Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-09-22
RURAL WANDERiNGS.-lII.

ANDoFER, Cept' 10, io'f'
Here we are again in the loveliest village in
the State of Maine, whether we consider its
location, its surrounding scenery, or its style
of dwellings and other buildings, its broad and
smooth streets and ample yards and gardens,
or its groves and ornamental trees. Taken
altogether, it is scarcely surpassed in its va
ried attractions.
There has been just moisture enough to lay
the dust, although it can scarcely be said TO
have rained, unless very slightly. The sun
has been very chary of its beams ever since
we started from home, and yesterday was
wholly invisible. 1t was, however, very
much pleasan,er riding in an atmosphere
slightly moist, than in one altogether dusty,
as it was the day before. About two hours
ride brought us from Rumford to Andover;
ard here we we're so we'll satisfied with our
condition, we decided to remain until another
day.
We have not much that is new to say with
regard to Andover. The emery factory is not
in operation. A new cheese factory has been
erected, which we had the pleasure of visiting,
and the machinery and appliances used in the
manufacture were politely shown to us, and
the operations explained. Every part Of the
establishment was as neat as possible. Some
of the articles used are exceedingly interest
ing as we'll as convenient. Amongst the rest
mine whether the milk has or has not been
partially skinned. By another little pro-
cess, they can detect if any water has been
added to the milk In an upper room were
stored about three tons of cheese ripening for
market They looked very finely. We had
some of the cheese made at this factory at our
hotel, and its rich and agreeable flavor was
very satisfactory aud toothsome.
We passed a farmer digging some very
handsome potatoes, which he told US brought
at the starch factory only twenty cents a
bushel. This seemed to be an approximation
to old-time prices, and is rather hard on the
cultiva.ors of the soil, unless the prices OF Ia
Dor and of family supplies can be made to
correspond.
This is desirable region for the farmer,
with apparently much good soil, and although
so far in the interior, yet not very dlstah,
from railroad facilities. The farms many of
them appear to be well cultivated, buildings
good, and some of them quite new. The ele-
ments of agricultural prosperity are not lack
ing, yet one man was yesterday selling off his
furniture and belongings at auction. having
already disposed Of his farm; and all for the
purpose Of removing to that wonderful FL
Dorado, the town of Washington, cas-, of the
Kennebec. SO we were told, incredible as it
appears. He certainly deserves the credit
and the benefit of being the first dlscoverer
OF extraordinary attractions in tha, direction.
We can only express our feelings in another
tongue: De gustibus non dtsputaadum,
which, being interpreted, means, Chocun a
sou govt
The farmers on the Androscoggin and its
branches raise great quantity Of "Indian
wheat" 1t resembles buckwheat, but is sand
to be more profitable crop. /, is used like
buckwheat, when ground into fl ,ur, for frying
frtters. But the most of it is fed to the hogs,
and thus made into pork. Cattle and horses
also eat it, the straw and grain together. The
crop is raised by many instead Of oats, as he.
ing less exhausting to the soil II leaves the
ground in a very clean condition. for the
stalks SO cover the surface, that grass and
weeds do not grow amongst it. Ii is late in
harvesting. We noticed yesterday several
fields where the Indian wheat had been re-
Gently moved. and was lying on the ground,
either JUST as it fell, or gathered into lunches
During the past night, it rained steadily
but slightly. and the prospect this morning is
indicative OF moist day. NiAToR.