88 



BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



The member from Aroostook County to visit Penobscot County. 



Mr. Wasson introduced the following preamble and resolution : 



Wliereas, It appears from the published doings of some Agricul- 

 tural Societies, that premiums or other tokens of approbation or 

 endorsement have in some cases been bestowed upon articles or 

 implements where no tests of their merits have been instituted ; 

 therefore 



Resolved, That the Board of Agriculture regard such awards as 

 not only entirely unwarranted, but damaging to the usefulness and 

 influence of such societies as guides toward the formation of 

 correct judgment, and liable to result in serious injury to tha 

 interests of agriculture. 



The discussion which ensued was participated in by several 

 members, but the remarks submitted were imperfectly noted at 

 the time. No differences of opinion appeared to exist oh the 

 subject. All agreed that the matter was one of vital importance 

 to the societies, and that a reforra must he made, or the influence 

 and usefulness of these organizations will greatly suffer. 



Messrs. Wasson, Scamman and others, spoke of the hasty and 

 imperfect manner in which examinations were too often conducted 

 by adjudging committees, and of the premiums, diplomas and other 

 marks of commendation sometimes given where no evidence of 

 merit appeared. Instances were related where unproved new 

 inventions and implements of husbandry thus received public 

 commendation and went out to farmers at large as fully endorsed 

 by such and such Agricultural Societies ; and also where commer- 

 cial fertilizers had premiums and diplomas awarded for no better 

 reason than the plausible statements of interested agents and 

 venders who were voluble in their praises, accompanied by certifi- 

 cates from persons whose qualifications to judge regarding merit, 

 or lack of merit, were doubtful or unknown, and obtained by 

 means or inducements equally doubtful and unknown. 



The resolution was unanimously adopted and on motion of Mr. 

 Brackett, the Secretary was instructed to communicate the same 

 to the officers of the several county societies throughout the State. 



