SECRETARY'S REPORT. 43 



Next, it was proposed to abate it as a nuisance. This was a mode, 

 perhaps uncertain, and at least, one which neighbors did not like 

 to resort to. The tax would be uniform, and the proper officers 

 would have it in charge. He thought the latter the better mode. 

 He moved that the report be recommitted with instructions to 

 report a bill (for consideration of the Legislature) exempting five 

 sheep from taxation, and providing a tax of $2 upon every dog 

 kept. 



Mr. Dill moved to amend so as to require a collar upon every 

 dog's neck, with the name and residence of the owner thereon. 



Mr. Percival thought the only way to collect a tax was by way 

 of license to keep the dog. He also thought that if any sheep 

 were to be exempted, the number should not be less than ten. 



Mr. Rogers doubted the expediency of recommending legislation 

 on the subject. He knew there were many very poor puppies both 

 quadruped and biped ; but feared the law would be a dead letter. 

 He would encourage the raising of sheep in every feasible mode, 

 but doubted if so small an inducement as removing a tax of about 

 two cents on a sheep would effect much. 



Mr. Goodale said the province of the Board was not to legislate. 

 It could only suggest, and the Legislature must provide the law. 

 He thought ten sheep, at least, should be exempt. If there were 

 only 3*74,195 sheep in the State, as has been stated, there were 

 less than six to a farmer. It was of great importance to increase 

 this number, and if exemption from taxation would tend to do this, 

 he would advocate it. He moved that the report be recommitted 

 with instructions that the committee bring in a resolve expressive 

 of the necessity of protection against dogs, and the propriety of 

 favoring sheep husbandry, by legislation — leaving the mode to the 

 wisdom of the Legislature; which motion prevailed — and the com- 

 mittee subsequently reported the following : 



Resolved, That this Board recommend to the present Legislature 

 the enactment of a law affording protection against dogs and also 

 for the encouragement of sheep husbandry. 



The resolve passed unanimously. 



Mr. Cargill, for committee on bee culture (thirteenth topic) re- 

 ported as follows : 



" 'Can the honey bee be made profitable to the farmers of Maine, 

 and how V 



Perhaps a few facts in relation to the profit of the honey bee 

 .may be acceptable. 



