sive bog, which could be made to produce thousands of bushels annually. As it is now, what cranberries are raised, grow rather from neglect of care than from the receipt of it, although one farmer gathers about fifty bushels. The cost of preparing this and other bogs for the suitable culture of cranberries would, of course, vary with the situation; but it is safe to say that an outlay of two hundred dollars per acre would yield a return of from two to four hundred dollars' worth of fruit annually. There is no better plan of turning to utility our now uncultivated wastes than by stocking them with cranberries. The orchard products of Maine, by census of 1860, were valued at $501,767.

MAPLE SUGAR AND SIRUP.

The maples which abound in our forests are annually made to contribute a share to the means of living, and how large a share will be seen from the fact that 306,742 pounds of maple sugar were made in 1860, no mention being given of the amount of sirup also manufactured; but inasmuch as this is the form in which the article is mainly consumed, the actual amount of sweetening manufactured will largely exceed the above estimated quantity.

The age of the trees is not material, provided they are of proper size, as it is evident that a very small tree would be more injured by the process of tapping than a larger one. Trees from ten inches to two or more feet in diameter are of the most suitable dimensions. Tapping should be done with care so as not to injure the tree, and it has been found by repeated experiments that a half-inch hole will yield as much sap as a larger one, the flow in all cases being in proportion to the depth of the hole. After the tree has done running, the hole should at once be stopped up. It has been estimated by some that each tree, taking the average together, will yield from five to six pounds of sugar during the season, and others consider two to three pounds as much as they will average. Probably the correct amount lies between these extremes. For merly the vessels to receive the sap were troughs made of poplar or bass, and these were succeeded by sap-buckets, made somewhat in the form of pails, and unpainted. Tin vessels are light, easily kept clean, and are desirable on many accounts. They are used more extensively than heretofore. A good pan for boiling the sap is made of sheet-iron, by nailing the iron to plank, so that the iron shall form the bottom and ends and the plank the sides, the sheet-iron being secured to the plank by two rows of closely-driven nails. Eight feet long, four wide, and six inches deep, are good dimensions for this article, and if the arch or fire-place be made narrower than the pan, so it can be placed over it, it will be found a most useful arrangement for boiling the sap. In making good sirup the sap should be reduced to about one-thirtieth of its bulk, then strained through flannel, and left to cool and settle for about a day. After this, place it in the boiling pan, and add to every gallon one beaten egg and a gill of milk to clarify it, care being taken that it does not boil, till the scum has risen and been skimmed off. Then boil carefully until it will harden by placing it in cold water, when it should be poured into vessels and the cakes placed in a box to drain. To have the sugar perfectly white, lay a few thicknesses of flannel on the top of the cakes while they are draining; these absorb the coloring matter, and by having them washed daily with cold water the coloring matter will wash out.

Two men will take care of and do the work necessary to be done to three or four hundred trees. The work of manufacturing sugar and sirup takes place at a season of the year when other active farm labor has not been resumed, and thus affords a good opportunity for performing one of the pleasantest and most social parts of farm work.

FISH AND FISH-BREEDING.*

The fisheries of this State are among the oldest, as they have also been one of the most important interests of our citizens. No one who has sailed along our wide-spreading coast, or explored to any extent our numerous bays and creeks, but would be impressed with our unsurpassed facilities for marine fishing; and in travelling over the State the almost numberless rivers, lakes, ponds, and small streams, would also suggest the many advantageous localities for interior fisheries. These advantages were quickly discovered by the first settlers of Maine, and it is also probable that they were very strong inducements in drawing settlers to our coast and islands, notwithstanding the privations that attended the early settlements. Captain John Smith, in 1614, cruised along our coast with two vessels, returning to England in the fall of 1615, carrying thither, among other articles, 47,000 dry and cured fish, made at Monhegan island. From this time until 1626 the Plymouth colony carried on considerable trade with the settlements at Monhegan, Saco, and Damariscore, but during this year (1626) the trading-house at the former place was broken up and the goods transferred to Governor Bradford. In 1628 Governor Bradford, in behalf of the Plymouth colony, purchased a large tract of country on both sides of the Kennebec river, the grant to which gave them control of the fisheries and trading sections thereon. As the population increased the business of fishing began to assume more system, and as it increased, step by step, and grew into a large and important trade, the maritime portions of our State also grew in population and strength correspondingly. Laws to regulate the fisheries and legislative action for their encouragement resulted not only in a great increase of the business, but also led to ship-building and a more extended commerce; it became the best practical school for seamen, who, at the breaking out of the revolution, formed the nucleus of our navy, which, though small, did effective service in our country's cause, and in the war of 1812 constituted a formidable rival to the strongest naval power then known.

