168 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



thousands of acres which at a very moderate outlay, compared 

 •with the profit to be derived from their culture, might be made 

 to yield a generous return. The cost of preparing the laud 

 and planting, would probably vary with the location and cir- 

 cumstances attending each case, from one to three hundred 

 dollars per acre, and when properly done and in bearing, 

 should yield from two to four hundred dollars worth per annum, or 

 even more. In one instance mention is made in a reply to the 

 question of the circular, of a cranberry meadow, of seventy-five 

 acres, in the town of Bradley, from which it is sup[)0scd a 

 profit will be derived this year of one thousand five hundred 

 dollars, but it is not st^ed whether they are cultivated or grow 

 naturally. Several cases of somewhat extensive experiments 

 in their culture, have been heard of, but I have failed to obtain 

 statements as to the modes practiced, or results obtained. 



Obstacles to Agriculture in Maine. Lutnhering — Emigration. 



Wealth of forest and of mine have ever had a retarding 

 influence upon agriculture; not that there is anything intrin- 

 sically antagonistic, for the support of the miner and of the 

 forester, must be drawn from the soil by the husbandman. 

 But the prospect of more speedy and perhaps larger returns, 

 added to the greater excitement attending such labor, has 

 ever proved efficacious temptations to exchange the quiet labor 

 of the farm for the other, and there can be no doubt that 

 agriculture in Maine has felt this influence in large degree. 



The replies to the questions of the circular, as to the influ- 

 ence of lumbering, and the extent and causes of emigration, are 

 too few and too meagre to furnish anything like statistical 

 information, yet some are highly suggestive and as such will 

 be introduced. 



Several answer in regard to lumbering, that its effect is 

 favorable, inasmuch as it makes a good market for agricultural 

 produce, and so far as it operates thus, no one will hesitate to 

 admit that it should rank with other industrial pursuits. A 

 faw reply that they can scarce get a living without it, as it 

 furnishes profitable employment for themselves and their cattle 

 in winter, when the labors of cultivation are suspended; and 

 to this perhaps no valid objection can be made : but mojo 



