SECRETARY'S REPORT. 9 



ticed is to ditch deep — fill in cobble stone, and cover with slate 

 and brush. This practice is extending, and farms have been much 

 improved. New interest has sprung up. Farmers' Clubs have 

 been formed and lecturers procured. 



Mr. Dill said that the North Franklin Society was increasing in 

 numbers and interest. The past year's show was good, especially 

 its stock. As to permanent location, our territory is so long and 

 narrow, that it is difficult to settle down upon any one spot. The 

 fairs are held alternately at Strong and Phillips. 



Manifest improvement has taken place in barns and barn cellars, 

 and in saving manure. A great deal has been, and still is, wasted, 

 but farmers are waking up to their true interests in this particular. 

 They also take better care of their stock, by procuring litter, &c. 

 They have become more humane in the treatment of cattle, and he 

 had observed that the best were those which were whipped least. 

 In this respect the community, as well as the stock, felt the im- 

 provement. 



Twenty-five years ago, we thought oxen girting six feet to be of 

 good size ; now, less than seven feet is considered small. This is 

 partly owing to improvement in the breed. The same improve- 

 ment is seen in sheep. Flocks are in every way improved, and all 

 this may be chiefly ascribed to the influence of agricultural socie- 

 ties. Farmers are more anxious for knowledge, and for reading 

 matter. There were few wealthy farmers in his vicinity. Many 

 feel the need of capital. They have had to pay high rates of inter- 

 est, and therefore labor under difiiculties. 



As an instance of what their soil with competent means might 

 accomplish, he read a letter from Abner Toothaker of Rangely, 

 stating that on a capital of $6,000, he realized a net income of 

 $1,200. He raised 300 tons of hay, 1,400 bushels oats, 100 bushels 

 wheat, 50 bushels barley, 300 bushels potatoes ; made 600 pounds 

 butter and 400 pounds cheese; had. 115 head horned cattle, 12 

 horses and 175 sheep. Average crop per acre ; hay 1| tons ; oats, 

 50 bushels ; wheat, 20 bushels ; barley, 35 bushels ; potatoes 200 

 bushels. 



Mr. Lancaster stated that the South Kennebec Society held no 

 exjiibition last year, it having been merged in that of the State 

 Society held within its limits ; but while the Society was thus ap- 

 parently in a quiescent state, its influence was active, and the vital 

 principle was left, waiting only to be called into action. 



As an Association, no progress has been made, but stock has 



