Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1881-11-08
Lewiston Journal
HERDSDALE FARM IN CANTON.

CANTON, Sept. 80, lssl.-Perhaps the
readers OF the Journal would like to know
something about the Herdsdale Farm In
Canton. This farm Is pleasantly located
in the Androscogyin valley two miles from
Canton village on the river road from Can
ton to Dixheld. 1t Is owned by Warren
Ward. ESQ.,, OF New York City, and con-
taips hfteen hundred acres more or less.
Mr.. Ward thinks.he cut about 100 tons OF
hay this season, being somewhat less than
the usual crop. He has growing twenty
acres Of corn, eight acres OF wheat, eight
acres Of oats, six acres OF potatoes, and
about three acres OF roots-also some five
or Fix acres of hops. He has employed
about ten men. Mr.. Daniel I. Newton has
charge OF the farm, and Mrs. Newton OF
the dairy. His stock consists Of thirty five
thoroughbred Jersey cows, seven Jersey
heifers, q number or thoroughbred bulls,
sixteen horses and colts, some working
oxen, eighty.fve thoroughbred merino
sheep and some thirty or forty hogs OF the
Berkshire and Yorkshire breed.
THE FARM BUILDINGS.
His buildings consist OF three bsrns the
first Is 40xl7j, the second Is 40xl00, the
third 40xlO0; two sheds, first 20xl17, sec
ond 20x65; stable 36x40; piggery 20x60;
and three cottages which are occupied by
his help; also a blacksmith shop, dry
house, and n two story dwelling house
with addition. These buildings are all
painted " lite with lead and oil, with green
blinds. On the larg, st barn is a gilded OK
on the cupola, TO tell "whither the wind
bloweth," while on the end next to the
road Is the name lierdsdale Farm IN
gold leaf letters. The stable has as vanr,
4 trotting horse and suiky, while on the
plggcry Is "a gilded Berkshire pig which L.
only two hoops snort OF lard barrel
The dwelling house and addition, which
Mr. Ward aud family occupy, is pleasantly
situated near the river. The rooms are
large and airy IL contains a bath room,
together with other modern Improvements.
IL is supplied with nice spring water,
which Is taken from the hillside some one
and half niles distant, and Is 30 arranged
that both warm and cold water are had Ia
all the rooms. His barn and stable are NJ
SO supplied by this spring water, and
fountain in front Of the dwelling. The
house is heated by q furnace aud lighted
10y gas. Every room IL furnished with
furniture made in his own factory in New
York. In the south west corner OF the
sitting room stands the old eight-day clock
with a new case, formerly owned by Mr. |.
NJ. Austin and Mr.. Daniel Austin, father
and grandfather OF Mrs. Ward, this being
the old homestead OF her parents anu
grandparents.
THE FARM DAIRY.
must not fail 10 notice the dairy room
This contains creamery and the milk
from his thirty five Jersey cows Is here set,
and the apparatus so arranged that th'
room Is kept NJ the same temperature
the time. Butter Is made throughout the
year. IL is neatly moulded In squares,
containing In weight one pound, and |
stamped on the top lerdsdsle Farm,
Canton, Maine" II Is then wrapped IN
tissue paper. aud packed in pastcboard |
boxes containing just one pound. His ar |
rapgement for shipping butter is In cases
large enough 10 hold one hundred OF IN. |
boxes and ice placed In the center To keep |
IL cool. Mr.. Ward finds n market for hi- |
butter at good price in Lewiston, Boston |
and New York.
THE FLOCK or MERiNos.
Mr. Ward has formerly kept the Cots
void sheep, but recently disposed OF them |
aud got the thoroughbred Merino, which |
he likes very much better. First they ar,
longer lived. more hardy. shear more wool |
and OF a finer grade; and when you want
- see them you can ind them In the pas
ture, as they are very peaceable aud do not |
care 10 range as do the Cotwolds. His |
vishty-hve averaged ten pounds per heal
OF wool, this season. will also mention |
that his sheep barn has tiuc Merino Duck |
tDr a yanc on the Neutilator. Mr. Ward |
resides on his farm In the summer season. |
aud In New York city In the winter.
THE OWNER.
He IL a native OF this State, and was |
born In the town OF Norridgewock, Somerset |
county. He learned the trade OF a cabinet |
maker; went 10 Boston, stopped about QUE |
year, then 10 New York city where he com |
mcnced business In the year lsjO OH hi |
own capital OF about three hundred dollar>. |
lie has accumulated large amount OF
wealth by his own energy and spare deal |
Iug. So II may be said OF him, he j. on
II Names sclf.madc men. A. II. II.