20 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



The result of all tliis is, that there is a better rotation of crops, 

 more thorough culture, a more plentiful use of grass seeds and 

 fertilizers, more stock, and better care taken of the stock than 

 there was at that time. Our lands are being cleared from stones 

 and other obstructions, and the consequence is, that we are reap- 

 ing better profits from our agricultural operations. If any one 

 will look candidly at the matter, he must be convinced that agri- 

 cultural societies, with the aid that has been given them by the 

 State, have been of great benefit. 



The President. I notice here a gentleman who has been close- 

 ly identified with the agricultural organizations of *the State and 

 also with the Board of Agriculture, — one whose wisdom, we all 

 know, is measured by his years. I allude to Mr. Robert Martin 

 of Auburn. 



Hon. Robert Martin of Auburn. I did not expect to say a 

 word when I came in here, and when I look around and see so 

 many young men, and others whose heads are not so frosty as 

 mine, I feel that I can hardly expect to say anything that Avill 

 interest them. I came here to be instructed, and I should be 

 very glad to be allowed to keep my seat. 



I came in only late, but I understood the subject to be agri- 

 cultural organizations. That has been, in times past, a subject 

 which has exercised my mind considerably, but can I possibly, 

 with my advanced years, say one word in addition to what has 

 been said this morning ? I fear not. Whatever I shall say will 

 be a repetition, nothing more. 



But, Mr. President and gentlemen, all the interests with which 

 we are acquainted have been assailed precisely as the agricultural 

 societies are assailed. There have been men, and intelligent men, 

 who have spoken lightly even of the religion of Jesus Christ. 

 They have said it could not prosper, that it was not worth follow- 

 ing, that to devote time and money to its protection and dissem- 

 ination was idle and useless. Shall we wonder, then, if the 

 agricultural societies are assailed ? Shall we tremble in the least ? 

 Not at all. Go ahead young men! See what has been already 

 accomplished ! My friend, Mr. Norton, has told us something of 

 the condition of the farmer in years gone by. No schools — no 

 chance for study— no chance for improvement. When I was 

 young, the boys were glad to find even an old newspaper, and 

 glad to carry it home, because it was something to read. There 

 were few school-houses then, and little chance to learn anything. 



