402 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



about three years, and is doing a very good work. All adjourned 

 over during the summer. 



Tliey all promise well. Whether they will endure for many years 

 I cannot say ; but if only one out often of the clubs lately formed 

 in Maine becomes a permanent institution we shall have gained a 

 'great deal, 



Mr. E. B. Stackpole of Kenduskeag, I am not well informed 

 respecting the farmers' clubs out of the limits of the West Penob- 

 scot Society. That society secured the services of Mr. Wasson, 

 which resulted in setting four clubs in motion last year, and they 

 have progressed harmoniously and well. Our meetings are not 

 largely attended by young men. The very men we want most to 

 get there seem least inclined to attend. Our old men, our men of 

 experience, are very much interested. We have exceedingly in- 

 teresting meetings in the club to which I belong, and I am told it 

 is so in others. We labor under a difficulty already referred to in 

 other clubs, in not having the women interested with us. Our 

 oaeetings have beeii held at stated places, but I think a better way 

 would be to hold them from house to house. In that way we might 

 interest both the females and the young men, especially those who 

 .are engaged in agriculture. 



In addition to the four clubs organized by Mr. Wasson, Hon. 

 Hannibal Hamlin organized one in Levant, and subsequently 

 another was started in Corinth. 



Mr. Doe. Farmers' clubs in York county are not so numerous 

 as I could wish. Where they have been in operation the best re- 

 sults have followed. The northern part of the county is more 

 exclusively an agricultural section than any other. Clubs were 

 formed there three or four years ago, and one has been so success- 

 ful that their fairs now present a very respectable competition with 

 the county fairs ; in some departments they exceed the county 

 shows. 



Last year our county society-engaged the services of Gov. Brown 

 to lecture in various parts of the county and assist in forming clubs. 

 I understand the audiences were large at Limerick, North Berwick 

 and other places, and the prospects very flattering. The club 

 formed at Saco is a branch of the York Institute, previously es- 

 tablished and in successful operation, and has by this connection 

 not only the use of its rooms, but also of its library, a large pro- 

 portion of which consists of works on agriculture, together with 



