REPORT. 



To the Senate and House of Representatives : 



In tills first report, it seems proper that those topics should 

 be introduced, which lie at the foundation of agricultural im- 

 provement, and particularly such as have a special relation to 

 }\Iaine. I propose, therefore, to speak of the importance of 

 agriculture to the Commonwealth, briefly to sketch the history 

 of associated action and of legislation in this State in its be- 

 half, to consider some of its wants and its present condition and 

 prospects, with suggestions relative to its improvement. These 

 topics embrace a wide field of inquiry, and on each a volume 

 might be written. A thorough discussion, therefore, will not 

 be expected, b*fc rather cnp.h remarks and suggestions as may 

 serve to invito attention, and open the way for more elaborate 

 discussion hereafter. 



Importance of Agriculture. 



There are some truths universally recognized and admitted 

 without hesitation or limitation while yet their real magnitude 

 and importance are seldom fully appreciated. Like visitors for 

 the first time to the cataract of Niagara, we may even stand be- 

 fore them, face to face, and yet be unconscious of the reality ; it 

 being only by continuous and protracted effort that the mind at 

 length comes in a good degree to grasp their real magnitude, 

 and it is for this reason alone that it is deemed necessary here 

 to dwell upon the importance of agriculture. All are ready to 

 admit that it is a most important brancli of industry, but very 

 few realize the extent of its bearings and influences on all in- 

 terests, material, intellectual and moral, individual and national. 



It has been well said that " the culture of the soil lies at the 



