N 4 [Senate 



suitable building could be obtained, our scattered books should be 

 collected, and the nucleus of a State Agricultural Library commence. 

 This object was at once carried into effect. Mr. Walsh, an active 

 member, and one of its oldest friends, immediately entered the field, 

 and by means of his exertions in procuring donations in money and 

 books, succeeded to a considerable extent in effecting the purpose de- 

 signed. The importance of having a well selected and extensive 

 collection of books, in aid of the object of this institution, must be 

 apparent to those who have given the subject the least considera- 

 tion, and it is hoped that the members of the society will not relax 

 in their efforts, until this great object shall be fully accomplished. 

 The writers on the subject of agriculture and its kindred branches, 

 have of late years become so numerous, as well as better acquainted 

 with these subjects, that their writings have not only become ex- 

 tremely desirable, but no intelligent man, no matter what branch of 

 business he follows, but would occasionally like to consult authors, 

 who treat understandingly on these subjects, and no place so fit for 

 the depository of them as the rooms now occupied by this society. 



Another object of the society was the formation of an Agricultu- 

 ral Museum. In the old cities of Europe large collections of such 

 subjects as would properly form a museum, have for many years been 

 gathering, and they have succeeded to a very great extent, so that 

 their museums not only attract the attention of the practical agricul- 

 turist, but many scientific men, and especially strangers. In these 

 collections we see how fast iinprovements in agricultural implements 

 have progressively been made, and in what the improvements consist, 

 what new implements have been added, and what has been retained 

 or discontinued. We see farm implements in all their simplicity, and af- 

 ter the test of time and experience, how far they have been remodeled 

 and made better as well as more useful. We see ali the varieties of 

 seeds, &c., &c., used from time immemorial, and how far they partake 

 of the kinds now in use. We see, in fine, the instructive collection 

 for hundreds of years, of those who toiled before us in the same field 

 of investigation, and if we can gain instruction from their labors and 

 experience, it is all, that as rational men, we can expect and desire. 



Our collection is yet very small, but it is hoped that the active 

 members of this society will not hereafter let any opportunity escape 

 them, to add to so useful as well as necessary measure. Through the 



