BOARD OF AOraCULTURE. ^ 287 



Rkport on Topic No. 12. 

 The committee to whom was referred the expediency of recommend- 

 ing IcgisLative action to encourage the formation and support of far- 

 mer's clubs, report : 



That they deem it expedient that some farther instrumentality should 

 be put in operation at once, for the diffusion of agricultural knowledge 

 throughout the community. Your committee would by no means 

 vindervalue the science of Agricultural Chemistry, nor the advantages 

 arising from a collegiate course of instruction in scientific agriculture, 

 wherever it may be practicable ; but from the nature of the case, it is 

 apparent at a glance, that only a vei'y small proportion of our young 

 farmers can ever be able to avail themselves of such a course, and that 

 if we would have them obtain a knowledge of their profession, the 

 means must, in some way, be placed within their reach. 



Your committee believe that f;.rmer's clubs, properly managed, 

 would prove an economical and efficient instrumentality towards this 

 end. That each club might become a focus toward which could be 

 gathered, and from which might radiate, the results of the combined 

 experience of all. The failure of one, with its causes, is made known, 

 so that a repetition may be avoided ; the success of another, with its 

 conditions, comes to be so fully investigated and understood, that all 

 may copy the practice and obtain similar results. 



By means of a moderate contribution, each club might furnish itself 

 with a greater or less number of the best books and periodicals devoted 

 to agriculture, and which the unaided means of any might not be able 

 to purchase. These, circulated among its members, would suggest 

 abundant material for thought, conversation, and discussion, at its 

 regular meetings, and prove an unfailing sourcfe of interest and im- 

 provement. At these meetings, also, the varied modes of treating, 

 feeding, and rearing cattle ; the comparative value of different breeds ; 

 methods of husbandry, and of tillage ; the use and application of fer- 

 tilizers ; and various matters of household economy, dairy processes, 

 6z;c., &c., might be so investigated and discussed as to awaken inquiry, 

 quicken thought, and stimulate improvement. Connected Avith the 

 club, might be organized classes for mutual instruction, by the study 

 of some suitable text book, as, for instance, Nash's " Progressive 

 Farmer," Stockhardt's " Chemical Field Lectures," or some other 

 good work. 



• Should the means of the club warrant the undertaking, they might 

 secure occasional lectures, or even a full course, from some competent 

 person, on subjects connected with agriculture. Adjoining clubs 

 might unite for this purpose, and thus materially lessen the expense. 



