36 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Resolved, That it is inexpedient for this Board to recommend any one of 

 them as the best for the farmers of Maine, in all situations or for all uses. 



Mr. Wasson stated that there had been an attempt to introduce 

 into Ilaneock county, what were called "Red Durhams," and 

 inquired of the Secretary if any such existed as a well defined and 

 distinct breed. 



Mr. Goodale responded, that the improved Short Ilorn or Dur- 

 ham cattle were sometimes red, sometimes white, but usually par- 

 took of both colors, sometimes in distinct patches and often mixed 

 together ; that color was a very uncertain characteristic of pure 

 Durhams. Light colored calves from red parents were not infre- 

 quent. He had seen what were called Red Durhams, some of 

 which appeared pure so far as he could judge, and some looked like 

 crosses of Devon and Durham. If a red color was transmitted to 

 progeny with much regularity he would consider it a probable 

 indication of Devon blood. Crosses of Devon and Durham were 

 frequently very handsome animals, but it was not good policy to 

 use cross bred bulls for propagation. 



Mr. Wasson, after alluding to some cases of fraud, introduced 

 the following preamble and resolution which were adopted : 



Whereas, it has come to the knowledge of some of the members of the 

 Board, that in some instances cross bred or grade animals had been imposed 

 upon unsuspecting farmers in this State as pure bred, therefore 



Resolved, That we recommend formers to purchase only from reliable sour- 

 ces, and that they demand certificates of pedigree or other satisfactory evidence 

 of purity of blood. 



Mr. Wasson, for business committee, presented the following 



report of subjects for investigation and report at this time, which 



was adopted, and committees assigned as follows : 



1. Our Agricultural Associations : what have they accomplished, and what 

 claims do they present for State patronage in the existing condition of the 

 country? Messrs. Perley, Wasson, Chamberlain, Weston, Martin and Cargill. 



2. Ought the farmers of Maine to modify the character of their efforts, in 

 view of the present condition and prospects of the country, and if so, in what 

 direction and to what extent? Messrs. Goodale, Fish and Waterman. 



3. Agricultural Education : how shall it best be promoted? Messrs. Wes- 

 ton, Martin and Currier. 



4. Maple Sugar: its importance and the best method of manufacture. 

 Messrs. I'erley, Jewett and Lee. 



5. The culture of Flax as a substitute for Cotton. Messrs. Lee, Currier and 

 Fish. 



0. By what means can the supply of fertilizing materials be most eflectually 

 increased from iiome resources? Messrs. Martin, Jewett and Norton. 



7. Luportance of Pedigree. Messrs. Wasson, Haines and Lee. 



8. Management of Poultry. Messrs. Dill, Currier and Waterman. 



9. Culture of Buckwheat. Messrs. Chamberlain, Rogers and Haines. 



The following reports were subsequently submitted and accepted. 



