SECRETARY'S REPORT. 47 



and Franklin not yet subdued, which would make as good farming 

 towns as Eeadfield or Winthrop. No. 3, in the 2d, 3d, 4th and 5th 

 ranges in Frankliil county were of this character. Eich intervals 

 and splendid meadows abounded. He would add that he had 

 known many a western emigrant to be disappointed in his hope of 

 bettering his condition by leaving Maine, and to be obliged to 

 write home for aid to keep him out of the almshouse. 



Mr. Cushman went to Aroostook in 1833, and since that time had 

 brought up his family comfortably and otherwise experienced a 

 degree of prosperity that made him contented, although in the 

 meantime he had lost $4,000 in milling and lumbering operations. 

 His gains were the result of farming. He had lately been joined 

 by old neighbors who, having followed mercantile pursuits without 

 adequate reward, had at last turned to Aroostook farming to re- 

 plenish their fortunes. 



He said he knew of no other place in the United States where 

 land is better than given away. But in northern Maine the settler 

 is required to work out half a dollar per acre on the road, for his 

 own accommodation ; and for every fifty dollars so laid out, his 

 farm is enhanced in value a hundred. He contended that in no 

 other place, can the poor man begin farming with so good prospect 

 of success. He could fell ten acres of trees before the hay and 

 grain harvest. When that is finished, his trees may be burnt, and 

 his clearing commence, — following it up until the ground is covered 

 with snow, when he may have a large piece ready for the seed. 

 Then he may assist in the neighboring lumbering operations, where 

 wages are generally from $15 to $18 per month, inpayment for 

 which, supplies and seeds for the next season may be obtained and 

 delivered on the spot. When seed time arrives, he may have his 

 land all cleared, aiid with a few day's labor of a horse, or a pair of 

 oxen, he can put his seed into the ground in a proper manner. Ten 

 acres, which an industrious man can manage alone, will produce 

 more corn, beans, grain and potatoes, than an average farm of one 

 hundred acres in the older parts of the country. It will probably 

 average about 40 bushels of oats, barley and buckwheat ; 25 bushels 

 of wheat and rye, and 250 bushels of potatoes per acre. Where 

 else can as much be done with as little outlay ? There is an abund- 

 ance of timber for building and fencing purposes. Grasses of all 

 kinds flourish abundantly, and in no place in Maine can stock of 

 all kinds be kept cheaper. To the man who has been unfortunate 

 in business, it holds out the unparalleled inducement of securing a 



