162 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



and clover (with perhaps a little sorrel, thinking that the 

 sorrel would m some mysterious manner turn to white clover) 

 without knowing whether other grasses can be mixed with 

 these or whether they contain more or less nutritious quali- 

 ties. But we must not think that because gfrass is kino- we 

 must worship that alone. 



I do not believe in special farming. I know it is very 

 easy to say that it is easier to raise hay and buy all the rest, 

 than to divide one's attention and raise the various crops that 

 are wanted upon the farm ; but I believe that such crops 

 should be raised in Aroostook as will bring the most health, 

 wealth and general prosperity to the Aroostook farmer and 

 his family. 



If the grass crop is first, the bread crop should certainly 

 come next, and this irt a new country like the Aroostook 

 should receive the most careful attention of the farmer, for 

 with bad wheat, barley, corn or rye, it is impossible to make 

 good bread, and through the influence of bad bread comes all 

 the ills that flesh is heir to. No really good and useful lawyer, 

 doctor or minister, was ever raised upon sour, clammy bread ; 

 and of all occupations, the farmer should have a good, sub- 

 stantial, healthy and varied diet. Pork and beans, potatoes, 

 beef and mutton, and bread, may be considered as the 

 groundwork for good living ; but a satisfactory New England 

 diet cannot be had without preparations are made for pump- 

 kin pies, apples, and the small fruits, which are so easily 

 cultivated. 



First, then, comes wheat ; and I am glad to learn that quite 

 a number in this county are raising winter wheat with re- 

 markable good success. And from what I have seen and 

 heard about the winter grains, I think this county is esj)eci- 

 ally well adapted to their culture ; and the Aroostook former 

 should not be content without becoming perfectly familiar 

 with all the elements necessary for success in this branch of 

 husbandry. Perhaps it requires a little more care to raise 

 winter grain, but from all the information that I can obtain 

 from the difierent parts of the State, if it can be got through 



