Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-12-18
Reported for the Democrat.

RopOrte0 lot tne Deuocrbt
FARMERS INSTITUTE AT so. PARIS.
The farmers came out In force, with
their wives, at the Institute held ut the
Grange Hall In South Paris, on Wednes-
day, the 18th inst. This day was unusual
ly fine, and the roads were smooth and
hard.
This meeting was under the direction OF
the Trustees OF the Oxford County Agri-
cultural Society. There were psesent OF
the State Board Of Agriculture: Secretary
Gilbert, ]. X. Hammond OF Oxford Coun-
ty, Mr.. Holbrook of Sagadahoc, and Mr..
wiggin OF Aroostook; also Francis Barnes
OF Houlton, and DIR. Twitchell, formerly
of Bethel, now Of Fairfield, as speakers.
The forenoon session was opened by
calling
Ex-Gov. PRRIIAM
To preside. On taking the chair, Gov.
Perham said he did not claim to be up to
the new methods in farming, but in his
early manhood he did know something Of
the practices and methods of the old way
having, at the age OF twenty-one, pur-
chased farm and gone In debt for IL; that
he lived upon 1t and managed 1t for nine
teen years, and during that time he man.
aged to save. on an average, three hundred
dollars year. In n pleasant manner, for
few moments, he described the tools and
implements then in use, and told the prices
obtained for farm products
This talk OF the Governor showed that
In methods OF farming, the tools and the
prices Of products are far in advance now
OF then.
After Governor Perham's opening. there
was music, with Mrs. Robinson at the or
gan, assisted by the Grange Choir.
DIR. TwITCHELL
| or Fairfield, was introduced as the speaker
OF the forenoon.
His subject was "The Profits Of Poultry
Raising" He began by saying 1t may
seem little strange that should stand
here, to tell what know about hens,
where the fever has ragged so strong; but
let me talk to about practical poultry rails
ing. This business, In the minds OF many
Is one OF small account, yet really is one
OF large magnitude. The poultry products
OF the country are Of more value than that
OF hay or OF cotton or wheat, or that OF
the dairy. The statistics OF 1880 show
that the value OF the poultry products Of
the country were $500, 0O0, 900
Wheat, 4s0, SOC, 900
Hay, 100000, 900
Cotton, 10000, 900
Dairy, $50, 100000
Enormous as Is the number OF eggs pro-
duced. the consumption is much greater
than the supply. In 1882, England and
France sent to this country 1900, 900 doz.
In 1875, the State OF New York owned
poultry to the value OF o., O00,0 900. During
that year, New York sold poultry OF her
own raising to the value OF $780, 900
Eggs to the value OF 2,5OO, 900
Now, said the speaker, 1t Is the de-
tails OF this business that | am 10 talk
about.
Good shelter is OF much Importance.
Give warm and pleasant quarters, and not
let them roam and roost in the barn and
out-buildings. Flocks OF twenty-five are
more profitable than large ones. 1t Is not
easy TO give good reasons for this. The
The care given will determine the question
OF profit or loss. Feeding is OF the utmost
Importance so that no fatness be obtained,
as that will reduce the number OF eggs.
Early chicks are the ones TO raise. know
q man who sold chicks In April at q net
price OF q cents piece; they cost him
10 cents apiece to raise. Green food is
what hens need: cabbages, lettuce, apples
and other things OF like nature. Meat is
required-I prefer 1t cooked. II for eggs
only that hens are kept, the small breeds
are best. II for poultry and eggs, then
some OF the larger breeds. prefer the
Plymouth Rocks. They are fair layers,
mature early, and are good table fowls.
Never send chicks to market until they
have been shut up and fed ten or twelve
days. Begin with small flocks and work
up; it Is the little things that give sue
cess.
The above Is only very brief glance at
the quite interesting and instructive lee
ture which the DR.. gave. II was listened
to with much interest, and called out
many questions from those present.
At the close OF the DR.. s lecture, all were
invited to the dining hall below, where the
ladies had literally loaded the long tables
with profusion and variety OF food, which
they were ready to serve with hot tea and
coffee. 1t must have been apparent to
them that both their food and service were
fully appreciated.
AFTERNOON.
The hall was filed at the commence
mencement Of the afternoon meeting, and,
although the programme was not carried |
out owing to the failure OF one of the
speakers to be present; yet the afternoon |
session was Of unusual interest through |
out
FRANCIS BARNES,
or Aroostook, proprietor Of the Nickerson |
Cheese Factory at Houlton, was called.
Mr.. Barnes is q thorough believer in dali
rying as being profitable for farmers, and
an earnest advocate Of associated dairy.
ing. Being an easy, pleasing speaker, he
never fails to entertain or to interest his
audience.
Without attemnting To follow the gen.