22 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



The smaller fruits, as currants, gooseberries, &c., &c., thrive 

 perfectly -well, and yield freely. Mr. Brown had a plantation of 

 barberries which were quite flourishing. English gooseberries were 

 entirely free from mildew, and so far as I could learn, this trouble- 

 some aifection is entirely unknown in the eastern part of Washington 

 county, and also in the adjoining Province of New Brunswick. It 

 vras not ascertained that grapes or pears had been tried. That there 

 are among the early ripening grapes lately introduced to notice, or 

 among the countless seedlings now on trial in all parts of the country, 

 some which are both sufficiently early and hardy to succeed well 

 any where in Maine, no doubt is entertained. Few among us now 

 know the luxury of good and ripe grapes, or are aware of the 

 impulse given to their culture in the last few years — of the progress 

 which has been made, and the probability that all who will bestow 

 the needful attention, can soon enjoy this delicious fruit. And that 

 there are varieties of pears which will succeed in Aroostook, seems 

 at least probable, from the fact that some are known to have grown 

 well, and borne well, in a still higher latitude. 



Markets. This is a matter of prime importance, and ever to be 

 well considered in estimating the expediency or profit of production. 

 Of what avail is it that lands be never so fertile, if crops, when 

 grown, can find no remunerating sale ? 



It may be said that agriculture can exist without markets, for 

 the laborer can be fed from his own products, and clothed in home 

 manufactured flax and wool, also of his own growth ; but such labor 

 is for life, not for profit — a struggle for existence, and such agri- 

 culture cannot be deemed a distinct and desirable branch of industry. 



"As a specific branch of industry, it begins as soon as a regular 

 market for it is opened ; that is to say, as soon as the industrial and 

 commercial populations exceed a certain proportion, whether it be 

 immediately on the spot or at a sufficiently moderate distance, with 

 easy means, of communication, so that the expenses of transit do not 

 absorb the profits : it becomes more and more flourishing, as the 

 market becomes greater and more approachable — that is, the nearer 

 its vicinity to large towns or great centers of manufacture. In that 

 case, the market suflSces to create profits which rapidly increase 

 capital, farming becomes more and more prosperous, and progresses 

 towards its maximum. 



