BOARD OF AGRICITLTURE. 283 



an increased and artificial stimulant to production, because it is un- 

 natural and at best can only be temporar)' in the very nature of things, 

 and always liable to a reaction, which makes the last state worse than 

 the first, and because demand is the only reliable and healthful stimu- 

 lus to production — but the thing needed is knowledge — knowledge 

 that will enable farmers to understand their business, the peculiarities 

 of their soils and their circumstances, and how to adapt their opera- 

 tions to them, and thus secure the best and most profitable results. 



To the accumulation and diffusion of this knowledge, all our agri- 

 cultural organizations should direct their energies, each in its appro- 

 priate sphere. We have no need of any more machinery for this pur- 

 pose, or any new agencies to do this work. It is only necessary, that 

 we put what we have at work in the right way, remedy any defects 

 that may be revealed in its working, and keep it in thorough repair, 

 and apply the motive power sufficient to work itf with requisite force 

 and speed. 



With such an object in view, it will readily be seen, that very mate- 

 rial modifications must be made in the working of our several organi- 

 zations, particularljr our Agricultural Societies. It will greatly change, 

 if not entirely revolutionize the premium lists, so as to secure, if possi- 

 ble, increased knowledge, in relation to every department of industry, 

 instead of operating to stimulate production, without any other refer- 

 ence, as is now too much the case. They will aim to draw out infor- 

 mation how the most effectually and successfully to enh^ince profitxible 

 production ; and this is what farmers most need to know, in the view 

 of your committee, and what our agricultural organizations should aim 

 to obtain and place within their reach. This they have a right to de- 

 mand of them, as the children of the State. 



t 



Dakius FoiiBEs, Chairman. 



Report ox Topic No. 5. 



The committee to whom was rcfei'red topic No. 5, "To inquire 

 Avhether it be advisable to recommend any legislative provision to 

 enable the farmers of the State more easily and at low rates of interest, 

 to obtain capital to invest in th:ir business," have had the subject 

 under consideration, and submit the following brief report : 



That notwithstanding low rates of interest might in some instances 

 be advantageous to those engaged in agricultural pursuits, and some 

 individuals have thought that a free banking system., if incorporated 

 by the State, would be beneficial to the community, and although this 

 subject may be agitated by those who think favorably of it, still your 

 committee are unanimous in the opinion that it is not expedient nor 



