212 ANDROSCOGGIN SOCIETY. 



mcnt of this great interest is not only the comfort of man and 

 all domestic animals, but their very existence. This idea that 

 we have got along well enough with the tools our fathers used, 

 is a wrong idea; it is not based on correct principles. Our 

 soil is not what it was when covered with the rich vcQ-etable 

 mould formed by the forest. It mattered but little, as long as 

 that lasted, how it was managed. But now that is gone, we 

 must seek and bring up those mineral substances that are de- 

 posited lower down in the earth, that they may unite with the 

 gases of the air, and form food for plants. We want tools that 

 will accomplish this end in the best possible manner. Stir 

 deep — bring up and mis with the top soil a portion of the vir- 

 gin soil; make it fine as deep as you go ; apply some well pre- 

 pared manure to catch the impurities of the air as they come 

 floating along, and my word for it, you need not go west to 

 raise your own bread. 



We much regret the meagre show of Agricultural tools at 

 this, our fifth show, and can account for it only in this way : 

 first, that there have been many agricultural tools entered for 

 premiums, for two years in succession, that were never exam- 

 ined or reported upon by any committee appointed by this so- 

 ciety; and secondly, the little interest felt by the community 

 about their tools to till the earth. We hope there may be an 

 awakening on the subject. 



Lewis Gilbert, Chairman. 



Bread. 

 Perhaps the making of bread is as important as any object, 

 towards which the attention of tliis society is directed. Health 

 and comfort depends much on the quality of the bread one cats. 

 Some one says that " love cannot live very long on bad bread." 

 If so, it behooves all wives, and all who may desire or consent 

 to become wives, to make good bread. The propriety of offer- 

 iusr larcrer, aud more numerous premiums for rvc and Indian 

 bread, is respectfully submitted. Good flour bread and nice 

 oake are not uncommon, but the best quality of brown bread is 

 very rare; while the latter is much more conducive to health. 



L. S. TripP; Chainii^n. 



