MAINE STATE SOCIETY. IQl 



mamare used, in cords, pounds or bushels. Also, the condition of 

 the corn or grain when measured, as to dampness. 



In consequence of the absence of this kind of information, the 

 committee found it no easy matter to make up an intelligent judg- 

 ment, as to how the premiums ought to be disposed of And the 

 whole trouble arose from the wide disparity between the statements 

 ■of competitors as to the cost of cultivation or production, and no clue 

 being given as to the basis of their calculations. They simply state 

 that so many dollars were expended in labor, so many in manures, 

 seeds, &c., without stating the quantity of either that was pur- 

 chased. In the statements of the cost per acre of cultivating corn, 

 they say from $18 to $56. ]!!Tow it is a thing not to be disputed, 

 that no such disparity can, by any possibility, exist between these 

 expenses in different parts of the State. What is needed, are state- 

 ments which shall reveal to the committee the facts which underlie 

 their estimates, and will enable them to equalize their statements on 

 some equitable principle. This, we think, the society ought to 

 •demand ; and when this demand is not complied with, the competi- 

 tors should be debarred from receiving premiums. 



The committee have thought it might help in securing more uni- 

 form and precise information in relation to these matters, and indi- 

 cate more clearly what is wanted, should they append to this report 

 a Form, embracing all the particulars on which information is 

 needed, and indicating the precise points to be regarded : — 



FORM OF ACCOUNT TO BE KEPT WITH A FIELD OF INDIAN CORN. 



185 . Corn Field {containing — acres.) Dr. 



May — , To — days' work of men ploughing, at $ — , $00 00 



" " ^oys " 



" " oxen or horses ploughing, 

 cords of stable manure, 

 lbs. guano or sup. phos., etc., 

 bushels wood ashes, lime, etc., 

 days' work of men carting and applying 



manure, 

 days' work of boys carting and applying 



manure, 

 'days' work of oxen or horses carfing and 



applying manure, 