To give a list of the fishes of Maine would take up more room than the interest in the subject would warrant, and we will therefore only mention the names of some of the most valuable found in this State, which are known to spawn in fresh water. They are: brook trout, Salmo fontinalis; lake trout, Salmo confinis; lake white fish, Ceregonus albus; pickerel, Esox reticulatus; Mascalonge, Esox estor; perch, Perca flavescens; striped bass, Labrax lineatus; shad, Alosa prestabilis.

Fish Breeding.-About five years ago Upham S. Treat, esq., and son, of Eastport, obtained exclusive control of three large ponds, situated about twenty miles from Eastport. These ponds each have outlets into the St. Croix river, the largest of them being three-fourths by one-half mile. The outlet is provided with a gate, by means of which it may be opened or closed as required, thus nabling the owners to retain the fish in the ponds, or allowing them to proceed to sea. They commenced the operations of fish-breeding in the spring of 1857, at which time a number of salmon, striped bass, shad, and alewives were placed in two of the ponds, the salmon being placed in the largest pond. The shad and alewives spawned about the first of June, and in about three weeks immense numbers of their young were seen. The gate at the outlet of the pond was then closed, and the growth of the young fish watched in the pond for three months, at the end of which time a portion of them were allowed to proceed down the river to the sea. The remainder of them were kept for two

For many of the facts embraced in this part of my article I am largely indebted to the forthcoming report of Dr. E. Holmes, naturalist to the scientific survey of the State, whose report for 1862, on the "Ichthyology of Maine," forms a most valuable addition to popular knowledge, and gives, also, a complete view of the elementary principles of the science.

months longer, when they were dismissed into salt water. In the Agricultural report of the Patent Office for 1859 is an article on fish breeding, which also gives the further details of Mr. Treat's experiments; which we here introduce:

"The number of young produced by this first spawning was estimated at more than five millions. They had grown, when on their way to the sea, to the length of three to five inches. The salmon spawned in November, and the eggs were hatched in the spring after. Mr. Treat did not, however, succeed in detecting any of the young until the summer of 1859, when they were above a year old. They had then grown, he says, to the length of ten or twelve inches, and were changing from the trout-like appearance which characterizes them in their first year, and were taking on the silvery coat of the parent fish. As the lake is in some places forty feet in depth, not many of these young salmon were captured; but enough were secured to enable Mr. Treat to identify them. The old salmon still appear to be in good condition and are frequently observed. They have been in the lake two winters and two summers. Whether they continue to breed is not, as yet, known. The young salmon were also allowed to follow their natural instincts and to proceed to the sea at the proper season. Mr. Treat confidently expects the return of his fish-such of them as survive the dangers of the seas-as soon as they become capable of reproducing their species and feel the impulse of that instinct which induces them to seek the fresh water for the purpose of depositing their spawn."

Wishing to obtain from the Messrs. Treat some additional facts in regard to their success in breeding migratory fish, we addressed a note of inquiry to them, and were favored with the following reply:

"DEAR SIR: As to how far we have succeeded in breeding and raising migratory fish, we beg to reply that we have had good success in raising the alewife by planting the old in new homes, in waters hitherto unknown to these kinds of fish. We planted the old in two small lakes or ponds, the stream from each emptying into the St. Croix river, about two miles apart, and had the same good success on both streams. We learned that it required four years for the young to mature and return to breed in the waters in which they were bred, and that the young do not return to the waters until they mature, but remain in salt water. It requires eighteen days for the ova to hatch, and as soon as out of the egg they swim near the shore in shallow water. Their natural habits are to stop in fresh water about sixty days. At that time they attain to about three inches in length, and make their way to salt water. The instinct of these fishes is very remarkable. They know their homes, and will not mix with neighboring streams only two miles apart, although the fish are of the same species and their habits are the same. We have no doubt but that the waters could be made as productive as the land by planting migratory fish. Our experiments on other kinds of fish are not yet matured."

