The Portland daily press., 1868-01-27
Mnine Roard af A Auricui,u-a

h Ihe Board began its session in Augusta last
week, and its proceedings are extremely in
terestng. Hon. s. Wasson, on taking the
chair, made come excellent remarks. He said
IN coming together they had but one mission
ana one oeJect-to disseminate agricultural
knowledge throughout the State. Among the
great wants of agriculture is that of intelligent
ly directed labor, of reading and thinking far
mers. The agencies to diffuse agricultural
knowledge are the agricultural press and the
agricultural college. Hon. Rufus Prince. of
Turner, was then chosen President, and &. 7,
Goodale, OF saco, Secretary of the Board. and
the work of organization was completed. -.l =
Mr.. Wasson, of Hancock, presented the fol-
lowing:l ro s4slti.4f '-.-.....,.....,, =.
Iesotced, That one of the best methods of
9. N N.Igntenlng the farmers as class, is by means
of agricultural discussions. - -''e'n~
The mover of the above resolution then smoke
OF wheat raising in Maine, and believed it
SHOULD receive the early attention of the
board. A committee was raised to take into
consideration so much of the Governors mes
sage as relates to the culture of wheat. Several
gentlemen spoke earnestly upon the snb;ect
and the discussion elected much valuable in
formation The people seem to be waking up
IN relation to wheat raising, and well they
may, for we pay out a vast amount for -four
brought from other States, when we ought to
raise our own. Several subjects were intro
duced for discussion, and among them the fol-
lowing: The potato disease-is it a mystery2-
Ihe ideal farmer.-Mixed husbandry-Why is
there less interest felt in agricultural exhibi-
tions than formerly?-Ought trials of the speed
OF horses to have place in agricultural exhi-
bitions? eH a4l..t " ...f
Mr.. Brown, of Lineoln inquired what meth
od or agency can be adopted to restore the
original seed or tubers for saving the potato--a
crop of greatimportance in Maine-and wbetb-
er it would be advisable to urge our members
OF Congress to take some action upon the suh
Ject. Mr.. Brackett, of Belfast, was requested
to prepare paper to be read before the Board
ON the Importance of the appointment of n
State Entomologist.
a discussion was had upon the borer cater
pillar, apple worm and other insects, and Mr..
Bracket exhibited specimens of the moth. of
the apple tree caterpillar, and also specimens
OF the Colorado potato bug or ten-lived spear
man, which have made such great havoc with
PooosOCS III tuc w est. ne also had SDeci-
mems OF the potato bug common in our State
Thursday afternoon the subject of aWheat
Culture" came up and was treated at length
many. gentlemen giving their views upon il.
and maniiesting much interest All were
strong in the opinion that we can and must
raise our own wheat We believe the time is
coming when the people will not be Obliged 10
go abroad for their flour. That will be happv
day for Maine. We hope our farmers will be-
gin wheat raising next spring in good earnest.
Friday afternoon a report was made ON the
application of manures, and also report ON
the question, Which is more profitable. the
raising of sheep or cattle? This question was
discussed at length, and opinions were divided
on the subject.
Saturday afternoon Mr.. Chamberlain, from
the business committee, presented the follow
ing topic for discussion: Has any considerable
change taken place in our climate in the last
fifty years? and if so, to what cause or causes
is it to be attributed? What are the eyiden-
ces?" This question was discussed in an in
teresting manner Mr.. Putnam, of AroostooL.
thonght there had been great change, and
for the better. Frosts do not come so early
now as they did some thirty years ago. Others
spoke on the subject and entertained the same
views. We have moi space to extend the re-
port of these proceedings now, but will take ND
the subject again.