4 PREFACE. 



content to occupy so small a portion of the field of operations 

 which lies open to them, and which in all its parts promises so 

 rich rewards. 



It is not to be denied that much remains to be done in the greater 

 and more general improvement of stock ; but it is equally true that 

 we have not properly estimated the capabilities of our soil for the 

 production of both animal and human food. 



The premium crops of the past year, as shown in one of the 

 tables annexed, although smaller than in some of the more favora- 

 ble 3'^ears preceding it, are greatly beyond the average production of 

 the State ; and this too notwithstanding the extreme meagreness 

 of the premiums offered and the smallness of the number who have 

 been induced to compete for them. The conclusion is irresistible 

 that with suflScient and properly directed efforts to this end, both 

 the aggregate annual amount of food produced, both for man and 

 beast, and the usual acreage of the same may be vastly increased 

 throughout our borders and corresponding benefit derived there- 

 from. 



Improvement in stock and in crops should advance hand in hand, 

 as thus they will mutually react to the advantage of each other. 



This subject is commended to the careful and thoughtful con- 

 sideration of all the agriculturists, and all the agricultural associa- 

 tions of the State. 