Abijah Crosby, esq., of Benton, has been engaged during the past three or four years in stocking some of the ponds in Somerset and Kennebec counties with migratory fish, and with the most gratifying prospects of success.

It is but a few years ago, comparatively, that fresh water fish in abundance were caught in our tributary rivers; now the fish seem to have deserted these ponds and rivers altogether. The immediate causes of this are the building of dams across tributary streams, by means of which the fish are prevented from ascending to their proper spawning places; the pollution of waters by the erection of mills and factories, (by the saw-dust, and the refuse of chemical ingredients used in the different process of manufacturing,) and the disturbance of the waters of larger rivers by steamboats. In some instances the legislature has caused an erection of fish-ways in dams for the passage of migratory fish

MARINE MANURES.

Our sea-coast furnishes an important source of fertilization. Seaweed is used in large quantities by coast farmers, and with most satisfactory results. It is usually carted in the winter months and piled in yards and sheds, and mixed with other manures. It rapidly decomposes, and in arying largely diminishes in bulk. It is used as a top dressing to grass lands with undoubted efficacy, acting in part as a mulch; it is also used as a compost. While seaweed is used with such good results near the coast, it has also been proved beneficial on lands twenty miles in the interior. It would not be impossible to suppose that seaweed, dried and pressed into bales, may hereafter become not only a reliable means of manuring land in the interior of the State, but an item of no small importance in a business point of view. On the flats adjoining

some of our bays and creeks a deposit known as muscle-bed is found in large quantities, which proves a highly valuable and durable fertilizer on clayey loams near the sea-coast. It is much too heavy for profitable transportation far into the interior. In some instances the deposits of this material cannot be reached by teams in summer because of the softness of the mud, and it is the practice of farmers to haul it in winter, when the ice is firm enough to bear up teams. At low tide holes are cut in the ice, and the muscle-bed is easily placed upon the sleds.

Something is done in the business of manufacturing guano from fish and fish offal. Mr. Fowler, of Lubec, formerly manufactured a small amount each year, by drying the fish after they are pressed, and grinding them, afterwards mixing gypsum with it. Mr. C. G. Allen, of Camden, is also engaged in its manufacture. The article which he puts up is prepared from "pogy chum" by simply drying it in the sun, adding, when packed in barrels, one peck of gypsum per barrel of 150 pounds. It sells for about $1 50 or $2 per barrel. At Eastport Messrs. Treat & Son are largely engaged in the manufacture of fish guano. They have found it more profitable to press the fish, chiefly herring, for their oil than to smoke or salt them for the market. The remains of the fish, after extracting the oil, are prepared for guano by drying and grinding. It is manufactured under a patent held or claimed by the Quinnipiac Company, of Connecticut, which patent consists simply of "drying by solar heat upon an elevated platform;" and the principal amount manufactured is shipped to that State, where it has given the best satisfaction as a fertilizer. During the past season about three hundred tons of this fish guano have been manufactured by the Messrs. Treat, the price being $20 per ton, exclusive of bags, shipping, &c. These trials have demonstrated the fact that a portable, inoffensive, and efficient manure can be manufactured from fish and fish offal with no great outlay for expensive machinery, and at a price amply remunerative to manufacturer and purchaser. This will hereafter become a larger business than it is at present.

ASSOCIATED EFFORT AND LEGISLATIVE ACTION FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

Dr. Benjamin Vaughan, LL.D., and his brother, Charles Vaughan, of Hallowell, Kennebec county, were the first gentlemen to act in the work of agricul tural improvement in this State, and their labors in this direction gave an impulse to others, and the interest awakened by their efforts have continued until the present day.

