SECRETARY'S REPORT, 25 



comprehension, that the product of an acre of carrots or mangolds 

 is an equivalent for fifteen or twenty tons of hay, may we not safely 

 advance in root-culture beyond the bounds of the kitchen garden '? 



The farmer of Maine needs but few words from us on the neces- 

 sity of improved implements for harvesting purposes. The best 

 scythes, forks, horse-rakes, grain-cradles, &c., that can be obtained, 

 are being tried and adopted ; for like his razor, he has a feeling 

 sense of the importance to be attached to their good qualities. 



Mowing machines have been bought and used to an extent which 

 plainly shows a creditable desire on the part of our farmers, to avail 

 themselves of the advantages to be derived from a perfect instru- 

 ment of this sort. !So much attention is now being given to them, 

 so great is the concentration of mechanical science on this machine 

 •which is destined to occupy so important a position in these northern 

 states, as to warrant the hope that it may, ere long, emerge from its 

 present imperfect condition, — modified and improved in the essential 

 of resistance to the propelling power, — simplified and perfected ao 

 as to do our work in a fully satisfactory manner. Manufacturers 

 will then have no reason whatever to complain that farmers fail to 

 give them due encouragement. 



But in the matter of tillage, and in preparing crops for market or 

 consumption, — the power that has been conferred on this Board in 

 the organic act— ^Ae j)Ower to talk, may profitably be directed and 

 applied without stint. In this, as in spiritual affairs, we need " line 

 upon line, and precept upon precept." While we aim high for fu- 

 ture achievement, let us make sure of progress, even if it be slow. 

 It is wise in us today to learn from those who are in advance of us 

 in the general 'progression. 



We know an intelligent farmer and market gardener, who ten 

 years ago tilled thirty acres, employing sufficient force to ensure 

 greatest profits ; and who made it a point to secure and test every farm 

 implement that came before the public as an improvement. At the 

 close of the last season, he informs us, that he has in the last ten 

 years gradually extended his operations to one hundred twenty 

 acres — the general style of crops continuing the same, — and has in 

 the mean time had no occasion to make addition to the number of 

 his men. 



