SECRETARY'S REPORT. 71 



each, ought to perform of such work. Improvements can and will be 

 adopted, and perhaps have already been made in this machine, or other 

 machines introduced better adapted to the work, which will enable the 

 farmer to secure this most important crop of Maine, at far less expense 

 than is done at present, and at a great saving of human bones and 

 sinews." 



FKOM ASA CHAKLES. 



" The best of tools are in use in Fryeburg ; such as ploughs, culti- 

 vators, hoes, scythes, horse rakes, and axes. The general sentiment is 

 favoring deeper ploughing ; and the subsoil or double plough is lately 

 introduced with considerable favor, though we have not used it long 

 enough to determine its real value from experience." 



FKOM JAMES M. SHAW. 



" Improved patterns of the plough and cultivator are generally used 

 in Waterford. Of the smaller implements of husbandry, such as hay 

 and manure forks, shovels, scythes, hoes, grain-cradles, &c., the best 

 kinds are much used. The spring-tooth horse rake is considerably 

 nsed ; but some of our farmers do not like it at all. It rakes up so 

 much dirt as to injure the hay. Improved threshing machines are used. 

 A few of the drag-rakes have been used the past and present hay 

 seasons. Some of the results of the use of improved implements, are 

 a deeper and more thorough pulverization of the soil ; consequently, 

 more sure and increased crops. By the use of improved implements 

 of the smaller kinds, a greater amount of labor can be performed in 

 the same time, and with more ease. As to improved methods of hus- 

 bandry, 1 am not aware that any very important change has been made 

 recently ; although, when our farmers become satisfied that a new 

 method will be advantageous, they are ready to adopt it." 



FROX "SV. II. POWERS. , 



"We have in Bridgton but one mowing machine. A majority of 

 our farmers use horse rakes of some kind ; chiefly the spring tooth. 

 Corn planters are used in a few instances, with good success. Ploughs, 

 and the smaller hand tools, are generally of the most aj^proved pat- 

 terns." 



FROM SAMUEL HASKELL. 



" New implements have been introduced into Cape Elizabeth, but 

 not to the extent to compare with the improvements in husbandry. I 

 have one of Ketchum's mowing machines, but must say, it is a failure. 

 This year's grass is tender, and when there is a thick bottom, it will 

 not cut it close enough, and clear itself, to make it any object in using, 



