280 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



any previous period of its history, I presume none will deny. I 

 consider the cultivation of fruit trees of as great importance to 

 the farmers of this State as'any other branch of agriculture. 

 That it has been too much neglected in the past, none will deny, 

 although within the past few years a good degree of interest has 

 been manifested. If the soil in. this State is so well adapted to 

 fruit culture as is generally conceded, why is it not equally well 

 adapted to rearing young trees in nurseries? As we cannot com- 

 pete with the great West in raising some articles of consumption, 

 is it not wise and proper to interest ourselves and engage in the 

 culture of those things in which we can succeed? Thousands 

 and scores of thousands of dollars have been carried out of the 

 State which might have been retained, had she been awake to her 

 interest. I have seen as handsome and as productive trees, laden 

 with as choice, delicious fruit, from our own nurseries, as from trees 

 coming from ether sources. I do not complain that trees are 

 brought from other sources, for it may prove money well invested, 

 although time alone will settle the differences of opinion among 

 us. That we can raise as handsome and delicious fruit in Knox 

 county as can be raised elsewhere, the samples exhibited at our 

 Fairs fully prove. But too often we rob our soil with hoed crops 

 and grass, and wonder why we are not blest with a bountiful har- 

 vest. It is evident that Maine grown fruit will keep as long, or 

 longer, than that grown in any other State, therefore I think it 

 wisdom to grow a large share of hard}', winter fruit, for market. 



Another important subject worthy of more serious considera- 

 tion is stock raising. That great improvement has been made in 

 the domestic animals of some sections of the State is evident, but 

 in some sections it has been and is still neglected. That we can 

 raise stock to compete with the great Texas we do not claim, but 

 we are obliged and will be obliged to keep more or less stock in 

 order to keep our farms in a high state of cultivation. Experience 

 has taught me fhat it costs but a trifle more to raise good stock 

 than poor. A pair of calves can be as easily grown to seven feet 

 in girth as to six feet. It is a source of regret that so many 

 farmers take but little interest in so important a subject or con- 

 sider it in its true light. • 



The farmer should remember the soil is his source of income 

 and what he can grow upon it with least impoverishment, and not 

 how he shall rob Peter to pay Paid. The hay crop, especially for 

 the last few years, has borne a high market price, and many 



