REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER. 7 



some of our practical, wide-awake farmers in the central and 

 southern portions of the State have demonstrated that the soil in 

 these sections, with the aid of commercial fertilizers and proper 

 cultivation, can be made to produce potatoes equal in quantity 

 and quality to those produced in the more favored northern sec- 

 tion. Their success has stimulated others to an enlarged produc- 

 tion, and the indications are that the acreage of potatoes planted 

 in Maine in 1904 will exceed that for many years. Although 

 profitable returns from this crop are not always assured, yet with 

 thorough cultivation, continued well into the season, and early 

 and frequent sprayings with Bordeaux mixture and some insecti- 

 cide, the prospects will be such as in our opinion to warrant the 

 farmers in all parts of the State in broadening out somewhat in 

 this line. 



The threatened troubles across the water indicate that the 

 crops which are raised in this country will be in great demand, 

 and farmers will be wise if they adopt the plan that has been so 

 clearly and earnestly set forth by Prof. J. W. Sanborn of New 

 Hampshire while engaged in institute work, of extensive, inten- 

 sive farming. They should harness all the forces within their 

 reach, by using capital, machinery and commercial fertilizers, 

 to the end that their products may be increased. 



The problem of securing efficient farm help is offering the 

 farmers some difficulty, but this may be practically overcome by 

 the use of modern machinery, labor saving devices, and economy 

 of effort in every direction. 



OUR LIVE STOCK. 



We are again able to report an increase in the number and 

 value of nearly all classes of farm stock, as ascertained by the 

 reports of the local assessors to the State Assessors. The major- 

 ity of our farmers recognize the value and importance of some 

 kind of stock husbandry, in conserving the fertility of the farm, 

 and a marked tendency to improve their herds by more careful 

 breeding and selection is noted. In some sections farmers are 

 taking much interest in the breeding of dairy stock, and have 

 imported thoroughbred animals of the different breeds at high 

 prices. We trust this movement will continue and will have a 

 permanent effect upon the character of the stock of the State. A 

 gratifying increase is shown in the number of cows, the number 

 reported in 1903 being larger by 10,181 than that in 1902. 



