2C BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



sections of tlie State, and in numbers sufficient to soon determine 

 from practical woik their adaptation to our conditions. 



Dairying is on tlie increase, and especially so in those sections 

 where creameries liave been successfully established. This method 

 of work is proving to be well suited to our wants, and new enter- 

 pricjcs ol' the kind are being established. During the year creameries 

 have been started at West Paris, Acton and Livermore, and several 

 others are being organized in still other sections. 



On the other hand, the beef interests have encountered continuous 

 low prices throughout the year, which has produced a depressing 

 et!ect on the business. Seven to seven and a half cents have been 

 the top prices for the best oxen. At such figures the business does 

 not commend itself to the favor or the judgment of our farmers. 

 The introduction of Chicaaro dressed beef into all our cities and 

 large towns has monopolized the trade in beef through the winter 

 months almost entirelv. How" lon<2: this may continue remains to be 

 known, but if the present low prices continue the efforts which have 

 been made to encourage the makinor of beef in the State will fail of 

 expected results. 



A slii'ht rise in wool during the year o-ave a wave of encourage- 

 ment to our sheep interests, and with good prices for lambs gave a 

 fair season's results. The tendency is to turn attention to the mut- 

 ton breeds. Among these, the different families of the Downs are 

 taking the lead. A flock of forty-nine Shropshire Downs was im- 

 ported from England in January-, by Brown & Hilton of Anson. 



Horses continue to receive their full share of attention, and im- 

 provement is marked and rapid. Heavier horses are wanted for 

 business purposes and for draft, and much attention is given in this 

 direction. 



Pork products have run low the year through, the ruling price for 

 round hog being six cents. There is no profit in the business at such 

 a figure and the stock of hogs is being reduced down to simply 

 enough to consume the waste of the farm. 



The agricultural societies of the State are generally in a flourish- 

 ins: condition, as mav be seen bv the statistical returns herein given. 

 They are generally officered by men who are seeking earnestly to 

 promote the interests they represent. As will be seen b}' the financial 

 returns, there are but three societies carrying any considerable in- 

 debtedness, and in each of these cases it is for recent improvements 

 and will soon be cancelled. There were two new societies incorpo- 



