416 [Assembly 



the several committees by writing out in a plain form the details 

 of liis system of management. But as it has not been strictly 

 enforced heretofore as a rule of the society, it is not expected 

 that competitors generally will be prepared to present to the sev- 

 eral committees such statements in writing as are requisite; the 

 amount of information obtained, therefore, will depend much 

 upon the earnest and inquisitive investigation by the judges as to 

 the whys and wherefores. 



I do not propose to dictate a particular manner of the numer- 

 ous inquiries necessary to be made, but would respectfully invite 

 your attention to proper cultivation and rotation of crops, to 

 retain the productions of the soil, the requisite amount of seed, 

 and when to be sowed or planted in seeding for various purposes, 

 the suitableness of particular soils for particular crops, and their 

 comparative cost and value for different purposes, a proper appli- 

 cation of manures appropriate to vegetabla growth, adaptation of 

 food to the physical economy of the animal. Breeding and rear- 

 ing animals for specific purposes, a judicious selection of farm and 

 mechanical implements, as matters that come within the routine 

 of our every day's practical operations, and should engage our 

 earnest attention. 



I am aware that the limits prescribed by the rules of the soci- 

 ety will not admit of awarding premiums for all the animals that 

 may be exhibited, yet a proper commendation upon the merits of 

 such as are worthy, would be just and encouraging to unsuccess- 

 ful competitors, and perhaps excite them to useful exertions to 

 excel at a subsequent fair. A very prominent object of an agri- 

 cultural society, is. to get an exhibition annually of a great vari- 

 ety of things that pertain to our domestic enjoyment, so that all 

 who wish, can avail themselves of an opportunity to view and 

 compare the relative merits of tha products of well or ill-directed 

 labor, such an opportunity is well worth improving by all classes, 

 and especially by the young and inexperienced ; long will the 

 impressions last, which are made upon the ardent and inquiring 

 mind while examining and comparing the numerous articles that 

 are exhibited at an annual fair. To make those 'impressions more 

 indelible, the comparative merits of difierent articles and animals 



