MAINE STATE SOCIETY. 21 



7. Guinea Hens. These birds are handsome of feathers, active 

 and hardy, but excedingly noisy — not very mischeivous. 



It is said that hawks are so annoyed by their clamor that they 

 give a " wide berth " to any premises where they are heard. I sup- 

 pose they are kept for this purpose, on the principle inculcated by 

 Solomon, that "a loud scolding woman shall be found to drive the 

 enemy away." They are good layers, but very sly in selecting 

 their nests, and often forsake it if discovered. They are not very 

 valuable for the table; principally profitable to sell as '■'■Jiaivk 

 scarers,'^ and as curiosities of the poultry yard. 



8. Fafi Tail Pigeons. This variety of pigeons are much prized 

 for their tameness and docility. They cannot fly very well, and are 

 therefore petted and caressed by children as pets. They are very 

 pretty birds, but distinguished mostly, like some other beauties, for 

 the spread of their crinoli7ie. The principal profit of them is in 

 raising to sell to fanciers. 



9. Bremen Geese. In connection with the above I exhibit for 

 premium a coop of six Bremen geese. These are pure bloods, di- 

 rect descendants from the importation the late Samuel Jacques, Esq., 

 of Ten Hills Farm, Somerville, Mass., from whom the parents of 

 this stock were obtained. They are large, sometimes weighing 20 

 pounds and more when dressed. Always of a silver white color, 

 and are undoubtedly descended from the Silver Geese that saved 

 Rome from destruction by their timely squaking. These are profit- 

 able for their feathers, which are plucked once or twice per year, 

 and for the market when fattened. The young for the first two 

 months, are subject to many diseases and casualties which cuts in 

 sometimes severely on the profits, but after they are a year old, 



they are hardy and generally long lived. 



P. H. Holmes. 

 Winthrop, Kennebec County. 



Dairy Products. 



For greatest average amount of butter per cow. from three or 

 more cows in June, July and August, to Charles C. Hurd, Exeter, 

 for 292 pounds from three cows — 97 pounds each. 



Second premium to Ezekiel Holmes, Winthrop, for 255 pounds 

 from three Jersey cows, on grass only— 85 pounds each. 

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