SECRETARY'S REPORT. IQ^J 



cold, our pastures, like our mowing lands, are found verdant when 

 it disappears, and at this period, young cattle and sheep are turned 

 out to shirk for themselves. 



The vigorous condition of our pastures in spring, is continued 

 through the season by the dampness of our climate, and the aid of 

 frequent showers. It should also be known that we are not subject 

 to summer droughts as in other portions of the country. 



It is not uncommon for cattle to be taken from our pastures to the 

 shambles; and sheep are frequently slaughtered here weighing one 

 hundred pounds after they are dressed, and having from an inch to 

 an inch and a half of fat upon the ribs. It is no small advantage 

 to have cattle become beef in the pasture, or even to make a near 

 approximation to it. Nor would I here omit the remark that, so 

 even a supply of food is favorable to the quality and quantity of 

 dairy products, and also to the health and vigor of the animal. The 

 long winters, during which our cattle do not graze upon the earth, 

 are also favorable, for they retain their appetite until spring, and 

 are generally in good condition when they leave the barn. In many 

 minds, an impression exists, that our long winter is an evil that can- 

 not be counter-balanced by any existing advantages. 



I have already enumerated the advantages of a vigorous forage 

 over a weak, puny, and often times, perishing one. I have also 

 remarked upon the better health and condition of the animal, both 

 summer and winter, as a natural consequence ; and I am further 

 prepared to express, most confidently, from actual observation in 

 each of the New England States, the opinion that cattle need forage 

 prepared for them, one year with another, as short a time, upon the 

 Aroostook, as in any portion of these States. 



Our winters may be colder, as tested by a thermometer, but they 

 are not as uncomfortable as in more mountainous regions. We 

 have fewer driving storms, less frequent tempests, and almost entire 

 freedom from the cold, damp, chilly winds of spring. We have 

 warm, growing weather in May and June, when the Green and the 

 White Mountains are sending forth their chilly blasts from their 

 snow-capped eminences, to the discomfort of thousands who need, at 

 least, one over coat more than is required in the valley of the 

 Aroostook. 



All kinds of English grain are very luxuriant here, which sug- 



