94: BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



No State has superior inducements for a home, or greater facilities 

 for enjoyment of life than the good old State of Maine. Her sons 

 and daughters may be found in every State and territor3', and all 

 over the world. While many go out be3'ond her borders for better 

 oi' for worse, many remain. AVhile those who go are upholding the 

 honor of their native State abroad, it remains for us to uphold it at 

 home. It remains for us to make practical cooperation such a suc- 

 cess here that in it we shall lead. Practical cooperation will enable 

 us to become broad, and deep, and strong. It will teach us how to 

 be trul}' the best of farmers, the best of citizens, the best of patriots. 



"No north, no south, no east, no west, 

 The vvhole broad land is ours, 

 We'll hide those dreadful battlefields 

 And plant them o'er with flowers. 



We'll sow the seed, in faith and hope, 



Our work shall never cease,* 

 'Till every hill and mountain slope. 



Shall send us words of peace. 



We'll start the cheer at the eastern sea 



And send it to the West, 

 'Till the glad shout comes back to us, 



From mountain crest to crest. 



Then gather all your hosts again, 



Wide out your banners fling, 

 And rouse ye, nature's noblemen, 



To crown the farmer king." 



A HILL OF POTATOES. 



Discussion of the subject at Hampden Farmers' Institute. 



Opening of the Discussion by the Secretary of the Board. 



To-day we have presented for consideration as the leading topic 

 of the day a subject which has not received much attention from 

 the Board up to the present time. I hardly know the reason why 

 this is so, yet it is a fact nevertheless. I am aware as well as you 

 that the subject of the potato and its cultivation is not one which is 

 especially applicable to this town, or even to your county, and indeed 

 I hardl}'^ know where it would be specially applicable to any one 

 county more than another, with the exception of Aroostook ; and 

 there potatoes grow well enough without the Board of Agriculture or 

 any of its labors. But consider a moment, if you please, if you 



