198 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



of Agriculture inquiries from six different potato buyers of the 

 South, requesting the names of potato growers whom we could 

 guarantee as having extra fine quality of seed. This is a 

 practical proposition. 



Recommendations for the seaso}i of ipip. For any agent to 

 call on 140 to 150 members of this Association in all parts of 

 Mame is beyond reason if we expect him to do the most and 

 get the best and quickest returns for this organization. We 

 must concentrate our effort. Select two farmers in each county 

 and with them carry out the plans and purposes of this Asso- 

 ciation. By working with only a few farmers it will be possible 

 to secure seeds of pure strains of grains and other crops to 

 start our experiments, and to inspect the crops on each farm 

 three or more times throughout the season. More accurate data 

 can be obtained and a more careful supervision exercised over 

 the farmer's efforts in crop improvement. Again, each farmer 

 will have seed to sell within a few years and will receive quick 

 returns. When these farmers are started well in the methods of 

 crop improvement, others in the same county may be co- 

 operated with and the experimental work extended. 



Before closing let me state that the success of this Association 

 depends on the financial returns which we are able to get from 

 the increased revenue to be derived from the sale of pure seed. 

 If we cannot make a financial success in selling pure seed, we 

 cannot obtain the greatest improvement in crops. If we do not 

 find a market for our pure seeds, I do not believe that this 

 organization can be of the greatest value to the State. Far 

 greater development will ensue when we begin to realize returns 

 for our efforts. 



C. W. BARBER. 



