REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER. II 



should Study the local conditions and give premiums which 

 would best encourage the lines of agriculture adapted to that 

 section. An interesting and valuable feature which has been 

 introduced in some of the fairs in other states, and which, it 

 seems to us, is worthy of the consideration of our fair managers, 

 is a practical demonstration in some line of farm work. 



The business of these societies in 1908 is given by the follow- 

 ing figures : 



Number of horses and colts exhibited, '^^777 



Number of neat cattle exhibited, 6,267 



Number of sheep exhibited, 1,160 



Number of swine exhibited, 442 



Number of poultry (coops) exhibited, 2,967 



Amount of premiums and gratuities awarded, $30,090.28 



Amount of trotting purses, $22,005.21 



Per cent of premiums and gratuities to total awards, 58 



AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION. 



The Department has continued its efforts to impress upon the 

 people of the State the importance and necessity of agricultural 

 and industrial instruction in the public schools. These schools 

 should fit for a vocation. The population of this and other 

 states is continually increasing, and in order for the farms to 

 meet this increase there must be a more intelligent system of 

 agriculture. This can best be brought about by teaching the 

 principles of agriculture in our public schools. 



The farmer has a business to be studied and learned. It 

 needs a trained mind as much as any other occupation. Let us 

 educate our boys who are to be the farmers of the future, for 

 that work. Specific training of a practical kind is a necessity 

 for the coming occupants of our farms, as well as those engaged 

 in the mechanical industries. The most valuable asset of the 

 State is her children. They should be trained to high ideals 

 of everyday living, and to high efificiency in their respective 

 vocations. 



The Educational Departments of some of the states have 

 already introduced the teaching of agriculture into the public 

 schools, and others are making strong recommendations in this 

 line. Maine must keep in the front ranks, if her agriculture 



