Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1906-05-22

past TWO or three years
experiments in the raising of alfalfa
nave been carried on by some of our pro
sresS've farmers. in one or two instances
WIN quite marked degree of success.
nile We do not advise the farmers of
H'tiile 10 engage in the culture of thi;
crop 10 any great extent vet we trust
'iidt experiments in this line will continue
u ID" carried on, and that this valuable
forage plant may find place in our
agriculture. especially on lands that are
100 dry for the profitable growing of our
common grasses. japanese rnillet is al
50 rec"ivIng some attention. some Of our
farmers finding it a valuable CROP for
soilinG and silage purposes.
DOMESTIC ANIMALS.
We believe our live stock Industry is il
a prosperous condition. notwithstanding
the fact that the report of the STATE
Board of Assessors shows a decrease in
numbers in several classes Of our farm
ANIMALS. 1t is our opinion that this is
due largely to temporary conditions. and
that orr farmers as a rule are not losing
sight of the Importance Of stock hllsban-
dry in connection with their other farm
operations.
We wish to strongly impress upon the
farmers Of Maine.-to write with indchble
ink-the fact that stock husbandry must
he continued ard increased if we ex-
nect to reach the highest degree Of aGri
cultural eucc, - that this grand old State
Is capabl" of Welding.
1t IS an encouraging feature Of the
situation that the reports from tn, cream
ciirs show that there IS an increase in the
amount of production per COW. The
nitcd States census report for 1900 cred
its Maine with producing as much milk
per cow rs any state in the TTn5on
The improvement in the quality of our
dairy products and in the methods en-
ploycd by our dairymon. noted in our last
report has continued. Tho faithful, per
sistent efforts of the State dairy instruc-
tor, $. G. Thompson. are accomplishing
much fer this prominent branch Of Maine
farming. The high score received ut the
state dairy conference by the exhibitors
Of butter from the crcamerics and dairies
was very gratifying.
Some new legislation was enacted at
the last session of the legislature by
which the duties and authority OF the de
partmcnt in regard to the inspection of
methods of manufacturing butter the
samplinE Of milk and cream ct the cream
cries and the enforcement Of laws rclat-
ing to dairy products. We're somewhat en-
largCd. The benefit from work in these
lines is becoming apparent. as will be
shown by the report of the instructor.
We are pleased tn note an increase in
the number and value Of horses in The
state during tho past year We are still
Of the opinion that this industry offers
opportunities to some of our farmers, in
til" raising Of good family horses.
There is still further decline in tn"
number of sheep in tie state. as report
ed by the local assessors to tho State as
SCISSORS. The present prices of wool ana
the meat products would indicate that
the lowest mark must soon be reached il,
this industry. and that the attertion of
orr farmers in the near future will bn
turned to This line of stock husbandry
which at present prices can undoubtedly
be pursued to advantage on many of our
farms.
Swine growing is not assuming the i'm
portancc to which it is entitled. Swine in
connection with the dairy, to utilize its
waste products. is an industry which
can be made to do much towards build
ing up the farm, keeping up the fertility
Of the soil and incrcas sing crop produc-
tion thus enabling the farmers to avoid
largely tho expense that most of them are
taxing themselves with, in buying COM
mcrciiI fertilizers.
The poultry Industry, in some sections
of the State. has seemed to receive a new
impulse. While poultry has in years
past been one Of the profitable branches
of farming, in some localities there has
recently been a marked increase in the
interest manifested in this work. Tho
exhibitions at some Of our State fairs
were very encouraging. being large in
numbers and representing all the i'm
proved breeds and the finest of individual
birds The exhibition held by the state
Poultry and Pet Stock Association in
Portland in December far exceeded in in
tercst any which has been held in former
years.
We have erdeavored at the institutes
to set forth the importance Of this indus
try to the Maine farmer by furnishing
lectures Nv som" of the most successful
poultry breeders in this country As tho
total value of poultry and eggs produced
IN tho State during tho past year would
npprox'mat" 100000 We have felt jus
tilted in giving to an industry OF this size
considerable attention.
ORR FRUIT INTERESTS.
Tho fruit industry of the State Is re
CeivinG more attention each year, and the
extended report Of tho PomoloCical So
ciety in this volume will be read with
more interest than usual. Farmers are
realizing that this crop requires rs much
care and cultivation any Of the farm
crops; that the trees that bear the best
crops and of the best quality are thoS,,
that are thoroughly cultivated. ConSe-
uucntly We arc raising better fruit and
morH of it. Maine is so we'll ada tcl to-
this branch Of farming. her apples being
surpa sScd in quality by those If no other
state in tho Union, that We believe tho
possibilities in fruit culture are not fully
apprt ciated by many Of our farmers.
Tho same cultivation and fertilization
given to our orchards as to any of our
field crops will result in profits which will
compare favorably with those derived
from any other crop We produce. The
orc n rdSt however must he IN tbn