8 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



nients made at an expense of about $1,100. This placed the Society 

 in debt, but its receipts have already reduced the debt to about 

 $600. The receipts for the last year were $526, of which $468 

 were appropriated for premiums. The show was very good in 

 nearly all its departments. The stock exhibited was superior ; the 

 teams were fine — not so many in number as at some other times, 

 but in quality a great improvement over former years. 



Considerable expense had been incurred by enterprising indi- 

 viduals in procuring choice blooded stock from which much was 

 hoped. The stock generally throughout the county had improved 

 greatly within a few years past. 



Mr. Cargill of Kennebec said the Society he represented is the 

 oldest in the State, having been incorporated by Massachusetts as 

 the Agricultural Society of Winthrop. It afterwards became the 

 County Society, For a series of years after leaving Winthrop, it 

 was on trucks, and was sustained with difficulty. It was finally 

 located at Readfield, and the shows had been held there for three 

 years. Its grounds (leased by individuals) have been fenced, 

 graded, and prepared for trials of the speed of horses and strength 

 of oxen. It has increased in strength notwithstanding the State 

 Society has held its fairs so near in point of locality and time ; 

 though it was not to be denied that this fact had somewhat de- 

 tracted from its prosperity. Over $300 were raised the last year 

 and expended for premiums, and for three days the fair was well 

 attended. Some misunderstanding as to the time when it was to 

 commence, interfered with its success, but still the receipts paid 

 its expenses and something towards reducing the debt. 



There was a fine display of stock, and among the cattle were 

 some full blooded Devons. During the past year the Chester 

 breed of swine had been introduced, with which farmers were 

 greatly pleased, and a favorable change in pork raising was ex- 

 pected therefrom. 



Mr. Brummond of North Kennebec stated that the debt of his 

 Society had been reduced a thousand dollars or more during the 

 past year. Their last exhibition was very good. The number of 

 animals exhibited was not as great as at some former times, but in 

 quality as good as ever, and greater in variety — particularly sheep 

 and swine. The Chester breed of swine has been introduced. 

 Some imported thorough-bred stock was exhibited. 



Underdraining has been undertaken, and tlic deficiency in tile 

 has bofii siijipliod by the use of stone and slate. The nuido prac- 



