SECRETARY'S REPORT. H 



Mr. Hammond of Piscataquis, spoke as follows : 



I regret that I am not able to report to this Board, the flourish- 

 ing condition of the Society which I represent here, and the interest 

 and improvements which characterize our neighbors. 



While there is manifest improvement within our limits, caused 

 as I am forced to believe, in a great measure by the efforts of a few, 

 there are too many (although in a position to render material aid 

 by their council and contributions) and are constantly benefited by 

 the efforts to advance this cause, who are yet unwilling to share 

 the responsibilities and expense. 



Our limits, geographically, are not so favorable as we could 

 desire. Long and narrow, our fairs must be held near the centre, 

 and the extremes feel that it is too much a burden to contribute to 

 the show, consequently there are but few who do not reside near 

 the location of the fair that contribute to numbers or funds. 



We are still encouraged, however, from the fact that there is 

 within reasonable limits of the show, ample ability to create a 

 respectable society, whenever that ability can be made available. 

 W^e are still further encouraged by the untiring perseverance and 

 liberality of the few who now compose the Society, many of whom 

 render material aid to the same without ever expecting to reap any 

 other benefit for the money they pay, than the privilege of living 

 in a thriving agricultural community, and in the enjoyment of 

 seeing the prosperity of their neighbors. And I cannot believe 

 that even those, by any means, lose their money ; and as this light 

 increases we hope to advance. 



In regard to stock, most of the improved breeds have been in- 

 troduced into the county, and exhibited at the fairs. Durhams, 

 Herefords and Devons, and _ their grades, are receiving attention 

 -and multiplying, and the natives improving by crossing with the 

 same. It is not yet, I think, determined which of the breeds is 

 most profitable to the farmer to keep ; but a general improvement 

 is anticipated by equalizing the size, temperament and different 

 qualities of the same ; and so far as can be judged from the facts 

 before us, success must attend this department of agriculture. 



I think Piscataquis has not been far behind on horses. In regard 

 to sheep we plead guilty. The pressure for money, and the ready 

 means which sheep afford to supply that defect, has induced many 

 farmers to part with their best sheep and reduce their flocks against 

 their better judgment ; but we have good reason to hope for a 

 speedy end to this drawback. 



