CHEESE FACTORIES IN MAINE. 033 



tell mo there is more interest felt now in farming- than before the 

 establishment of the factory, more care taken in the selection of 

 cows, more care in feeding- and treatment and that the movement 

 is likely to enhance the value of real estate. Good cows, as I am 

 informed, pay a clear profit of $25 to $50 during the season. 



I was told by a gentleman residing in Barre, Worcester County, 

 Mass., and president of the Association there, that the result in 

 that vicinity was an increase in the value of farming lands from 

 $25 per acre to $75. I have never had a doubt of the expediency 

 and profitableness of both butter and cheese factories in Maine. 

 Mr. Goodale has expressed the opinion that large sections in 

 Franklin County, and several other counties in this State have as 

 pure water, as abundant, cold, and clear springs, and as good 

 grazhig and other needful facilities for this business as any sec- 

 tions elsewhere. He has visited the principal dairy regions of 

 the United States repeatedly with reference to this subject and he 

 gave us his views upon it as long ago as 1862 and 1863, in his 

 reports. I regret very much that our farmers did not engage in 

 the business years .ago, as he recommended, but better late than 

 never. It is certain that we can make cheese of superior quality. 

 It seems equally certain that any amount can be sold at good 

 prices. If not wanted here we can ship it to Europe. 



I feel perfectly warranted in saying that no enterprise in our 

 county has been more successful, and it has given a general start 

 to other industries. All the people feel more courage to take 

 hold of other things. It was not started by capitalists but by 

 plain farmers of moderate means. They erected buildings of mod- 

 erate cost but furnished with the best conveniences and arrange- 

 ments, and they got the best skill to be had to start it right. I 

 see no reason why most of the towns in Franklin and Somerset 

 ai i some other counties cannot do fully as well. 



The President. The Chair will call upon Mr. Simpson to tell 

 us what he can of cheese making near Bangor. 



Mr. Simpson. I can only say as Mr. Belcher has, that I have 

 no statistical information to impart. Several times, and once in 

 company with our Secretary, Mr. Goodale, I have visited the 

 factory at Six Mile Falls — six miles from Bangor, and saw their 

 operations and their cheese, and have conversed with those in 

 charge and also with some of the stockholders and others inter- 

 ested in it. All the indications are of satisfaction with its working 

 and of prosperity in the enterprise. They find a market near by 



