■ MAINE STATE SOCIETY. 29 



beautiful than the pink or the yellow lady's slipper ? What more 

 splendid than the speckled red and golden lilies of the field, or the 

 scarlet plume of the cardinal flower ? Why may not all these 

 flowers be domesticated in all our gardens ? 



One of the noblest occupations of the farmer in this common- 

 wealth, is stock-raising. Indeed, it should be the great business 

 within our limits. Lumbering retires from the field as the best 

 materials for manufacturing purposes become more scarce and more 

 costly; and we are fast coming to the conclusion, that it cannot 

 retire as an exclusive, controlling interest, too soon. It seems 

 necessary now, in order that the great resources of the State may be 

 developed, and that the benefits of wealth may be enjoyed by the 

 people generally, to call our young men into the service of agri- 

 culture, and to induce them to encamp in hosts all over this broad 

 area, to hold possession of it for the ends of husbandry and all other 

 beneficent, reciprocal and harmonious interests, forever. It is pain- 

 ful to see our grand old forests vanishing, like the grass of a prairie, 

 before an advancing fire, and no adequate recompense for the loss. 

 It is shameful that a sturdy population, so indebted to this region, 

 to its topographical forms, its climate, its intellectual and moral 

 influences, for health, and strength, and nobleness of mind, and 

 goodness of heart, should neglect such ample and beautiful posses- 

 sions, and let them go to waste. But there is a choice as to what 

 branch of husbandry should be chiefly followed ; and as this is made 

 with reference to soil, latitude, and certain facilities, the main inter- 

 est of the farmer in Maine should be in flocks and herds. Generally, 

 here, the wheat crop is not certain. The potato crop is still exten- 

 sively lessened by the rot. The crops of rye and barley are but 

 respectable. But our most successful crops are those of hay, oats 

 and Indian corn. There are no bounds nor, influences to limit us 

 in the cultivation of these articles. Besides, our pastures are supe- 

 rior in all important particulars, — for uneven surfaces, for slopes 

 and plains, for sunshine and shade, and for brooks and springs. The 

 invaluableness of these characteristics is seen at once. What, for 

 example, could be mentioned for worth among the esentials of graz- 

 ing lands, to be compared with the pure water with which our farms 

 abound. Our State is glowing and sparkling in every part with 

 clear lakes. All our townships are threaded with glistening brooks 



