The Portland daily press., 1873-01-18
[Reported for the Press.l
The Board of Agriculture.
WINTHROP, Jan. II

After the transaction of business, the most
important being the decision to continue the
policy of last year in relation to farm improve
ments and farmers clubs; the forenoon was de-
vosed to an address by Alexander Hyde, ESQ.,,
OF Lee, Mass, on farm buildings, and to the
accompanying discussion
Mr.. Lee is editor of the Berkshire Edgle and
co mes to an agricultural association with good
| C edentials, as he is the father of eleven chill
dren He is very pleasant speaker and Ere
sented the subject in an attractive manner de-
scribing infinitely the house and barn, and their
! surroundings, evidently familiar with some of
| the best models. The site for the house should
! be elevated and not overshadowed by too ma ~
shade trees-admit the sun-"omen and cat
tile must have it, as they not in the open air
| so much as men. A b~t of evergreens may be
! allowed as defence against the odors from the
barn or the miasma Of the marsh. Build your
houses at least two stories high, with high
walls, we'll ventilated, and avoid close stoves.
| Do not lace your house too close to the street,
| and there can be no more beautiful surrounding
| than green velvet lawn. As to the barn, the
simplest is the best. Connect it with the house
and concentrate under one roof all the Outbuild
. ings you may need, and remember that thor
ougt ventilation is as essential there as in the
house. "rhe big barn. of Massachusetts was
described as containing every imaginable con
venience, and vet, some witty divine said
| lacking one thing-there acas no library in the
pig pen.
Rev. Dr. Allen followed with touching ref
erence to the old homestead ON the Kennebec
! MIR. Payson, from your county, humorousy
retailed some Of his early experience in building.
MIR. Walker, of Concord, illustrated the i'm
portance of proper ventilation in barns by a
chapter of his own experience.
Hon. S. F. Perley referred to case within
| vhor borc abn1J 4
with typhoid fever were at once relieved by
| Planting border of dociduous trees by the
margin of swamp.
Mr.. Harrington Of the Agricultural, College,
confirmed the assertion OF Mr.. Hyde that sun
shine was essential to health, by reference to
his own family, who occupied the north side of
his house and suffered from illness until they
removed to the south side by order of the ply
stefan.
| In the afternoon the Board, by invitation of
| the citizens of the town, attended the dedica-
ton of their new high school building, fine
specimen of architecture, with all the modern
conveniences for schools; erected at an expense
of $4,000.
| At the evening session, Hon. John B. Walk
er, of Concord n. H delivered lecture on
blowing, illustrated by large number of dia-
grams. Mr.. WIS remarks, although highly
scientific, were still plain and practical, and
| highly appreciated.
| One veteran plowman from your county re-
marked to me that he had learned something
new although he had previously given the SUBJ
| ject much thought.
Mr.. w. is a fine specimen of the country
gentleman, literally educated in the college
and the field, and is praised by his works.
Count Rumford and Prof. Morse were connect
ed with his family by marriage.
The heavy rain of this morning friday has
diminished the usual attendance of farmers,
although delegates from several farmers clubs
are now giving their reports I presume the
remainder of the day will be mainly devoted to
routine business.
The members of the Board, by formal VOTE
indicated their wish that the next meeting
should be held in Aroostook some time in Sep
TENDER.