In 1787 some farmers residing on the Kennebec river organized themselves together, under the name of the "Kennebec Agricultural Society," the objects of which were mutual improvement in agriculture, and mutual aid by the importation of stock, implements, trees, seeds, books, &c. "The leading and animating spirits in this movement were the Messrs. Vaughan." In 1791-'92 an importation of cattle, tools, trees, seeds, &c., was made by the Messrs. Vaughan, it being their first importation. During the year 1807 the "Kennebec Agricultural Society" was incorporated by the legislature of Massachusetts; and though it held no "cattle shows" or exhibitions for some time, it had frequent meetings for the reading of papers contributed by its members, and for discussion and consultation. The "Agricultural Repository," issued under direction of the old Massachusetts society, contains many articles and papers of great value from this society, which show the ability and industry of its members. The contributions of Dr. Benjamin Vaughan bear marks of deep study and originality. In 1818, by the earnest efforts of the Messrs. Vaughan, Messrs. Wood, of Winthrop, and other friends of agriculture, the "Maine Agricultural Society" was incorporated. This society received no aid from the State, and its only funds were from the entry fees of members. In

1820 it had accumulated a sufficient amount to warrant an exhibition and the paying of premiums, and a show was held at Hallowell. In 1821 another exhibition was held in the same place, but for want of funds and the means of transportation only a small section of the State was represented in exhibition, and the action of the society was discontinued, and county shows created in its stead by the members. In 1818 some of the farmers of Winthrop, headed by the Messrs. Wood, formed the "Winthrop Agricultural Society," which soon became a very useful and active association, spread into the towns, held annual shows, &c. It continued in force until about 1831-'32, when it merged into a county society, and then petitioned the legislature for a charter and funds. Through the labors of Major Elijah Wood, though not without much opposition and modifications of plans, a "law relating to agricultural societies" was formed and passed in 1832. This law gave from the State treasury a sum of money annually to each society, as large as the society would raise from subscription or otherwise, the fourth section of the act reading as follows:

"Every society availing itself of the benefit of this chapter shall, at their discretion, annually and publicly, offer premiums for introducing or improving any breed of useful cattle or animals, or any tools or implements of husbandry or manufacture; introducing, raising, or preserving any valuable trees, shrubs, or plants, or in any way encouraging or advancing any of the branches or departments of agriculture, horticulture, or manufactures. And no such society, by their by-laws, shall confine such premiums to their own members, but shall bestow them on any person residing within the limits of such society who shall produce the best specimens."

During the session of the legislature which passed this law three societies besides the Kennebec were incorporated.

In the fall of 1832 it was thought expedient to have an organ by which the farmers of Maine could advocate their interest, and through which they could communicate with each other. In 1833 Dr. E. Holmes, of Winthrop, commenced the "Kennebec Farmer," the title of which was soon changed to the "Maine Farmer," which it now retains. Dr. Holmes has continued the senior editor of this paper for over thirty years.

There are now, besides the State society, twenty-five county societies in flourishing condition.

The legislature of 1852 established a board of agriculture; but the original bill, in the course of its passage through this honorable body, was so altered and amended as to be of no particular benefit. Although it gave the board authority for assembling each year, it furnished no compensation for the labor of its members, and was therefore of no working force. It was the form without the substance. The board held annual sessions until 1855, when the deficiences of the law under which it was established had become fully apparent, and the members were most zealous in having them remedied. By their exertions a law incorporating and endowing the State Agricultural Society was passed, with an executive committee to transact its business, which committee were to have the powers and duties proper to a board of agriculture, and at the same time more fully prescribe the duties and powers of the local agricultural societies. In 1857 a law amendatory to an act establishing the board was passed by the legislature. By this law each agricultural and horticultural society was entitled to elect one member to represent them in the board, their term to continue for three years. This is the act now in force, with the exception that each county only is entitled to a delegate, and where there is more than one society in a county the societies must meet in caucus to choose each delegate.

of

In 1836 a resolve passed the legislature authorizing a geological survey the State, and Dr. Charles T. Jackson, of Boston, was engaged as chief geologist and director of the survey. The labors of this gentleman and his assistants were continued until 1838, when the usual annual appropriation bill failed