CONNECTION OF THE BOARD WITH THE COLLEGE. 235 



the farmer's home, his modes of thought, his modes of labor, how- 

 he can best live on the land, and be a good husbandman, in-doors 

 and out, and a good citizen, all form an important part of that 

 education which is to elevate and improve our agricultural popu- 

 lation. I can hardly express my high estimate of the opportunity 

 for usefulness and distinction which falls to the lot of him who 

 would organize a successful agricultural school, as its president, 

 its guide, its vitalizing force. But next to him in the work stands 

 the man who shall demonstrate to that school the interesting 

 results of an intelligent and scientific appeal to the land, and shall 

 unfold to them the comfort and happiness of a well-organized 

 farmer's home. Much of all this can be encouraged by the Board 

 of xVgriculture. From them to the college may be imparted the 

 tone and flavor which a'ppropriately belong to such an institution. 

 Of the practical topics which I have enumerated, they should be 

 the special patrons ; upon all the work to which I have alluded 

 they should bestow the benefit of their constant interest and ob- 

 servation. They could not do a better work than to recommend, 

 from year to year, the subjects of a special course of lectures, to 

 be furnished from their own members, as far as possible, and so far 

 as is consistent with the regular course of instruction. 



I know and respect, and would carefully recognize the functions 

 of the trustees of the agricultural college, as conferred upon them 

 by the act of incorporation. But, in order to perfect the institu- 

 tion, I would have the Board of Agriculture stand around it with 

 fostering care, giving it all encouragement, and applying to its 

 development and guidance all those powers which have enabled 

 them, year after year, to present to the community a valuable 

 volume, and have won for them an honorable reputation, as devoted 

 students of the profession which they represent in the State. If 

 encouraged, or even if unhindered, they may aid in making the 

 college not only a source of light, but a protector of the farmer 

 against the innumerable temptations which are thrown in his way, 

 to fertilize his lands, and ameliorate his toil ; and which too often 

 end in disappointment and loss. Upon them has thus far fallen 

 the labor of discussing the value of fertilizers, the preparation and 

 application of manure, the value of different crops, the merits of 

 the various breeds of domestic animals, the comparative value of 

 various articles of food, the economy of pasture lands, the modes 

 of drainage. Let them bring these questions to the careful inves- 

 tigation of the agricultural college, and the practical utility of 



