The Portland daily press., 1863-02-28
The Seventh Annual Report of the Maine
Board of Agriculture.

Board of Agriculture.
We are glad 10 have the opportunity OF
commencing this work to the careful perusal
of our readers. 1t is 2l3 pages inextent, and
embraces. in that small compass, very much
mater that was wholly new to us, and we
think it will be new to most of the farmers OF
Maine. The Report of the Doings of the
Board presents much of interest, but the chief
value of the Report lies in the elaborate essay
of the Secretary. His subject is, Cheese, and
ho,p to best make it. We had really begun to
think that there was only one way for Maine
farmers to make cheese, and that we should
be obliged to rely entirely upon New York for
our more delicate and high-priced varieties Of
this important article of food. But Mr.. Good
ale, In this brief Report, shows to the agricul-
turists of our State that they have it in their
power not only to compete with, but to excel
New York dairymen. Farming in our State
is mainly "stock-farming," so we have heard
intelligent men from Massachusetts, and Yer
mont say; and this view is borne out by the
present Report.
We are glad, therefore, that amid the dis
fractions of civil war we have small ILL
paid set Of men, and an able Secretary, who
prove to our people that the best way to pay
for the war is by improving our home pro-
ducts. How much longer viii our Portland
merchants continue to purchase English and
New York cheeses, If the farmers of our
many counties of Maine will furnish them
with an article just as good? Andthis report
tails how this Is TO be done.
It is certainly source of much satisfac-
ton to citizens Of Maine to see their public
documents so highly spoken of In other States.
These Reports Of the Secretary of the Board
of Agriculture are considered models of their
kind, and have won very much praise from the
agricultural papers and magazines, and de-
serredly. One of the Reports has been re-
published by Boston publishing house, and is
now used as tert book in one of the great
agricultural institutions of the West. This
Is indeed high praise.
We are sorry to notice an iniudicious at
tempt GU the part Of certain gentlemen in our
Legislature to abolish this Board which has
done so much to improve agriculture in Maine,
and which has been source Of so much cred
it to our State. We sincerely trust that the
members of our House and Senate will hes
itate long before giving up an institution of
SO much real and permanent benefit to our
own farming commonwealth of Maine Those
who think that, by abolishing the Board they
are acting in an economical manner, are very
much mistaken. 1t is not true economy to
deprive ourselves of an aid TO wealth, to agri-
cultural wealth at a time like this. Those
who entertain the opinion that the majority
of the farmers of Maine are in favor of its
adjustment are entirely at fault And we
hope that the ill-advised measure, which looks
to us like an attempt on the part of some talk
alive members to make what they think will
he political capital, win be strongly opposed
by those who have the best interests of the
State at heart.
In conclusion, let us quote a few words from
the ending Of Mr.. Goodale's Report, that our
readers may fully understand the war-yiews
Of the Secretary:
"While we would trust, with undoubted con-
fidence, that the Great Ruler of nations will
do all things well, and will crown the right
with victory, 1t behooves US to strain every
nerve and muscle, TO put forth every energy
and faculty to secure the end desired. We,
who go not to the battlefield, must do the ut
most to support those who do, as well as those
who must always be cared for at home.
Millions have been gained to the resources
of the State by improved agriculture, and new
er were such facts cause for greater rejoicing
than now. Let us then thank God, and take
courage. Cherish those organizations by
which so much has been ACCOMPLISHED and
which, If ever useful at all, are more needful
now than ever before. Help one another
Encourage one another. Be of good cheer
Work and learn. Work in order to pro-
duce; learn how TO produce that you may
produce the more.'
These are golden words of advice, and
should be acted upon by all-merchants, pro-
fessional men, farmers. "Let us then be up
and doing"