^^2 [Assembly 



clumsy tools. The wonder is, that outraged nature did not cry 

 out against the burthens imposed upon man and beast, in thi 

 shape of these ill-looking and ill-working utensils. 



But had not a new interest been awakened, and a new impulse 

 been given to agricultural pursuits, through associations designed 

 to advance their interests, vre know not, but they would have 

 lain about our farm houses to this day ; and that we should now 

 see the rough wood plow ; tbe corn-fan, about the size of a sum- 

 mer hat; the miniature hand-rake, and the barn flail, which then 

 comprised the substance of farming gear; instead of the elegant 

 Starbuck Trojan plow, the admiration of examiners at the World's 

 Fair; the cultivator; the justly celebrateci Grant's fanning mill, 

 that has such cleansing powers, that it scarcely leaves the bran in 

 your wheat ; the comprehensive horse-rake, and the laborious 

 thrashing machine, besides numerous other inventions which are 

 contributing to relieve the farmer of drudgery, to save his pro- 

 ducts, to facilitate the gathering and curing them, and which are 

 reallv ornaments to his establishments. 



There is another object which these associations are tending to 

 accomplish, and which should engage the earnest and immediate 

 attention of all interested in the progress of agriculture. We 

 have as yet but imperfect specimens of the highest grades of hus- 

 bandry, and of the most perfect arrangements for a farming estab- 

 lishment; and these are not open for the inspection and experi- 

 mental study of the young men of our great and prosperous State. 

 There is greatly needed a model farm in connection with a model 

 school open to our youth in order to prepare them for a success- 

 ful entrance upon agricultural labors. There are at present no 

 available facilities for an education at all adapted to fit them for 

 this laborious, but useful and honorable calling. The State in its 

 legislative capacity has entirely overlooked the vast important- 

 ance of this branch of industry. It lends a listening ear to the 

 petitions of all classes of producers, and of professional men, ex- 

 cept the farmer ; and him it often taxes to protect the more showy, 

 but less useful branches of labor. To aid the aspiring to enters 

 professional life, it has been profuse in its bounties. It has ap- 

 propriated funds, without stint, to found colleges, medical institu- 



