No. 105.] 33 



congratulation to learn that they were highly interested in the exhi- 

 bition presented before them, by the agriculturists of New-York, 

 many of these gentlemen gave evidence, by the purchase of choice 

 animals which were exhibited, of the value which they placed upon 

 the stock exhibited on that occasion. 



While we rejoice at the onward progress of this society, in its ef- 

 forts to advance the interest of the farmer, with which is intimately 

 connected the prosperity of every other branch of domestic industry, 

 it is of the first importance to secure a continued and healthy advance 

 until perfection shall be attained. As yet we have scarcely tested 

 the capacity of our own soil. A much larger yield of the various 

 productions congenial to our soil and climate, can and must be se- 

 cured. 



We are brought into competition with the fertile regions of the vast 

 West; and if we would render our farms profitable, a more systematic 

 and enlightened course must be pursued, to obtain a much larger 

 return than we have as yet realized. That this can be done, I have 

 no doubt — and that it will be done, I trust this society will make 

 every proper effort to render equally certain. 



The officers of the society having felt the importance of diffusing, as 

 extensively as they could, a knowledge of the improvements which 

 science has brought to light, for a portion of the past season, employed 

 their corresponding secretary in visiting the farmers, and delivering 

 lectures in several of the central and western counties of the State. 

 He was not only favorably received, but an uniform expression was 

 given of the usefulness of his labors, and a desire expressed that they 

 might be continued. 



From the interest manifested in the subject, I cannot but believe 

 that we are called upon to secure the services of a competent person 

 to visit the different counties, see the farmers at their farms, analyze 

 their soils, suggest manures best adapted to each, encourage draining, 

 deliver lectures, and in such other ways as may be necessary, aid in 

 the great work of agricultural improvements ; a person competent to 

 do this, it is presumed, may be secured, and we ought not to hesitate to 

 do it, whenever the requisite funds are furnished. The public expect 

 of us vigorous efforts to improve and elevate our agriculture — and we 

 should be untrue to ourselves did we not endeavor to satisfy every rea- 

 sonable expectation. We look to the Legislature for a suitable provi 

 [Senate, No. 105.] 3 



