For several years it has been a cherished plan with me to investi- 

 gate and report upon the agriculture of diflerent sections of the 

 State in greater detail than I have yet been able to do. The only 

 approximation to it which other and urgent claims have allowed 

 me to accomplish, was the account given of Aroostook in the report 

 for 185t. 



As at that time T found little or no interest generally felt in re- 

 gard to the settlement of our new lands, formerly reported fertile 

 but latterly forgotten and neglected, there seemed a special de- 

 mand in this case for cai'eful and impartial investigation, and a 

 somewhat lengthy and detailed report, which demand I responded 

 to with such ability as I could. 



The value of careful and thorough agricultural surveys has been 

 fully demonstrated in Great Britain, where for many years past the 

 National Societies have oifered liberal premiums fur tliem. Of 

 many counties there, we have, in the published surveys, ample 

 details of the modes of practice, the stock and all whrch pertains 

 to the agxiculture of the district, and which doubtless served the 

 immediate purpose designed, by imparting information, effecting 

 improvements and awakening interest, and are also at the present 

 time invaluable for reference. 



It may be doubted if our own County Societies could make a 

 wiser appropriation of a portion of their means, than by securing 

 the services of competent persons to be employed for this object, 

 either by liberal prizes offered for the best survey or by some other 

 method. 



It is witli much pleasure that I am able here to present, through 

 the voluntary labors of one of its public spirited citizens and a 

 practical farmer, an agricultural survey of Somerset county ; and I 

 do so with the hope that this will not long remain the only county 

 thus surveyed and reported upon. 



