6o farmers' and mechanics' journal, 



AGRICULTURAL QUERIES. 



We liave received a Circular Letter from Prof. Cleaveland, of 

 Bowdoin College, relative to the Agricultural interest of this State, 

 followed by a long list of Queries, intended to elicit information 

 on this interesting topic. 



This is beginning at the root. It is in vain to attempt a change 

 in any thing, or endeavor to remedy difficulties of any kind, until 

 the actual state of the business is fully and clearly understood. 

 We think that we cannot be justly accused of saying what is un- 

 true, when we say, that the spiiit of Agricultural improvement is 

 at rather a low ebb in Maine. But why should it be ? Why should 

 our farmers be so far in the rear, of those of other States — follow- 

 ing at a slow and humble pace, the improvements made by those, 

 who, individually considered, are no better than themselves ? Why 

 is it, that there is such a lack of intercourse among them ? No 

 societies* — No cattle shows — No premiums ! Has Heaven been 

 more kind or beneficent to other States than to Maine ? Are not 

 her yeomanry as hardy, — as industrious, — and as intelligent, as 

 those of other States ? Are not her hills and her valleys as fertile ? 

 We believe — indeed, we know they are. Why then is there so 

 much listlessness and apathy on the subject of her farming interests ? 

 Our brethren of Massachusetts set us better examples. They have 

 their Annual Cattle Shows. They meet, and congratulate each 

 other with cordial and heartfelt greetings. They cultivate an ac- 

 quaintance with each other, and bestow mutual improvement by a 

 kindly exchange of experience and observation. Each one hails 

 the annual return of their " festival of Ceres," as a day of joyous 

 satisfaction, and they hasten together, to compare their fatlings and 

 best fruits, — to tell of the labors of the past year — to give and re- 

 ceive more knowledge, and to otfer up to Deity, the mo^t accepta- 

 ble of all offerings, the effusions of grateful and contented hearts. 



Plow is it in Maine ? Our farmers, comparatively, are strangers 

 to each other. No day of social meeting is found upon their calen- 

 dar. No Societies (as we have before observed) for mutual in- 

 formation, or for the encouragement of improvements. No friend- 

 ly contention, of who shall do best. No honorable competition to 

 stimulate, — to increase, or keep up their energy and vigor. They 



*Tbe Hancock Affricultural Society, we believe, is the only one that is 

 spirited enough to have Cattle Shows, and give premiums. Long life to 

 them. 



