i< AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



purchase of this farm was $10,000. To the committee this 

 seemed inadequate to obtain such a farm as was needed for 

 the purpose of an experimental and seed farm. In order that 

 a better farm than could be obtained for $10,000 might be pur- 

 chased, they sought ithe cooperation of Aroostook citizens. As 

 a result, a farm was purchased in Presque Isle for which the 

 State has paid $10,000 and the citizens of Presque Isle have 

 provided for the payment of the other $10,000 to complete the 

 original cost of the farm and $3,000 for putting up a suitable 

 house. 



The farm is well situated two miles south of Presque Isle 

 village. The Bangor and Aroostook Railroad crosses the farm. 

 There was a siding at the point where the direct road from 

 Presque Isle to Houlton crosses the Bangor and Aroostook 

 Railroad, and a flag station has been established there under the 

 name of "Aroostook Farm." 



The house and barn upon the farm were destroyed several 

 years ago. One of the best barns in Aroostook County was 

 erected, to replace the one burned, by the last owner. It has a 

 high cement constructed basement, part of which is fitted foi 

 admirable potato storage. The farm contains about 275 acres, 

 about one-half of which is cleared. It has several types of soil 

 characteristic of Aroostook County, and it is believed to be in 

 every way suited to experimental work. The house for a farm 

 superintendent will be constructed in the early spring from 

 funds provided by citizens of Presque Isle. 



The State made no appropriation for the carrying out of 

 experimental work on this farm in 1913 and 19 14. Through 

 the liberality of the management of the Bangor and Aroostook 

 Railroad in contributing $2,500 to the carrying out of investi- 

 gations in the year 1914 there is made possible the beginnings 

 of experimental work on this farm in 1914. The Directors 

 have given this support clearly recognizing that the railroad will 

 obtain no direct returns therefrom, but believing that the road 

 in common with the County will receive so much indirect bene- 

 fit that the beginnings of the studies should not be postponed 

 until the meeting of the legislature in 191 5. This gift is made 

 with the distinct understanding that it will not be duplcated 

 and is to tide over the existing lack of funds. 



As Aroostook Farm was turned over to the Experiment Sta- 

 tion there were about 55 acres plowed, ready for the potato 



