The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-03-28
Reported for the Press]
The New England Agricultural Club.
THURSDAY MORNING.


AS stated in special, the attendance was fair
but not large and the interest good. There were
not so many gentlemen from abroad as was an
ticipated but many of the best farmers of Maine,
particularly the central part of the state, were
present. President Needham is detained at
home by illness. During the session, the Sec
rotary Of the Club, Mr.. Rounds, gave a very in
teresting account of the origin and objects of
the association. To know the state of the crops
of the whole of New England is one object; to
consult together with on, another for mutual
interests is another. Benjamin P. Ware,
Marblehead Mass. spoke of the benefits of this
institute. There is dissatisfaction among far
mers as to their position in life. He took
pride in being farmer and working one.
He spoke of the scarcity of young men at this
and other Agricultural meetings He spoke of
the young men who 60 to the cities, and insist
ed that man on a farm is in better circum :
stances than the man in the city who receives
81, 900 salary. The farmers of New England
are better situated as whole than the business
men of New England. The sons of farmers
occupy the leading positions of the country.
they reach them through habits gained on the
farm, Farming is honorable, aud noble and it
is sure business. We can learn of each other.
He alluded to Mr.. Millett, of Minot, who
learned how to raise onions at an Essex Co.
Cultivrator, spoke of the use of the Boards of
Agriculture. of Farmers Clubs, Agricultural
Societies, Oranges, and of this institute. All
have their missions and We must judge how
which he called Store stallers." He would
| have farmers combine end sell through one of
their p.-1mDer aud one Of theif nIIest. 'n0 VI
- L. Lucas spoke OF isolations of farmers of
out to such meetings, and the losses they there.
by sustain. We want to teach our farmers how
to take care of what they produce, rather than
to teach them how to raise more There is talk
OF brains in Agriculture, but where is the case
upon record. No business IS 80 badly managed
as farming. Would have committee of one
in every town to give information. Farmers
want instruction upon most farm topics.
When soil is cultivated which does not pay for
cultivating, is it wonder the farmers, grew
poorer? He spoke of associated dsiries as
move in the right direction. Hay and fruit are
our staple crops for profit. Hay early cut and
well cured is the best cattle food. The horse
has hurt the State of Maine more than any 9TH
er one animal. Contrasted the use Of horses and
oxen for farm labor. Cows, Sheep swine, and
poultry are the most profitable stocks for the
State of Maine Good feed will double the ca
pacty OF most of our native cows for dairy prod
ducts. Wilful ignorance is ut the bottom Of all
our agricultural woes.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Dvfuro tho aftcruvun srssivu tile fucorpurs-
WIS VI tuc Iudlut OCOCkDrecQerS ASSOCIATION
met aad took steps to perfect an organization,
the result of which has already been published.
The evening session of the Institute was
opened by a lecture by Mr.. Wetherell of the
Boston Cultivator on Breeding and Feeding
Dairy Stock" Breeds must be selected which
give the objects for which we are seeking. He
spoke highly of the grade Short Horns, and
read ext racts from various breeders. Skill is
required in breeding good dairy stock. A
knowledge OF chemical compounds in the feed
used, will not enable the feeder to feed rightly.
1t may help, but alone is not worth much. Diff
1ere:t breeds require different qualities and
amounts of feed. The age of the animal has
much to do with the kind and amount
of feed required. Cold stables and ice water
ae unfit for shelter aud drink of dairy stock.
1t ia kes good part of what they eat to keep
them warm-to maintain animal heat and
vitality. He spoke of special forage crops, of
corn for fodder, and of farmers who used it.
of oats and clover, and that the fodder corn.
gave the richer milk. Dairy farming is not a.
exhaustive as most any other branch. Select
the COW that will give the largest amount of
milk, or cheese or butter. In Massachusetts
cows average 400 pounds of cheese apiece.
Benz. z. Ware, Marblehead, Mass, followed:
Believes that men who engage in dairying. or
milk production are not on fair rad to the
poor house. he knew men who have made
a fortune out of it.