Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-01-30

MAINE FARMERS IN COUNCIL.
To the Editor Of the Jouraal:-

rome Eottor Of the Jonrndl:-
FRIDAY-FoURTH pAv.
The Board met at 8 A. NJ, President in the
chair.
The Secretary called the attention of this
Board to the scheme of Lieut.. Mowry rela
tive to agricultural observations.
Some remarks were then offered upon the
time and place of their next session, which
will be holden in September. Several of the
advantages of Belfast were mentioned as tht
bestplace, all things taken into consderea
ton.
The business meeting here adjourned, an,
the Convention was opened for the discussion
of agricultural topics.
| The reports from delegates of Farmer
Clubs present, were then called for, and thu
chairman reported the list
Mr.. Lawrence, Secretary of the Buckspor
Farmers Club, was called upon. This clut
has been established four years; its first Pres.
| ldent resigned in order to become its Secreta-
ry; was organized with fifteen members
holds weekly meetings nine months in the
year; very great improvements are, and have
been manifest; has caused an increase in the
valuation of the town; meets Saturday eve
nings. 1t is not purely a farmers club, bu
also mechanics club, and is known as the
''Bucksport Farmers and Mechanics Club.
|
fortunate in relation to procuring funds; ad
mittance fee so cents; annual fee 81 pei
member. The people have confidence in thu
club, and take hold and sustain it, good re-
suits are flowing out from the influence exert
ed by the association; thinks the ladies, BY
their attendance and zeal, deserve special at
tention, and are one of its strong points
He spoke in very complimentary terms of the
Orland Club; said improvement in stock s
apparent within the circle of the influence Of
these clubs. Their latch string hangs outside
and all are welcome. Said he had been deep
ly interested and instructed while at the ses-
sions of this Board.
| Mr.. Parkhurst of Aroostook, asked what
| effect the town exhibitions had upon the
| exhibitions of the county society.
| Mr.. Lawrence replied that they generally
exhibited the same products at the county
show as at the town. He thought it had no
specially detrimental effect-rather a help
if either. He believes in making clubs as
social as possible in their deliberations.
| Col. White of Bucktield was called upon
and said he believed he was the only man
from his town, which spoke of poor inter-
est. They organized their club four years
ago, and it is not so fourishing as could be
wished, but thinks there is some of the right
spirit left, and that it will revive.
had very good library.
Mr.. Leland of the Pennington club, was
| called upon. and said his club was not encum.
bered with much machinery. 1t was organ
lied in 1868, by professional men, which ere
ated prejudiced state of feeling against
it, from the farmers, at first Thinks we may
learn as much by observation as by any pro-
cess. In numbers the association is small,
but alive and wide awake. Improvements
are very visible, caused by its labors. He
spoke of the superior farming section of the
Sandy river, and with regret at the low state
of interest generally, that was manifest among
the farmers; knows of no better way to
awake public interest than by Farmers Clubs.
Secretary Goodale called upon the speaker
for information regarding the cheese factory
at Strong.
Mr.. Leland said he could give no statistics ;
had seen the cheese, which were of uniform
good quality, and was creating a good result !;
it used the milk of 200 cows, which relieves
the women at home of much labor in working
up dairy products.
Mr.. Simpson of Penobscot, stated that he
had learned from reliable authority that the
factory, had paid per cent. on its stock.
Mr.. Elliott of Rumfora, and Milton Farm
ers' Club, reported that it was organized with
only FIVE members, numbers thirty now !;
| meets Thursday evening; discussions have
| been very interesting with profitable results
| it keeps the boys in its interest and from evil
| associations. Said he should report this sess-
| ion of the Board to his club according to his
| best ability. James P. Elliott is Secretary.
The Topsham Farmers Club reported in
writing very favorably; organized three years
ago; good effects visible in all branches of
| agriculture.
d. II. Thing reported the clubs of kenne-
| bee, on east side of the river. Mt. Vernon
Clnb is in very flsurishing condition. He
thinks Secretary's reports of clubs should be
| full, and as good as the original talk He ad-
vised the Bucksport Farmers Club to still
persevere in their extreme well doing. These
clubs are of very great benefit in furnishing
places of instruction for our boys to spend
their evenings.
Mr.. Leland of North Jay Club. reported
his club organized in November 1869; meet
every fortnight; interest is about average
spoke in regard to cheese factories; he desir-
ed information thinks them adapted to
Maine.
The Chair replied that a work by A. Will
| lard of New York, is soon to be issued which
will give accurate information.
| Secretary Goodale said that in his forth
| coming report would appear some interesting
facts and information regarding this subject
| Mr.. COlburn from kenneDec, reporter sew
eral Clubs located in his vicinity.
| Mr. Ryerson said that his Club, North Nor
way, was prospering finely; he reported at
some length.
| Mr.. SWEET of Oxford, said he considered
this as an excellent, tourishing Club.
| Mr.. Barrows frSm Frost's Corner, Farm
ers' Club, Norway, reported: organized in
1871; has SO members; holds weekly meet
ings, and is fourishing and doing good
The Secretary of Middle Intervale Farm
ers Club, Bethel, reported favorably. New
members are added every meeting; nearly all
the young men are interesting themselves in
this, and taking part in its workings; meets
weekly; changes place of meeting between
two places; is two years old and has a small
library.
Bethel Farmers Club reported in good
working condition; has been in low state
it once had good library, but is not now ac-
cessible; devotes discussions to practical local
needs and improvements; experiments are
conducted in agricultural productions by the
Club.
Mr.. Hammond reported from the Paris
Club; have a good club; meets sometimes at
South Paris holds weekly meetings; j. IS
Hobbs, Secretary; generally open topics for
d;so ion hv q xUritfap assav Tonnes should