SECRETARY'S REPORT. 15 



society in its columns, which bear abundant evidence of the 

 industry and ability of its members. 



In 1818, throusrh the instrumentality of the Messrs. Yaudian 

 and their friends, among whom may be named the Messrs, 

 Wood, of Wintlirop, the " Maine Agricultural Society " was in- 

 corporated. This society was organized, but had no funds ex- 

 cept what were derived from entry fees of members. In 1820, 

 means had accumulated sufficient to authorize an exhibition and 

 the giving of premiums ; and a show was accordingly held in 

 Ilallowcll. The next year another was held in the same place. 

 These exhausted their funds and demonstrated another fact, 

 namely, that owing to the difficulty o^ transportation, only a small 

 section of the state could be benefited by them. They there- 

 fore ceased ; and it was concluded by its friends that this society 

 had better discontinue action, and county shows be adopted in 

 its stead."'^ 



In 1818, several citizens of Winthrop, led by the Messrs. 

 Wood, formed the '* Winthrop Agricultural Society." This be- 

 came a very active and efficient association. It soon spread 

 into adjoining towns ; held annual shows ; assigned " tasks " f to 

 its members ; held meetings for discussion and became exceed- 

 ingly useful. This society continued active until 1831-2, when 

 at one of its meetings it was resolved that it would be prefera- 

 ble to establish a county society, merge themselves in it, and 

 petition the Legislature for a charter and for funds. A com- 

 mittee was chosen, of which Major Elijah Wood was chairman 

 and principal agent. Accordingly, when the Legislature assem- 

 bled, as he used to say, " he took lodgings in Augusta, with the 

 determination to worrtj them into some effectual action for the 

 promotion of agriculture in Maine." It is said tliat the inci- 

 dents of this campaign would make quite an amusing chapter 

 in the history of agricultural effort. 



Mr. Wood entered on his mission with a zeal becoming the 

 importance of the end sought. He was indefatigable in fighting 



*We regret to notice that the discontinnance of this Society, has, in one or more instances, 

 been attributed to its being conducted by '•fimcij fanners," or visionary schemers, and because 

 jiractical men had no hand in its management. There is the best authority for asserting that 

 such is not the fact, but far otherwise, and that the old Stato Society ceased for no other cause 

 tlian the one stated above. 



fThe " taskj" were topics or questions for discussion. 



