NORTH KENNEBEC SOCIETY. 125 



"In regard to the merits of the Durhams, I think they surpass 

 others bred in this State, especially for oxen, being- rugged, strong 

 and excellent workers, and for beef readily fattened. I keep both 

 Durhams and Devons ; like the Durhams best for cows, as being 

 more docile and gentle milkers ; yet the Devon is a richer milker, 

 but they are nervous, and in fact too smart for my use. I think 

 the Durhams crossed with the Devons or Herefords might be an 

 improvement on either." 



Dairy. 

 Daniel Jones of Fairfield, who obtained first premium on cheese, 

 gives his method of manufacture, as follows : 



" I strain the milk into a tub at night, but add no rennet. In 

 the morning, I bring it to the same temperature that it was when 

 taken from the cow, by warming twenty minutes ; let it stand one 

 hour ; cut the curd in the tub about two inches square ; let it stand 

 till it is sufficiently settled, then dip it carefully into a basket and 

 let it drain until it is quite dry. Then slice it and pour scalding 

 water to it ; drain it again, and salt to the taste. I then put it in 

 a hoop and press lightly, half an hour ; then remove it to the cellar 

 where it remains till I make one or more curds, proceeding with 

 the latter as with the former. When I have made the last curd I 

 slice the first with a knife and mix them together. Then put it 

 into a slow press and increase the pressure gradually, till it is well 

 pressed. When taken from the press fit a cloth to the cheese ; dip 

 it in hot butter and sew it up ; turn and dress every day until 

 cured for market." 



Crops. 



Rye. Clark Drummond of Winslow, first premium for spring 

 rye, 24| bushels on one acre. 



Potatoes. C. Drummond, first premium on 237 bushels Jackson 

 potatoes, on one acre old pasture — 20 bushels leached ashes and 2 

 bushels plaster put in the hills. 



Second premium to Thomas Ayer of Waterville, for 175 bushels 

 grown on three-fifths of an acre, being 292 bushels per acre. 



