36 SOMERSET CENTRAL SOCIETY. 



of wheat ; many acres that had been previously prepared for this 

 crop was finally sown in barley and oats. The season was too 

 cold for corn, which would have proved a failure, but for the 

 unusual delay of frost in the fall. Barley and oats were an aver- 

 age in quantity and excellent in quality. Potatoes have rotted 

 badly, and many acres have been lost, by the heavy fall rains and 

 freezing in the ground. Hay was fair, and of most excellent 

 quality. As a whole, taking into account the short crops and 

 reduction of prices, it has been an up-hill year for farmers here- 

 abouts. 



Under stress of the vote of the Board of Agriculture last winter, 

 we have stai'ted several Farmers' Clubs into operation. Although 

 at first not apparent, we begin to see the wisdom of the movement 

 in the increased interest already awakened in agricultural matters. 

 It already elicits inquiry into the best methods pertaining to the 

 improvement of stock, saving and applying manures, and all other 

 matters suggestive of a better husbandry ; and under the influence 

 of the clubs we look for a greater progress and improvement in 

 the future. 



Albert Moore, Secrelary. 



SOMERSET CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



The exhibition was held at Skowhegan, September 29th, 30th 

 and October 1st. Cattle were present in large numbers and of 

 better quajity than at any previous show. The herd of pure 

 blood Hereford, belonging to II. C. Burleigh of Fairfield, attract- 

 ed much attention. In all there were 225 entries of cattle, 150 of 

 sheep and 98 of horses. Many farmers are abandoning the finer 

 wooled sheep and substituting larger breeds. 



The crop of wheat was unusuall}'- successful, a large breadth 

 being sown, and the yield from fifteen to thirty bushels per acre 

 and upward — no injury from rust, and little from midge. Premiums 

 were awarded to J. H. Bigelow of Skowhegan, for 33 bushels per 

 acre — to Samuel Dean of Madison for 30| bushels — to Amasa 

 Bigelow for 30 bushels. 



Offered for premiums, $691.00 ; Awarded, $509.00. 



