Daily Kennebec Journal

The Hay Field—Thirty Acres of Prostrate Grass.—Farm Superintendent Cony and Dozen Hay-Makers in the Field.—Thirteen Acres of Garden under the Management of Gardener Allen.—Items of Interest.

A visit to the Insane Hospital farm these midsummer days is a treat to one obliged to endure the dust and heat of Water St. Yesterday forenoon, through the courtesy of Treasurer Chase, we had the pleasure of a brief trip into the hay field and garden of the institution. Almost the first sound that greets one's ears as he enters the field north of the road, is the merry click of the mowing machine, and the air is fragrant with the balmy odor of the new mown grass curing beneath the hot rays of the July sun. Here was an area of hay land a mile long and comprising thirty acres, the grass on which had been mowed and was undergoing the drying process. It had all been cut in a day and a half by four horses and two machines, the first grass blade having been struck down at ten o'clock A. M. on Tuesday. A portion of this had been cured sufficiently to admit of housing, and three big hayracks pulled by stalwart oxen were receiving the aromatic product of the farmers' industry. The hay was mostly made up of herdsgrass and clover, and was bright and green. There were some twelve patients, besides several hired men, busily at work under the efficient superintendency of Farm Superintendent Cony. The patients appeared industrious and to enjoy their work. They are not obliged to labor and can sit down or handle a pitchfork at their pleasure. There are about 150 acres of hay land and it is thought over 200 tons of hay will be harvested. Since the heavy rain storm the grass thickened up wonderfully and the crop will be much larger than it otherwise would have been had the drought prevailed. It is hoped if the weather proves fine that about a third of the crop be placed in the barns this week.

The potato field was visited. This is ten acres in extent and to one interested in agricultural matters a most pleasing sight. The vines nearly hide the ground from view and many are in bloom. Beauty of Hebron and Early Rose are the varieties most generally planted. There were no weeds to be seen, an indication that the hoeing had been thorough. Treasurer Chase said that he was not afraid to pit these potatoes acre for acre, against any similar area in the State. Myriads of potato bugs were voraciously devouring the vines, but their days of eating had about ceased, as a workman was applying paris green, which the digestive organs of this pest cannot assimilate, although he is proof against almost everything else. The green was applied in water which a workman carried upon a tank upon his back, walking between the rows with a sprinkler in each hand and wetting two hills at a time. It is expected that the yield will be twelve hundred bushels of tubers.

The oat field is well worth an examination. There are seven acres, and the grain is tall and luxuriant, and is already heading out. The farming operations have evidently been carried on with commendable skill and intelligence, and the employment of Mr. Horace B. Cony as superintendent was wise.

Talking about gardens; it is well for the two in vegetable raising to inspect the Insane Hospital garden, which is the largest in this section of the State. It consists of thirteen acres of land located on the brow of the hill south of the buildings, and exhibits in a marked degree the benefit derived from the extended experience and careful supervision of Mr. William H. Allen, the head gardener. The strawberry bed is one of the first points to be visited. There is no end of big berries, blushing red, peeping forth from their hiding places beneath the broad leaves. Twenty-five bushels of berries have already been picked, and it is expected that there will be ten more. There is a large pea field, and on the Fourth twenty-six bushels of peas picked here were served to the patients. Among the vegetables under cultivation are one acre of onions, two acres of beets, two of sweet corn, two of beans, one of turnips, one of squash. Yesterday thirty-five bushels of beet greens were among the dishes served for dinner. These vegetables are found to be a great addition to the living during the summer and are exceedingly healthy food. A large part of the work is done by patients. Mr. Allen has been engaged for two days in sprinkling the handsome lawn and portions of the garden, as the effect of the dry weather is becoming evident. That portion of the grounds devoted to floriculture is in its usual thrifty condition and an abundance of choice flowers is found.

Notes.

A new boiler has arrived to be employed for heating purposes.

A new greenhouse is to be built this season just north of the engine house.

There are now 515 inmates at the institution, the largest number ever there.

The piggery is stocked with 250 small pigs; there are thirty cows on the farm.

Trustee James Weymouth was at the institution and together with Superintendent Sanborn and Treasurer Chase visited the field, and examined the growing crops, yesterday.

All the drinking water for the wards is brought in a pipe from a magnificent spring located upon a hill about a mile east of the building. The water bubbles up limpid and pure from a ledge. There is an abundance of it. Recently a sample of the water was sent to State College where it was analyzed and pronounced to be exceptionally pure.

Superintendent Sanborn has returned from his trip to his old home in Standish much invigorated. He is one of the most industrious gentlemen connected with the institution. He knows all about the patients, their names, where they are from and the peculiarities and nature of the diseases with which they are afflicted. The doctor sympathizes with the unfortunate people under his care and they were glad to see him on his return. He has a kind and familiar word for them all.