Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-09-09


should be located around instead of over
hills.
Mr.. Robinson of Dover, said much
money was lost through want OF engineer
ing skill. in building roads. Thinks
scholars should be taught chemistry aud
engineering, 50 as TO DO able to under
stand the varieties and clements of soil
and how 10 use i. Tor roads, &c.
Mr.. Putnam. of Aroos,oek County. had
had many years experience in road build
inc in new country. First,-grubbod
out the trees and roots, then plowed with
heavy team. back.furrowing, blowing
four times, removing the distractions and
lcvclng with the harrow. Repairs roads
by hauling on gravel instead OF scraping
in from the bitches.
Mr.. Lebroke, OF Foxcroit, said his town
had abolished the district system in part.
and had raised and expended money un-
der the direction of IN oyerSeer appointed
by the town authorities. Believed IN
making improvements that would DC per-
maneut, and by doing little each year.
the roads would soon be in good condi-
ton.
Mr. Leland. of Sangcrville, said it COS,
so much in his section to keep the roads
clear in winter from drifting SHOWS, that
but little money was left 10 expend in re-
pairing in summer.
Mr.. Lucas, of Somerset County, thinks
the great trouble is to get roads located
right, and made wide enough. Builds so
feet from ditch to ditch.
Mr.. Gilbelt, of Androscoggin County,
thought the County Commissioners should
have power 20 grade rs well rs 10 locate
roads. Would have the town take charge
Of the roads. and own the tools and teams
for repairing them.
The discussion was continued to some
extent but nothing of value was drawn
out.
Adjourned till Z Nj.
The evening session was occupied by
the reading OF two papers 10y members OF
the Board. The first was upon what
constitutes success i'm life" by Mr., Thing
of kenncbcc. Ii was very interesting
article, and WAS well received 10y the
large audience. The other paper was by
Mr.. Norton, of Franklin County, upon
Improvement of soil by blowing" and
was sensible practical paper. No dis
cussions followed these papers. bet iftime
allows they may be taken up st some iu.
ture time
The weather so far has been splendid
and promises 10 continue 80 during the
session The attendance grows, and to-
night the hall WAS crowded We arc in
one OF the best farming sections OF the
State, and the farmers seem to be inter
esled in the meetings,
WEDNESDAY, AUG. Sl.-A. NJ. SESSION.
An outdoor business meeting OF the
Board was held ON hill in the vicinity of
the village, real field meeting in the O.
pen air and sunshine.
Voted, Tina. the next annual session
be held at Pennington. some time early
in january 1871, at the call Of the Secre-
tary.
Adjourned to the hall, for public session.
The first paper presented was a lecture
on Flows and Flowing. be Mr.. Gilbert,
OF AndroScoggin. The paper occupied a
bout an hour. and comprised a full hi,to-
~ OF plows from the first crotched stick
which was made to DO duty in pulverizing
the soil. to the present complicated ma
chine for that purpose
The subject WAS taken up for discussion.
Rev. Mr. Guerney. OF FoNcroil. said
there i danger OF p.owing too much and
moving too little. Would not plow pas
lures. Every time it IS plowed it is injur-
ed unless moved. Would top dress with
almost any fertilizer instead. The least
fields can be plowed the better. Apply
to planting instead. 1t costs too much
to work the land by blowing.
Mr. Jeffards, of Foxcrolt, thought that
we should not allow the farmers and min
is,els To DO too much of our talking and
thinking. Believes that soils alc much
bettered by blowing, especially by plow
ing in summer and letting the field go
without cropping one year. Thinks run
out portions could be reclaimed by plow-
ing only, especially plowed in dry sea-
son, and it has long exposure to The air.
Prof Fcrnald, is firm advocate of
deep tillage, but we cannot depend
wholly upon what is in the soil, we must
add to il.
Mr.. Gold, of Connecticut, being called
out, said in his section portions are not
plowed. They have pastures and moving
fields which have never been plowed since
they were cleared. They are top-dressed.
But there are some soils where it is
necessary to plow. Old fields and
pastures are very much more valuable il
not plowed. Use principally barn-yard
manure for top-dressing. Plaster is uni
versally employed with good effects. a,
from one TO three bushels per acre. Ashes
are very good for top-dre.sing 10 bushels
to the acre. Wnhirigation no top-dress-
ing is needed.
Mr.. Quincy has seen pastures that have
been fed and improved every year by top