400 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



establisliment of Farmers' Clubs, we engag-ed Hon. Sidney Pcrham 

 to travel through the county and organize clubs. lie did so. A 

 club was formed in East Sumner. I have met with them, and they 

 are doing a good work. In that vicinity they are entirely desti- 

 tute of lawyers. The town of Sumner has not a lawyer in it, and 

 very few paupers. The practical farmers are there enlisted and 

 constitute the club. A gentleman told me that there were some 

 who, when they first went to the club it was diflBcult even to get 

 into the room, who were now willing to take a front seat, and get 

 up and tell what they knew. They had proved themselves to be 

 good debaters, men who could interest large assemblies. They 

 have a prosperous club. It adjourned last spring, to meet in Octo- 

 ber. I expect great advantage and profit from the establishment 

 of that club. They are preparing for a town show, at which they 

 say they are going to outdo the county exhibition. 



There is another at East Hebron. It is connected with West 

 Minot, and is in prosperous operation. 



There is another at North Waterford, which is doing a good 

 work. 



The subjects discussed have been of a general character, such 

 as the best kind of stock for us to raise in the county of Oxford, 

 the best method of producing hay or grass, the advantages of 

 underdraining, fruit culture, &c. We are not favored in most of 

 our towns with talented agricultural ministers, lawyers and doc- 

 tors, as they are in this place ; therefore we draw out the talent of 

 unlettered farmers and practical men. I am satisfied that the 

 Farmers' Clubs are doing a good work in the county of Oxford. 



I must not forget to mention the club at Bethel, which is one of 

 the oldest in the State, and the banner club of Oxford county. 

 Their practice is to meet from house to house, and their success 

 has been remarkable. Some of their exhibitions, which I have at- 

 tended, equaled the county shows. 



Mr. PeEbPS. I once inquired of a member of that club what was 

 the secret of their success, and he told me it was due to the 

 assistance of the ladies. 



D. G. PniLBRicK of Mt. Vernon. The Mt. Vernon and Vienna 

 Farmers' and Mechanics' Club was formed in October, 1869. Offi- 

 cers chosen for one year. Met regularly on the evening of Satur- 

 day of each week. Meetings tolerably well attended, and a speak- 

 ing ability developed which was not supposed to exist. Practical 

 subjects were discussed with an earnestness and willingness which 



