Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-10-05
GOV. coNNoR AT READFIELD.
Hts Address at the Fair OF the Kenn. br
Agricultural Society.


generally directed towards these farmers eyhib-
iiions, and every body rejoices in the farmers
success. since everybody has q material interest
therein. These occasions also sford opportunity
for the critic to volunteer his word OF reproof
and advice. lie tells you that You ought not to
have horse trots at fairs, to invite persons to
speak who know nothing OF practical agriculture.
He confessed TO failing under the ban of such
criticism. But the pine tree and the figures of
the farmer and sailor, in the seal of the State,
signify that tue strength of the State lies in is
forests, lands and ocean waters, and called at
tentlop TO the conspicuous position which the
farmer there occupies 80 the right hand supporter
of the State. That symbol clearly CONVEYS the
suggestion that the bead of such u State is not
ont Of place in sssemhlsRe Of this kidd, even
tn ough he cannot give specific advice in regard to
the details of the art OF husbsndrv.
The doom is upon most men to tell not only
what they know, but what they guess about
farming He did not know who is the recipient
Of much we'll intention counsel, who has so
many surplus bits OF wisdom tossed at him, As the
farmer, unless II he the small boy, or the Secrc
tary of the Treasury. This may be accounted for
fiom the fact that the farmers prosperity 10 the
common good all would ike to advance it. II is
safe to express an opinion on agricultural topics.
Read the reports of discussions of them by pro-
fessonsl men, and YOU will fad such variety
and latitude of opinions and recommendation ms
than a man can hardly fear to be so eccentric in
his views as not TO have allies. Farming s not
yet an exact scence and what principles are es-
tahlished have 10 be so modified to meet the
rous conditions under which they are applied,
there is therefore tribunal for putting theories
aud cou ectuIes to the test, and special action is
in order.
When, on occasions like this, we take an im.
partial inventory of the merits and dement's of
our State. we cannot fail to be proud of our
glorious heritage, and thankful for a land rich
in blessings, and so full Of promise. 1t is true
enough that our winters are rigorous, that a por-
ton of our land is strong and sterile. that some
Of the industries on which great dependence have
been placed. in times past have fallen into decay,
or shrivelled to comparative unimportsnce and
appropriateness that our population has lately
remained nearly stationary. But II our winters
are to be contrasted with milder seasons of the
South, let the summers be contrasted also; think
ofthe almost uninterrupted succession of beautiful
DAYS, each masterpiece Of nature, tempered to
exact healthfulness and enjoyment. with which
we have been blessed and then picture the sum
mer of that rigion where winter is but q nsme-
the continuous heat that desdens every energy,
murders sleep, and fills the land with pestilence
and death.
He spoke of the pleasures of the winter fire
side, where the rosiing flames mock and defy
the outer gloom and cheer essness, and carries i's
warmth and JOY to the many hearts of the happy
circle around about it. Home is the dearest word
IN the New Englanlers vocabulary, and the in
tuences of the winter Preside contribute most of
all to its endearments. The winter is in many re-
spects a positive boon to the farmer. The solid
earth, fabricated with snow, enables him to easily
do work which would be ficult at other times
The frost supplements the work Of the pillow. pull
verizes the soil and uuocks its hidden stores of
fertility. Nature works for him through the
season OF her apparent repose As well as IN the
season of visible activity. The climate of Maine,
take the whole year together, is as favorable to
health and enjoyment, and most forms Of indus
trial activity, as that of any region on the face of
the earth. admitting of great variety Of most
valuable crops, grains and vegetables, and rarely
does it cut them of or work injury TO them be.
tween seed-tme and harvest Maine men make
some strange exchanges, if climate is an object to
them.
Oar land, are not all impr. cticsble and barren,
as the fair fields of thousands of our farmers
prove to the oeholder; and when turned to their
best account, by skill and energy, will yield
average Of profit that will cause the praires of
the west TO lose their attractions. II some of
industries have fallen OF, others have increased.
The islands along our coast which few years
ago we're regarded as vslueless and threatening
danger to approaching vessels, are now the seats
of busy life and profitable employment. Oueriv-
ers which are closed to navigation portion of the
year by inpenetrsbe ice barriers, are black
with men in winter and white with sails in sum
mer, harvesting the long neglected and desplsed
offerings of Nature. Within a short period busy
cities have sprung up a. if by magic on wa.
ter courses. and the working of the great staples
OF production. cotton. wool, ron and leather, has
immensely increased. Maine has lsbored under
disadvantages, but has made grand progress. 1t
is questioned, however whether our agricultural
resources have had that development which their
merits entite them to. Ne mentioned the many
Inducements for persons to engage in iptelligent
sgncultnre-to put mind and heart into the bust
ness. and TO study, observe and experiment.
There is u decided tendency towards more farm ing
aud better farming in this State. In Aroostook
county acres of dark forests are disappearing
to make way for the life and light of the home
stead aud the farm. Along the coast the people
are perceiving and utilizing the great advantages
VIII ch they possess in drawing from the store
house of the abundance of material to fertlize
their lands and restore the soil TO its prime condi
ton. Boys and swamps are being brought into
use, and abandoned farms reclaimed. 10 fact,
agriculture is becoming the fashion. And the
more it can be made to pay the more fashionable
it will be. The course that has been so long pur-
sued in Maine of making hay aud potatoes the
special salable products the part of good hus
bandy tor these rob the soil. 1t may be said that
part of the proceeds can be used for purchasing
mstefia to restore the waste of fertility and still
leave balance of profit; but the field is not
clamorous creditor; il patiently endures wrong
for a time, and then shows proper resentment by
refusing further advances. Good hu.bsndry Sc lis
cattle. horses, sheep aud swine. wool, butter.
cheese, poultry and eggs, because in producing
these the capital, the richness of the soil is pre-
served and increased, and at the same time the
most profit is realized.
In closing, the Governor ALLUDED to the beet
sugar enter PRISE In Wnlcn ne mad some part IN
bringing to the attention Of the farmers of Maine.
The information he had gained upon the subject
had induced him to recommend this branch or
industry. He spoke Of the large proportion of
sugar yearly consumed which is made from beet.
The soil and climate Of Name are both adapted to
the successful culture Of the sugar beet We have
IN Maine now entered upon this enterprise, and
are fortunate in having men in charge who have
had large experience. A beginning il most sec
tons was made too late in the season to test the
question thoroughly but enough is already known
to give promise of success. In Aroostook county
one farmer had produced SO tons to the acre, Civ
ing clear profit of 500 acre, which will be in-
creased on the Establishment of q factory there,
when farmers will receive 81 so per ton for their
beets, instead of $3. The beet culture also i'm
proves farming, enabling the farmer to raise more
cattle, wheat, &c. The value of the pulp is est.
mated TO be two-thirds as much as the best hay.
The industry would probably take the same course
as in Germany. where the farmers join, and have
factories Of their own.
The Governors address was listened to with
great attention, and was universally commended.