38 BOARD OP AGRICULTURE. 



The roots of clover run down into the subsoil and brinj^ up ma- 

 terials from beneath the surface and make them available as food 

 for plants, to a degree that is wonderful. By the application of 

 commercial manure you may raise a clover crop, and by turning 

 that crop in and sowing' wheat, you may increase the amount of 

 grain and straw to a marvellous extent. But I will take up no 

 more of your time on this subject. 



I congratulate you, farmers, upon being here to-day, testifying, 

 as your presence does, to your interest in agriculture. It is the 

 foundation of all our enterprises, -and when we can see our water 

 power in this State occupied as it is in the city of Lewiston, to 

 create a home market for our farmers, and business for our 

 mechanics, we shall have a State that will rank high among her 

 sister States, and be looked up to as one of the best and the most 

 successful ; because, as a State, we have the facilities, we have 

 the water power, we have the soil, and, better than all, we have 

 the men and the. women who know how to improve these oppor- 

 tunities. 



Adjourned to evening. 



EVENING SESSION. 



The Board met at seven o'clock, and Hon. Simon Brown of Con- 

 cord, Mass., delivered the following lecture on 



Farmers' Clxjbs as Educational Institutions. 



One of the clear evidences of a healthful progress in rural life, 

 is the tendency among our people to ask questions. No man 

 seems contented with his present success, however complete and 

 gratifying that may be. The sculptor is unwilling to rest until 

 he makes the marble under his hands breathe. The jDainter longs 

 to add one more touch to the face he has delineated upon the can- 

 vas, and make Ms subject speak. The physician will explore the 

 mysteries of physiology, until he can take us to pieces and put us 

 together again as good as ever. The manufacturer of the gar- 

 ments we wear is not satisfied in appropriating the labors of the 

 silk-worm, the finest wool of finest Saxony or Merino, or the 

 gossamer-like fur of the South Sea Seal, but ransacks the world 

 for material more exquisite still. And the persistent research, and 

 question-asking, which bring important practical results, may yet 

 array some fair belle in a suit composed of thistle's doAvn, or the 

 ethereal substance which clothes the back of a fly ! 



