The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-10-29
Reported for the Press.l,
State Board Of Agriculture

ORONO, oct. ", 1874.
At the last session Of this body the members
generally favored holding the next meeting at
this place in order that they might derive the
benefit that would result from an examination
of the Agricultural College located here, and
also that they might thereby be better qualified
to inform their constituents and the public at
large respecting its merits and its necessities,
and thus awaken a stronger interest in this col
lege of the state.
In accordance with this wish the autumn
session of the Board commenced here to-day,
and on the arrival of the morning train from
Bangor the members were taken in carriages
directly to the college, somewhat more than
mile from the village, where the whole day has
been spent. Leaving the village we notice that
the Webster estate and the college grounds adj
joining are without fences, by which the gen.
eral appearance Of both is much improved, and
as consequence cattle not being allowed to run
at large, wholesome reform is begun. The
college farm is made up Of two farms contain
ing 375 acres and retains the original homestead
one occupied by one of the professors and the
other by the farm superintendent. Two dwell
ings since erected are the homes of the Presi-
dent and a professor. The three college build
lngs proper are handsome and substantial
structures, two of brick and the other of wood,
standing little back of dwellings and on the
higher land which slopes slightly toward the
Saltwater river. The largest of these, four sto-
ries high, contains the students rooms and in
the rear is connected with the boarding house.
The others furnish rooms for recitations, the
H. oIo ;hror ooI tlo,
poses All are warmed by steam. Room-rent
is free, so is the tuition, while SO per week are
paid for board.
During the past season new barn has been
built from the appropriation of $4,000, although
not quite finished 1t is 100 feet long, so wide,
and the posts are q feet high. The roof is
slated and has two cupolas. 1t is clapboarded
and painted. 1t is built to stand as it is founded
upon a rock, and considerable blasting was re-
quired to put the cellar under the entire build
ing. Besides the places for manure and roots
it contains brick cistern holding 500 hogs
heads of water to be filled from the roof. Great
care has been taken to secure all the improve.
| ments in construction in order that it might be
model for others. 1t is probably the best
barn in the state. The farm produces about 60
tons of hay, 400 bushels of potatoes, 80 bushels
| OF wheat to the acre, and barley, turnips, sugar
| beets, &c. TIE soil is close, Eeavy clay with
gravel, and is well fitted up for the growing of
| grass and grain Thirty five cattle are kept,
including several thoroughbred Jerseys, Ayr.
shires and short-horns four horses, swine, & c.,
in addition. Farm implements are in good
| supply, some of them are donations L noticed
| Warrior mower, potato planter, grain drill,
| hay tedder, with various horse-hoes and plows.
From brief attendance on recitations in
geometry manual Of agriculture and Guizot on
| Civilization, favorable impression was re-
| ceived both of teachers and pupils. 1t was not
easy to discover anythingssingular or out of
character in connection with the presence of the
half dozen young ladies now in college, nor
was any portion of the heavens seen to fall on
their account. The whole number of students
is110. The President and professors may be
regarded as diligent, pains-taking and faithful
| men, and both young men and maidens will do
we'll to put members under their care The af.
ternoon military drill of the students closed the
exercises of the day and the attendance of the
! Board upon the college.