140 STATE POMOLOQICAL SOCIETY. 



ufactures to agriculture ; and the unusual demands upon the 

 farmers of Maine growing out of the then present condition and 

 prospects of the country. On eacli of these, as well as upon some 

 of the more usual subjects of agricultural discussion, Dr. Weston 

 presented able and exhaustive reports, and it is worthy of note 

 that in a Board composed of men of marked ability and great 

 practical wisdom and holding its meetings (at that time) concur- 

 rently with the sessions of the Legislature, the specific recom- 

 mendations in his reports were in every instance unanimously 

 adopted. A more particular reference to some of these papers 

 would best illustrate the breadth of his views, his accurate knowl- 

 edge of the resources of the State, his clear comprehension of its 

 wants and his faith in its future development; but the unavoid- 

 able length of this notice will admit of but a single extract for 

 that purpose : 



* * * " The errors of the past are irremediable. The present 

 and future can only be moulded by our influence. * * * * 

 As we look through the long perspective aisles of the future, we 

 catch a glimpse of a coming golden age ; when every branch of 

 natural science, every art, every weapon of obsolete warfare, shall 

 contribute to bring the art of agriculture to perfection ; when our 

 vast area shall become one great, fertile garden, teeming with 

 busy manufacturing villages and cities, and our keels shall plough 

 every sea, transporting our surplus materials, enhanced in value 

 by the cunning fingers of our artisans, and exchanging them for 

 the products of the more favored climes. It is now in our power 

 to hasten a consummation so devoutly to be wished, by promoting 

 scientific education and diffusing intelligence, so that Maine, in 

 accordance with her proud motto, shall take the lead in the onward 

 career of progress and improvement." 



Dr. Weston was also an occasional contributor of interesting 

 articles to the agricultural and horticultural journals. 



In 1872, when the "foot and mouth disease" among cattle, 

 created serious alarm throughout the country. Dr. Weston was 

 appointed by the Governor, under the special statute of that year, 

 as one of the " Commissioners on Contagious Diseases among 

 Cattle." Ilis associates on this commission were the Hon. S. L. 

 Goodale and the lion. Joseph Percival. The action of the Com- 

 missioners was prompt and decisive, and happily the necessity 

 which called for their appointment was of short duration. 



