Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-10-11
From our Special Reporter
MAINE FARMERS IN COUNCIL.
~EpSEsDAY, Der. 9


tendance may be expected, and will probably
be realized than yesterday. Not many OPP
erations of the farm can be conducted profita-
bly,, just now, on account of the wet condition
of the soil So far things have been uniavor-
able, attendance thin, and our reception cool |
BUSINESS MEETING.
Time and place discussed; deferred.
President Allen, of the Agricultural College,
spoke of organizing a society of students and
graduates of the Agricultural College for con-
Quoting and reporting scientific experiments
in the interests of Agriculture.
Participated in by Robinson, Secretary
Goodale, Boardman, Fernald, Percval, and
others.
Time expiring, Topic tabled till next
meeting, tomorrow.
FORENOON SESSION
Vice President SWEET in chair. Prof. Fer.
maid OF the Agricultural College gave re-
port OF the meeting of the Agricultural Con-
vention held at Washington last spring; after
which President Gilbert proceeded to open
the discussion, BY lecture upon the general
topic, which we have heretofore given:
1t is claimed that Farming is not paying as
well as formerly. Averag. farming in the
older sections are not producing as much as
formerly. The efforts Of the average farmer
is not well put forth Years ago it was the
diligent hand that made rich, all products
produced abundant returns. May not the
| farmer ask return equal, per diem, to that
asked by the commOn laborer, and fair inter-
est on the capital invested. We have only as
many animals as 80 years ago; we produce
about as much corn, wheat and other crops
The average is largely extend, but the pro-
duct, per acre, much less. Orchard products
have more THAN doubled in value, we have
doubled our hay crop, but keep no more
stock.
differ from that of 80 years ago. We are run
ming along in the same old grooves.
The laws of demand aud supply have radi-
callv changed with us. We are trying to
meet new order of things with old-time eff
forts. new departure is demanded of u.s.
| Now is a favorable time to strike out in new
directions. Not to new location but to new
branches Of Agricultural industries, and
special attention to old. Our climatic condi-
tions are favorable for the productionIof many
important crops. Brain power is what is
needed, joined to skilled labor. Head ork
as well as hand-work. We must make our
farming business an art. He should employ
all his help and capital to the best advantage
Good stock, permanent fences, good imple-
ments and intelligent planning, are topics that
we ought to give special attention. Deter
mine what our farm is the best adapted to-
then stick to it, and we shall be successful
There is much aimless preaching, but there is
much more aimless farming. Chance deter
mines our doings too much. Indifference
makes sus what we are as poor farmers. Do
not believe that all Maine is good for is to
produce spruce timber, and consume the pro-
ducts of other States. Maine should turn at
tention to supplying its own wants, so far as
possible at once. Stock growing, associated
Dairying, Root crops, and Fruit culture, open
up long and fertile fields for operation. Did
any one ever entertain the idea that Maine
can grow pickles and onions, as well as pota-
toes, and as well as Massachusetts and Con-
necticut? All we want is their skill working
in our soil. In Fruit culture we have an ad-
vantageous position. Grain culture is also a
very profitable branch for some sections.
Wool growing is great avenue for us to i'm
prove agriculture, and highway to success.
J. +. Lawrence, Epping, N. H., member of
the New Hampshire Board of Agriculture,
has gained new ideas here, and will carry
back with him much of value to his own
Board and State. Particularly pleased with
our county reports of crops. Good can but
result by knowing the general state of crops
all over the State. Buyers cannot take ad-
| Is
shire feels the good results of this year of
plenty. Spoke in high terms of our AZ ricul-
tural College boys; of their appearance and
proficiency. In the future years these boys
will take further part. and render valuable
aid and assistance to this board, the farming
interests and to the whole State. Certain
portions should be given up to forest growth
in New England, and the better portions
more thickly settled.
| Lucas, of Somerset: A good farmer will
never settle on poor farm. Circumstances
may locate him and keep him for . time on
such, but he will not stay there eventually
We should grow such products and stock as
is called for and as are profitable.
Folsom, of Skowhegan There is one sub
Ject he would suggest with the raising of crops
and their disposal: "How to raise our sons,
and what to do with them" He himslf was
driven to embrace other protest. than az
riculture.
President Allen, of Agricultural College
One OF the students of the State College is
supported by the profits of the sale of straw
berries raised at his home.
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.
| At one o'clock the students Of the State Ag-
| ricultural College who are present to the
number of about 40, in their neat military
uniform Of cadet grey, gave an exhibition
drill in the street in front of the Skowhegan
Hotel, under the command of Lieut.. Deane,
of the Jameson Guards, their military in
structor. Their drill was witnessed by
large number of citizens, and elected much
applause. Their proficiency showed careful
instruction. In pursuing this branch of the
college course, let us hope they will not give
the arts of war preference to those of peace,
but be first prepared to raise their bread,
then to defend it.
AT THE HALL.
Session opened with a paper, on general
! subject, given heretofore, by Secretary S. L.
Goodale. Our villages and cities increase in
population; eur rural towns decrease as
shown by last census. This depopulation of
our farming districts should receive our ear