44 [Senate 



In accordance with the directions of the executive board, a corres- 

 pondence was opened early in the season with gentlemen who were 

 supposed to take a lively interest in the improvement of agriculture. 



This correspondence was not confined to our own country, but ex- 

 tended to gentlemen distinguished for their intelligence, and for their 

 interest in the subject, in England, Scotland, Ireland, and upon the 

 continent, and also to several of the American ministers and consuls at 

 Courts in Europe. 



From most of those to whom letters were addressed, answers have 

 been received, and a deep interest has been expressed in the objects 

 of our society, and in its prosperity. 



From several gentlemen valuable communications have been re- 

 ceived, which will be found not only interesting but valuable docu- 

 ments, worthy of a place in our Transactions. 



A distinguished gentleman — Professor James F. W. Johnston — 

 writes: " That it gives him great pleasure to observe the interest that 

 is taken in the United States, and especially in the State of New- 

 York, in the promotion of agriculture. It is astonishing how much 

 the long peace has drawn the attention of all countries to this vital 

 subject, and how universally all classes manifest their desire to aid in 

 bringing it as an art up to the level of the other arts, which during 

 the last half century, have in so extraordinary a degree advanced. 

 The organization of your general and local societies, with the pecu- 

 niary aid of your Legislature, will no doubt do very much with you 

 for the promotion of this end." 



The same gentleman writes that " efforts are making to establish 

 special colleges of agricultural instruction, and that a little elemen- 

 tary catechism for the use of schools in the country districts, has al- 

 ready had a very wide circulation, and is promising much good." 



A copy of this work has been received, and is in course of republi- 

 cation, and it is believed will prove of great advantage to the interests 

 of agriculture. 



The same gentleman says — " What a fine object would it be for 

 your great State, unfettered as you are by old forms or scholastic pre- 

 judices, to undertake. Your State is large enough to establish and 

 maintain with ease such an institution, and fill it with students who 

 should be taught all those branches of science which bear more or 

 less remotely upon agricultural pursuits. I might urge it further also, 

 as being little less than a duty for you, who have " Excelsior " for 



