10 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



impi'oved, — teams are clean and in good order — are better cared 

 for and in better flesh. New stock has been introduced — the South 

 Down and Cotswold sheep — and more attention is generally paid 

 to sheep raising. Improvement was also noticeable in the crops. 



Mr. Wasson of Hancock reported that the influence of the Society 

 he represented was very marked, although it was only two years 

 old. It has set men thinking, reading, and studying — has kindled 

 a desire to farm scientifically, and not at haphazard. 



At their last exhibition they were not particularly successful in 

 attempts to secure outside attractions, but otherwise the show ex- 

 ceeded their most sanguine hopes. Fine Durham and other neat 

 stock ; choice breeds of sheep. South Downs and Cotswolds ; ex- 

 cellent products of farm and dairy ; choice articles of domestic 

 manufacture, were all to be seen. 



The population of Hancock was not wholly a farming one, but 

 devoted chiefly to lumbering, fishing and other pursuits. 



Mr. True of Oxford said that a marked feature of their last exhi- 

 bition was the herd of twenty-nine Devons shown by Mr. Heald of 

 Sumner. Their uniformity of size, shape and color, and their bar- 

 rel-like fullness, especially in a season of drouth, attracted great 

 attention. Another man (Mr. Holt of Norway) exhibited fifteen 

 head, being a cross of Hereford and Durham, showing fine size and 

 symmetry. 



That section of the State lacked rich pasturage, and was not 

 favorable for Durhams. A hardier stock is required. The Devons 

 had been introduced, and also the Herefords. The exhibition of 

 oxen was large. 



The income last year was large ; and though the Society was in 

 debt a year ago, it is now getting aboveboard. Its iufluence is 

 beneficial. There was a marked improvement among farmers gen- 

 erally ; an air of thrift about them — they had more comforts and 

 luxuries — were getting free from debt. Fine barns, with good 

 cellars, had been built ; the hauling of muck and other material for 

 dressing, was practiced ; a spirit of inquiry was aroused ; a desire 

 for books and papers prevails, especiall}^ for our State Reports, 

 many of which had been distributed in remote sections of the county. 



Mr. Percival of the Maine Pomologictil Society said that its first 

 exhibition was held in 1855, since wliich it had hclil sc\oral others. 

 Its means were limited, ami llic premiums consequently small ; but 

 the displays of fruit were exceUcnt. TIumc was a determination to 

 extend and increase the influence of the Society. 



