2o6 agriculture; of maine. 



it can become established to any extent in any section of the 

 State. 



I am very much of the opinion that the elm-leaf beetle cannot 

 exist in our climate. Many reports have come to me of its 

 occurrence in the State, but thus far these reports have come 

 from parties who are not sufficiently versed in entomology to 

 distinguish this insect from a number of others in the same 

 family. 



It is very gratifying indeed to note the growing demand for 

 literature and personal information sought for by our leading 

 farmers and fruit growers in the State. Farmers are beginning 

 to realize the absolute necessity of a thorough knowledge of the 

 life histories of some of our most destructive insects. The 

 National Department of Agriculture at Washington has grad- 

 ually worked its way to the front and now stands at the head 

 as one of the most important departments in our National Gov- 

 ernment. The men in charge are constantly working for the 

 best interests of the farmer? of our country. 



A series of farmers' bulletins was begun in June, 1889, and the 

 serial number has reached No. 313 at the close of 1907. These 

 bulletins have touched upon almost every known subject that 

 pertains to the theory or practice of farming, such as stock 

 raising, dairying, poultry breeding, orcharding, insect control, 

 home life, farm surroundings, food products, and health condi- 

 tions. These can be secured by those interested by simply 

 writing to the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, 

 D. C. 



Our own Experiment Station at Orono is publishing from 

 time to time valuable bulletins and circulars which are sent free 

 to all who ask for them. 



In these days of rural free delivery, rural telephones, local 

 granges and a wide awake progressive agricultural press there 

 is not the slightest excuse for a person to remain in ignorance 

 of the most recent discoveries and progressive ideas on the 

 various subjects that go to make home and social life the most 

 enjoyable and successful. The "rut" day has passed and a 

 broader plain is spread before each individual tiller of the soil. 

 In order to gain the success we strive for we must ever be on 

 the alert to grasp each new fact that will lead to greater achieve- 

 ments in our home life. 



