42 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



The Business Committee having reported, and Committees hav- 

 ing been appointed to investigate the several topics presented, Dr. 

 Weston, for Committee upon First Topic, submitted the following 

 Report and Resolutions relative to 



Agricultural Education. 



What further means should now be adopted to promote Agricultural 

 Education in 3faine ? 



No one, like the fabled Minerva, makes his entrance on the stage 

 of life fully developed and prepared to engage successfully in any 

 avocation. All need that mental discipline which shall give them 

 quickness of perception, a retentive memory, a habit of thinking 

 and reasoning, and language to express their ideas. All require 

 that physical training which shall produce a healthy development 

 of their whole physical organization, so that a sound mind may 

 dwell in a sound body ; and all need that moral instruction which 

 shall prompt a ready obedience to laws, both human and divine. 



Such a comprehensive preliminary training is important for all 

 ranks and conditions of men, for the most limited capacity, as well 

 as the mightiest intellect ; for the most humble laborer, as well as 

 the most exalted ruler. By means of it, all are better prepared for 

 the actual duties of any profession, art or business. 



Knowledge, when practically applied, becomes a power — a lever 

 which shall move the world, and send it onward in a career of pro- 

 gress and advancement. No matter how low the occupation, how 

 menial the employment, intelligence elevates and ennobles. It 

 secures, in the best manner, the most beneficial practical results, 

 with the least fatigue, the least possible expenditure of strength. 

 The greater the intelligence, the greater the success in any pursuit. 



Besides the general discipline required by the great mass of 

 mankind, a special education is necessary not only to fit students 

 for the professions, but also adapted to the wants of that largest 

 and most important class of the community, comprising the agri- 

 culturist, the mechanic and the merchant. 



Youth, it is generally conceded, is the most favorable period to 

 acquire this knowledge. It is the age of leisure, of exemption 

 from the cares and perplexities of business. Ideas then received 

 are stamped with an indelible impress on the fresh tablets of the 

 memory. Correct moral principles then instilled, grow with the 

 growth, and strengthen with the strength, until they become in- 



