Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-10-18
NEWS BY TELEGRAPH
TO THE
9ailg Asaaebec dournal.
ALFRED.
Maine Board of Agriculture

| ALFRED, October IL. The second dav of the
session of the Maine Board of Agriculture and
Farmers Convention at Alfred, opened with very
beautiful weather and increased attendance.
The first paper presented was by L. A. Gilbert
of Androscoggin, upon "The Compost Heap
Discussed by Leland of Piscataquis, Reynolds Of
| Oxford, Neatly OF South Berwick and others
| The main points impressed and recommended
were the necessity Of composing and decompost-
ing manures before application to the soil, as il
was then suitable to be used as Plant food, and
this to be done by the free use of absorbents a.
savers of liquid, dividers of raw manures and re-
| tanners Of valuable gas, and dry much is recon-
mended as the best absorbent for all purposes
Soil is not recommended as an absorbent or for
composing as it burns up or holds valuable man
ural eleme nts in such form they are not available
for plant food.
In the afternoon James o. Adams secretary of
the New Hampshire Board of Agriculture, deliv-
cred lecture on what can we do to save our
farms from depreciation and still make a reason
able profit
Among the principal obstacles in the way of
successful farming he noticed the introduction of
the farm house, depreciation OF farm lands and
increased taxes without corresponding increase in
value of property
As remedy he recommended that farmers be
Industrious, frugal thoughtful, and attend to the ir
-wn business. New England must invite the two
great inteie sts, manufactures and agriculture by
utilizing our water powers and cultivate all the
best soil, letting poor, waste lands grow to timber
better tillage and clear culture. Plow well if not
deep. Drainage and irrigation should 20 hand in
hand. Raise the stock that pays best. Use ma
chinery instead Of manual labor Keep out OF
politics. Consume the products on the farm.
Don't add to the acres and starve the mind and
above all make home an attiactve place for the
boys and girls.
The question Of muscle bed manure was pre-
sented and discussed by Malet of Sagadahoc,
Wnslow of Lincoln, Brown OF Cumberland, and
others.
The muscle bed is composed of decayed muscles
and the speakers strongly recommended its use as
top dressing for grass fields, where it has been
found highly beneficial. 1t is found in large
quantities along the shores of Maine, and is Sc
cured by means Of scows and brought ashore, or
during the winter on the ice and sledded ashore .
1t is fast accumulated, especially in Casco Bay,
where it has been used more than twenty five
years.
7. w. Aver Of Waldo gave detailed expert
ment in the saving and application of liquid ma
nure, proving the liquid twenty five per cent. su.
perior to solid in the production of corn and
wheat
Prof Pike OF the State College spoke, present
ing the necessity and desirsbity of workshops
for the students.
At five O'Clock in the afternoon, the two com.
panles OF college students gave public drill and
dress parade on the common
In the evening, j. A. Narney of Vassalboro',
lectured on "Our Homes-IIow to Beautifv and
Adorn Them"