200 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



"Eor the best condacted experiment in growing the largest crop at 

 least cost," wliich is a decided improvement; but might not this be 

 improved still more by making it to read, simply, "for the best 

 conducted experiment," or, "for the most satisfactory experiment 7 " 

 This -would at once shut off premiums from all accidental crops, or 

 other results, (accidental so far as regards any peculiar efforts of the 

 competitor,) and which have been the effect of some cause, or of a 

 combination of causes beyond the control of the competitor, and 

 which he might not secure again by pursuing precisely the same 

 course of operation. The design of the society should not be so 

 much to reward him who has already got ample pay in his success, 

 as to elicit and diffuse what may benefit others by aiding them to 

 obtain like success. If the offer be simply for the best conducted 

 experiment, the premium might be awarded in a case where pecu- 

 niary success did not follow the operation, but by means of which, 

 a knowledge of facts was elicited, which may, if properly diffused, 

 save a thousand others from repeating an unsuccessful process, and 

 from the loss which would be incurred bj so doing ; and also guide 

 to more successful treatment in future. Such a person is a public 

 benefactor, at his own private cost too, and is deemed better worthy 

 of receiving a premium, than one who has stumbled upon success, 

 and makes up his statement, after the result is known, from memory 

 merely, or by guessing at the details of labor, manure, &c., &c. 



Another point touches the objects for which premiums should he 

 offered. In case the returns from our societies are promptly made, 

 and if time serve me, I hope to be able to present with this report, a 

 tabular statement, which shall exhibit the various objects for which 

 premiums have been awarded, and the amount of each during the 

 present year, (and if not in season for this report, it may go into 

 the "abstract of returns," which Avill be published as soon as may 

 be,) w'hich may show considerable diversity in the objects to which 

 premiums are awarded, and probably more in regard to the com- 

 parative amounts given to each. "While it is true that the varied 

 circumstances of different localities may render some diversity highly 

 suitable and proper, it may be equally true that the comparative 

 amounts offered to each may be amended by offering more in some 

 directions and less in others, than at present ; and by an examina- 

 tion of the operations of all, each may obtain suggestive hints. For 



