INTRODUCTION. 7 



write down accurately, before leaving the spot, the existing condi- 

 tion of things, taking notes of what has been done since the entry 

 was made, together with what is proposed to be done during the 

 remainder of this and the two following years. These memoranda 

 should be carefully preserved for reference at the final visit in 

 autumn of 1874, removing, so far as possible, any liability to 

 forgetfulness or mistakes ; and with carefully prepared notes in 

 hand of what appeared in 1872, the committee can judge under- 

 standing^ and decide according to comparative merit in 1874. 



I may be allowed to add that when this plan was tried in Cum- 

 berland county some years ago, it was found that a spirit of im- 

 provement sprang up, not only among those competing lor 

 premiums, but also widely among their neighbors, who did not 

 like to be left behind or to be outdone. It is believed by those 

 best acquainted with the facts of that case, that no other equal 

 sum was ever expended by that Agricultural Society which effect- 

 ed so much good. 



Although the Board saw fit to pass no binding action for more 

 than one year, I am authorized to say that no reasonable doubt 

 exists that a similar vote will be passed at the winter sessions of 

 1873 and 1874, and consequently, you would do well to state, 

 with your offers, the probability that the premiums will embrace 

 not only the sums named by you at this time, but may be doubled 

 or trebled by reason of devoting a similar share of the State's 

 bounty for two years more to the same object. 

 Respectfully yours, 



S. L. GOODALE, Secretary. 



The Secretary and Professor M. C. Fernald, were appointed 

 delegates to the National Convention called by the Commissioner 

 of Agriculture to meet at Washington, February 15th. 



AFTERNOON. 



The public exercises commenced at 2 o'clock P. M., the newly 

 elected President, Z. A. Gilbert, Esq., in the chair. 



The President. We have first upon our programme this after- 

 noon, the name of one who has long been closely identified with 

 the great interest which we are now assembled to promote, and 

 one personally familiar with the details of practical agriculture. 

 It is true that for some years his attention has been directed in 

 other channels, and to many he is doubtless better known in con- 

 nection with public affairs, than as a farmer of Oxford county. 

 We have no reason to think that change of position has abated in 

 the least either his interest in, or his ability to serve the cause of 

 agriculture. I have the pleasure of introducing Governor Perham. 

 who will now address you. 



