industry has not assumed the proportions that its 

 importance would seem to warrant. While statistics show that 

 during the past five years the total value of poultry and eggs 

 produced has increased materially, the actual number of hens on 

 the farm has decreased during that period. We believe that for 

 the amount of capital required this industry may be made as 

 profitable as any branch of farm work, and that many of our 

 farmers could add materially to the income of the farm by 

 extending their operations in this line. 



OUR DAIRY INTERESTS. 



We are pleased to note an advance movement along dairy lines 

 during the past year. The Agricultural Committee of the last 

 legislature, realizing the importance of this industry, and recog- 

 nizing the desire of the Dairymen's Association and the friends 

 of dairying that it should be fostered and protected, reported to 

 the legislature a resolve in favor of the dairy interests of the 

 State, providing for the appointment of a dairy expert, who 

 should assist the creameries and farm dairies in the manufacture 

 of a better and more uniform product, make a careful inspection 

 of the conditions existing and methods pursued, and in every 

 way possible further the interests of this leading agricultural 

 industry in Maine. This resolve was passed by the legislature, 

 and after careful investigation Mr. S. C. Thompson of Winter- 

 port, who is well versed in all lines of dairying, having had 

 experience in the manufacture of dairy products on the farm and 

 also as creamery manager, was chosen to fill this position. He 

 began the work in May and continued until November, at which 

 time he laid it down for an interval, and entered the Dairy School 

 at Madison, Wisconsin, for a three months' course, to further 

 perfect himself in all lines of dairy work. Upon his return he 

 will again resume his duties as State Dairy Instructor. 



We believe the work commenced by him has in it promise of 

 much good for the dairymen of the State. An organization of 

 the creamery men has been perfected during the past year, 

 largely through his efforts, which is bringing about more uni- 

 form conditions and the possibility of manufacturing a better 

 product, and his work among the private dairymen is resulting 

 in a higher standard of production. 



