MAINE STATE SOCIETY. 1^3 



ago and laid down to grass ; also on two and one-half tons of clover 

 from an acre of stifif clayey loam. "In spring of 1856, was sown to 

 oats and clover seed, having been planted to corn without any ma- 

 nure." Also, on two and one-fourth tons of hay from an acre of 

 intervale overflowed by Kenduskeag river once or twice every year ; 

 has been mowed for twenty years in succession without any applica- 

 tion of manure. 



From Report of Honey. 



The keeping of bees, as a side department in farmmg^ ought not 

 to be neglected by the tiller of the soil, since it is a pleasant care, 

 suggestive in its nature, and generally profitable. A few simple 

 facts comprise the whole theory, and a little careful attention and a 

 few fiimiliar manipulations, embrace all the essential labor required. 

 In opposition to this, there are many hypotheses respecting bees, 

 and many patented bee-hives, involving a multitude of absurdities 

 and contradictions, and out of which their originators make more 

 money than they ever did or ever will from the keeping of bees by 

 their machinery. It is not within the duties of this Committee to 

 speak at length upon this subject, but as lovers of good honey, and 

 as friends to pleasant and productive farming, we would offer this 

 suggestion — be not over-sanguine as to the effect of any vaunted 

 theories, nor complicated bee hives. 



John S. Sayward, Chairman. 



From the Report on Apples. 



The awarding committee on apples ask leave to say that in their 

 opinion, in point of value for domestic uses, the apple will have the 

 preeminence over all other fruits which we raise in Maine. 



Its long keeping qualities and the various uses to which it is 

 applied, render it almost an indispensable requisite in families. 

 Hence the apple crop of Maine is of great importance, and is annually 

 increasing in value, in good bearing years. 

 9 



