40 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



demand has steadily increased, and has always been far in advance of the sup- 

 ply, notwithstanding an enlargement of the issue. This demand testifies to 

 the appreciation in wliich they are held in our own State. Abroad, they have 

 been sought for in exchange, quoted from in the publications of other States, 

 and have been pronounced " models of excellence in the department they rep- 

 resent." 



Of the results of his labors, we may mention two or three instances. In 

 1857, the Secretary visited Aroostook county — then little known or spoken 

 of — and investigated its capabilities for production. His conclusions formed 

 a large part of the report of that year ; and its publication at once awakened a 

 general interest throughout this and other states. The next year, a body of 

 the editorial fraternity was induced to visit that section. Very soon the 

 inquiries made of the Laud Agent, induced the issue of 10,000 copies of a 

 circular, all of which were distributed, affording the desired information, and 

 which was chiefly made up of extracts fi-om Mr. Goodale's report ; and by 

 these and other agencies, a great and steady increase of population and wealth 

 has flowed into that county. In the Secretary's report for 18G0, among other 

 papers of value, Ave have a treatise on the principles of breeding, which sup- 

 plies a want long felt by the agricultural community ; and much information 

 was thus supplied never before within the reach of farmers. This treatise was 

 i-epublished in Boston, and has been circulated in every state and territory in 

 the Union. Its effects will be visible for many years to come, in the con- 

 stantly increasing value of our domestic animals, which must necessarily fol- 

 low enlightened practice. The labors of the Secretary during the past year, 

 investigating our resources in the matter of marine manures, and especially 

 the manufacture of" fish guano," may result in the establishment of a new 

 branch of industry, and the saving of an untold wealth of fertilization to the 

 whole State. 



Perhaps we may be pardoned a single allusion to the recommendations of 

 the Board. Among the measures urged by it, and last year adopted by the 

 Legislature, is the Scientific Survey of the State, now successfully entered 

 upon. It is too early to speak much of its I'csults, but we cannot refrain from 

 mentioning a single item. The researches of Prof. Hitchcock show that coal 

 cannot exist in the town of Pen-y ; for the reason that the rocks there are 

 older than the coal formation ; hence, if coal were there it would be above, 

 and not below the rocks. Had this fact been known a few years ago, $40,000 

 might have been saved which have been vainly expended in boring to find it. 



The money expended by the State for the Board of Agriculture for the years 

 1859 to 1861, inclusive, is as follows : 



Per diem and travel of members, 2,084 



Salary of Secretary, 2,800 



Travel and incidental expenses of Secretary, 873 



$5,757 

 Average per year, for three years, ' 1,010 



The cost of printing the Secretary's report cannot be precisely ascertained 

 for the years above named, but it is estimated at $3,000 annually. 



One other point remains ; what claims upon State patronage do these organ- 

 izations present, in the existing condition of the country? 



What is this condition ? War. A war of unprecedented magnitude in our 

 country, and of uncertain duration ; a war involving great expenditure. In 

 the dense veil which surrounds the future, one thing is sure, we must meet 

 heavy taxation. How is this to be done? Wcanswer, main/i/ hy production — 

 production from the soil. Manufactures increase Avealth by adding labor to 

 raw material ; commerce, by changing tlieir position from place to place ; but 

 before either can add a cent to property, the material must be produced. The 

 great work must be done by the producer, the great burden falls upon the 

 farmer. During the years of peace lately passed, agriculture has paid half of 



