16 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



than is consumed. The fair last year was a good one, the show of 

 stock unusually large and indicating a satisfactory improvement in 

 breeds. In reply to a question of Mr. Flint, he said that wages to 

 farm hands were from eight to twelve dollars per month. The ex- 

 perience of the best farmers in his section shows that it will pay in 

 the long run to employ suitable help at the highest prices. 



Mr. Flint of West Somerset, said his society, which is the oldest 

 established in the county, had been distinguished for improvement 

 in stock and sheep husbandry. The latter, especially, had been 

 very earnestly prosecuted. The amount of wool raised exceeds that 

 of any two counties in the state. As to cattle, Durham grades are 

 preferred, especially for working purposes. Other breeds, perhaps 

 the Devon and Hereford might be introduced to good advantage. 

 The interest in horse raising has declined of late, not because good 

 horses are valued less, but because the business had assumed an un- 

 due importance. It is a bad state of things, in a community, where 

 horses are kept in flocks, and sheep not at all. A good degree of 

 attention was devoted to labor saving implements and machinery. 

 Sub-soiling as yet, had been little practiced, although, in his judg- 

 ment it deserved great attention. The mower and harvester had 

 been used, but failed in giving complete satisfiiction owing to their 

 heavy and cumbersome make. The annual show and fair was well 

 attended, and was a good exhibition. Interesting addresses by 

 Messrs. Lang and Sayward, were listened to by a large audience. 

 The society has not received, heretofore, much profit pecuniarily 

 from its shows — their fields are open and their exhibitions free. 

 This induces a large attendance of those who are really interested 

 in agricultural matters, but little money is made by it. Measures 

 have been taken to enclose grounds and establish a fee for admit- 

 tance to future exhibitions, in order to replenish the treasury. He 

 thought the policy, however, somewhat doubtful. The influence of 

 this Board, and the reports of the secretary had been most salutary. 

 Men of all pursuits sought for the reports and read them with great 

 interest, and he believed a most desirable revolution in public senti- 

 ment, upon the subject of farming, will be the result of the knowl- 

 edge thus acquired. 



Mr. Stevens of North Aroostook, said his society has increased 

 one hundred per cent, within the year. The county is admirable 



