14 BOARD OF AGRICULTUIIE. 



Maine as the most certain and speedy method of assisting agricul- 

 ture. Farmers lack capital, many go into the business of farming 

 because they have not the means to go into anything else. Another 

 disadvantage is, that we are unable to obtain manure in sufficient 

 quantities. If it could be obtained we should be able to raise as 

 large crops as any state in the Union. A different sentiment should 

 be cultivated in regard to the profession of the farmer — he should 

 be made to feel that his calling is laudable and honorable. He sug- 

 gested the idea of so conducting the farm connected with the state 

 reform school as to answer all the requirements of a model farm.* 



Mr, Rice said the West Oxford society had purchased a lot and 

 enclosed it, and last fall had a better show than ever before, and the 

 society is now strong and prosperous. They have erected a build- 

 ing, and are nearly out of debt. 



The Hungarian stock promises to excel any other that has ever 

 been introduced in his vicinity. They are very hardy and thrive 

 well on meadow hay. One two years old heifer, in two weeks made 

 fifteen pounds of butter. The steers not as large as the Durham, 

 but very hardy, and will prove superior in this respect to either the 

 Durhams or Devons. It was imported by Mr. Gushing of Massa- 

 chusetts, and introduced into the county by Mr. Pierce of Hiram. 



Mr. Porter of Washington reported increasing interest and highly 

 commendable progress among the farmers of his vicinity. More 

 attention is paid to manures and composting them, to farm buildings 

 and fences — new implements and improved stock. 



Mr. Drummond of North Kennebec said his society had secured 

 grounds, and located at Waterville, they were in debt for it and 

 were making an effort to pay it. We have some full blood stock, and 

 grades of various kinds. Sheep are increasing among us. There 

 is an increasing interest manifested by our farmers in agricultural 

 matters. This is greatly helped by the formation of farmers' clubs. 

 These have had the effect to help all kinds of crops and to improve 

 both our stock, soil and productions. 



* The same idea was broached in the original draft of the report on Agricultural 

 Education and elicited some discussion. The plan has been fully tried in Massachusetts 

 during some years past and found unsatisfactory. The connection which has existed 

 between the Board of Agriculture and the Reform School farm was dissolred last year 

 to the satisfaction of all concerned. 



