88 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



true that but a small portion of our education, and that not the most 

 important, is learned from books ; but, aside from home training, 

 we look for the further preparation of our children for the responsi- 

 bilities of life to our common schools and agricultural colleges. 



We would not detract from our common schools — it is impossible 

 to overestimate their importance ; and 3'et we can but think the 

 course of stud3' and the methods of teaching have been too desultory 

 to be largely effective, either intellectually or practically. 



AVe believe the industrial classes, and especially' farmers, need 

 not merel}' more skill in handicraft, but a broader, nobler develop- 

 ment of manhood, an expansion and vigor of intellect, tliat will 

 enable them to measure the capabilities and possibilities of agricul- 

 ture, to rightly understand its inevitable connection with all other 

 callings, and that they maj' so exalt the character of their labor as 

 to secure the greatest amount of human happiness. 



If farmers would have their clildren occupy this advanced plane 

 of industrial life, they must insist upon a course of stud}' that is 

 broad, and at the same time adapted to the wants of agriculture. 

 The elements of chemistry, botau}', entomolog}- and geolog}' — those 

 sciences so intimately connected with the farmer's daily life, should 

 receive attention in our district schools. In addition to these the 

 principles of commerce and civil government should be taught, as 

 they bear more or less directlj' upon the financial results of farm 

 labor. 



The Agricultural College is an outgrowth of the pressing need for 

 liberall}' educated farmers, and that it is, to a certain extent, meet- 

 ing that need, we are assured ; but we are equally assured that it 

 cannot cover the field, that it is impossible for it to meet the demand 

 for educated labor. 



But, farmers of Maine, hold fast what you have ; and if you 

 would be honored instruments in the material and intellectual 

 prosperity of mankind, if you would lighten and brighten the 

 laborer's lot, do all in your power to assist, advance and elevate 

 our common schools, our State College, the order of Patrons of 

 Husbandry, and all kindred institutions. 



To the intelligent and thoughtful, all nature has a voice of wis- 

 dom, a song of gladness. In no pursuit is there so favorable an 

 ■opportunity to stud}' nature's laws and appreciate its wonders and 

 beauties, as in farm life. The book of nature is here opened to 



