No. 85.] 373 



proposed connexion of agriculture and horticulture with the educa- 

 tional interests of the State — in illustration of which, reference may 

 be made to the report and resolutions submitted to that convention by 

 a special committee consisting of Professor Potter of Union College ; 

 Mr. Patchin, the superintendent of Livingston county ; and Mr. Bate- 

 ham, the editor of the New Genesee Farmer, but now editor of the 

 " Ohio Cultivator," — which report and resolutions were as follows : 



" As jigricuUure is the art on which all other arts depend, and (he profession 

 in which the greater part of our population are engaged, its improvenaent and 

 prosperity is a subject of the highest importance ; and the committee are of opi- 

 nion that the time has arrived when the elements and scientific principles of Agri- 

 culture should be taught in all our schools, especially to the older class of 

 pupils. 



" The rapid progress which has of late years been made in those parts where 

 the discoveries of science have been brought to bear on (he improvement of Agri- 

 culture, affords the strongest evidence of (he importance of diffusing a knowledge 

 of the principles upon which these improvements are based, among those who 

 are soon to become the owners and cultivators of our naturally fertile, though 

 much abused soil. There can be no doubt but that such knowledge, if properly 

 imparted, would have a direct tendency to improve the practice of Agriculture, 

 and elevate the profession to that high rank in public estimation which it so justly 

 deserves. 



" Your committee have perceived, however, that there are numerous difficul- 

 ties connected with the subject, and that it requires more deliberate considera- 

 tion than they have bestowed upon it, to devise (he best means for accomplishing 

 the object. Much can be done by the introduction of books on Agriculture into 

 the District School Libraries. This object has received considerable attention 

 from the New-York State Agricultural Society, and premiums are now offered for 

 the best essays for the purpose. There is still wanting a suitable Text-Bcok on 

 Agriculture, for the u«e of schools. 



"In view of the whole subject therefore, the committee beg leave to recom- 

 mend this subject to the earnest consideration of (his Convention, and (o submit 

 the following resolutions : 



" Resolved, That this Convention recommend to teachers, as far as is in their 

 power, to impart instruction on Agriculture by occasional dialogues or conversa- 

 tions among the scholars, and by the reading of Agricultural books and periodi- 

 cals, so as to explain the piincijtles of this art, and show its respectability and 

 importance to themselves and society. 



"Resolved, That the Convention deem it of the highest importance that our 

 School Libraries contain more works on the principles and practice of Agricul- 

 ture suitable for the perusal of the young ; and therefore we lake pleasure in re- 

 commending to the trustees of school districts under our charge to purchase works 

 of that character. 



" Resolved, That we will, as county superintendents, take the subject into con- 

 sideration, and be prepared at our next annual convention, to express our opinions 

 respecting it, and to act decisively upon it, if deemed advisable. 



" Resolved, That a committee of three be r.ow appoin(ed to take (his matter 

 under their especial consideration, and report thereon at our next annual conven- 

 tion; and that the State Agricultural Society be requested also to appoint a com- 

 mittee to confer with them." 



Your committee deem it proper to add that they opened a commu- 

 nication with the special committee appointed by the convention of 

 school superintendents ; and that there is reason to believe that the 

 co-operation, in this way will lead to further and more gratifying 

 action at the next convention of school superintendents in the ensuing 

 spring : and with the officers of the common school organization, 

 thoroughly and zealously engaged in promoting attention to agricul- 



