174 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



January. The greater part of this number are the true friends 

 of the association. Since taking up the work of secretary I 

 have taken in $4.00 in dues and fees. 



The past two years have been unfavorable for the best farm- 

 ing interests, yet I know the men who have been trying to fol- 

 low the methods necessary to produce good seed have been suc- 

 cessful in their farm operation*?. The two hard seasons have 

 shown many of our best men the absolute necessity of raising 

 their own seed, and have made them better friends than they 

 ever were before, of any effort to increase the probability of a 

 profitable season's work. 



I believe the Maine Seed Improvement Association is strong- 

 er at the present time than at any time since its organization, 

 and that as we are able to show results, so will our membership 

 and strength increase. 



It is unfortunate when it becomes necessary to make a cliange 

 in officers during the year. This year your secretary, Prof. 

 W. L. Slate, was called from the state during the summer, mak- 

 ing it necessary that a new secretary be appointed. 



Taking up the work, as I did, in September, there was little 

 time in which to familiarize myself with the duties of secretary, 

 and at this time I wish to express my appreciation of the as- 

 sistance given me by all with whom I have worked, and espe- 

 cially Dr. Leon S. Merrill and Prof. R. P. Mitchell. Dr. Merrill 

 at all times has been ready with suggestions and advice which 

 have made many of the rough places in the way to seem 

 smooth. Mr. Mitchell has been of valuable assistance to me 

 in my work as secretary. 



Only one executive committee meeting has been held during 

 the year. Mr. Frank Lowell of Gardiner, Mr. Guy C. Porter 

 of Houlton, and Mr. R. L. Copeland of Brewer met at the State 

 House on September 12th, for the purpose of arranging for 

 the annual meeting. Substantial additions were made to the 

 premium list, and a cup was offered, to be competed for by st'i- 

 dents taking agricultural courses in our secondary schools. The 

 cup will become the property of the school which sends the 

 student making the highest score in judging corn, potatoes and 

 grain. 



Because of the close relationship between the good seed and 

 dairy interests, the office of Field Agent was done away with 



