AROOSTOOK COUNTY SOCIETY. 5 



bring these animals to the places of exhibition in any representa- 

 tive numbers. 



The required amounts have been oflfered in premiums on wheat 

 culture; but while convenience and interest suiBciently induce our 

 farmers to raise small lots for their own consumption, this cannot 

 be made a competitive crop here at the present state of the grain 

 markets, and in the opinion of our Trustees, true policy dictates 

 that this Society should be permitted to turn the usual amounts 

 offered for wheat culture, to the further encouragement of improved 

 grades of neat stock, sheep and swine. 



Among the principal crops grown in this district, oats still main- 

 tain a decided preeminence, both by reason of their easy culture 

 and profitable returns, in which respects they are rated as two for 

 wheat one. Potatoes now take the second place on account of 

 the large yield and excellent quality, recently rendered available 

 for market by requisite facilities of transportation. Buckwheat is 

 still largely grown for feeding purposes, but is not now in this 

 district to be compared with the crop of Northern Aroostook. 

 Corn is constantly gaining ground and favor, and is now generallj^ 

 grown. Root crops largely cultivated, and among them the ruta 

 baga and mangel-wurzel are most esteemed. 



The success attending the culture of the various crops, as com- 

 pared with former years, were generally gratifying, and the obsta- 

 cles met with in no case disastrous. The drouth was considerably 

 felt, but was not so continuous as in many other sections of the 

 State, and the season was remarkably free from Spring and Fall 

 frosts, and otherwise favorable to agriculture. 



The hay crop was somewhat curtailed by the drouth, but was 

 of excellent quality and very well cured ; and altogether the crop 

 seems to well supply the wants of the county. From the same 

 cause oats were light in straw, but they yielded well in grain and 

 were a successful crop. Corn and potatoes were both excellent, 

 and the latter gave a remarkable yield. 



Finally, there is very little fine farming done here, but a virgin 

 soil tilled by willing hands guided by intelligent minds, gives to 

 each ample returns in all staple products, and the prospects are 

 favorable to higher conditions of agriculture with the increasing 

 facilities of transportation and consequent enlarging wants of our 

 local markets. This county is eminently an agricultural region, 

 although the lumber business is and must long continue the lead- 

 ing winter industry ; and excellent water powers are awaiting the 



