Daily Kennebec journal., 1903-08-10

oughly informed on the subjects which
they treat, who have devoted a long time
to institute work and are able to discuss
these questions in all their phases. And,
believing that the Institutes are intended
| not only to disseminate information but
I to inspire courage and hope, we have
also kept in mind the idea that these
speakers should be practical men, men
who have been successful in their farm
ing, and who can present these questions
with such force and energy as to awaken
enthusiasm in the farmers to larger de
gree than ever before. 1t is our opinion
that much good has been accomplished
through these meetings They have slim
ulated thought and discussion. An intel
lectual apathy, too, often is the condition.
Of the farmer. He should be stirred to
greater activity and thought. From these
meetings the farmers gather knowledge
which they would derive, or could derive
from no other source. Questions over
which they have been pondcring are here
asked and answered by experts in man
-ner clearly and easily understood. We
believe these institutes will be a great
factor in teaching the farmers the use of
modern lahorsaving machinery, and in
ducing them to broaden out and adopt
new methods of farming, and thereby rev.
olutonize the agriculture of this State
There is no expenditure of money that
will give more satisfactory returns. One
of the most pleasing features is that the
farmers wives are becoming more and
more Interested in these institutes. When
the dairy and poultry questions are dis
cusSed, there are no more interested lis
tencrs than the farmers wives. Our in
stituteS have been characterized. during
the past year, by an increased number
OF young men who arc interesting them
selves III farm work. 1t is an encourag-
ing sign for our agriculture that young
men are more largely turning their atten-
ton to agric cultural subjects.
THE agricultural societies the past sea-
son have had a good degree of success.
The weather during the fall was very ia
ForaDIe Tor the most part, for the hold
ing OF their exhibitions We believe the
character of the work done by these So
cletles is advancing Special attractions
are peinS dropped out of the fairs, and
more attention is being paid to the edu-
catlve features. We hope there may be
further progress in these lines The fairs
shouldt De educative and stimulating
"hen farmer has compared his herd of
COWS or his stock with his neighbors,
ana sees wherein his neighbor excels he
resolves that he will use every effort be-
tween tnat time and the next agricultural
exhibition to so improve his stock that
they shall be entitled to the blue ribbon
Ihe following figures show the business
OF these societies:
NUMBER of horses and colts ex-
mnlted ....................... 1852
Nulnper of neat cattle exhibited 1893
Nulllper of sheep exhibited. . 1871
NuInper of swine exhibited - 702
NGi,iper t;iH OF poultry (coops) exhib-
amount of premiums and gratui-
per Hes awarded ....................s2 So. 1913 %
fr cent of increase in awards,
Hrriount Ht OF trotting purses. .. q, ,664 56
nrouht n,, of entry fees for trotting
purses ......................... 1874 AZ
Per r"ai al cost of trotting purses. j. 1850 II
~ - cent of premiums ard gratuf-
po YES To total awards . 81
e' cent of stipend to societies