238 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



the whole ground, and harrowed and cultivated the same alike, and 

 Nos. one and two had the benefit of extra plowing. 



Suggestions. 



The present opportunity is embraced, to offer several suggestions 

 which it is hoped may not prove ill-timed ; and first, in regard to 

 Farmers' Clubs. It is very desirable that these be formed in every 

 neighborhood. Repeatedly have their advantages been alluded to 

 in previous reports, as efficient means for mutual instruction and 

 improvement. At present, I will only add that in every instance 

 whjch has come within my observation, where these have been sus- 

 tained, the benefits have been very considerable, and improvement 

 very apparent. The knowledge gained by each becomes the prop- 

 erty of all. A contribution so small as scarcely to be felt by each, 

 suffices to secure a valuable library. Besides the weekly sessions 

 during the winter, it would be well to have an exhibition in autumn, 

 early enough to allow selections to be made for presentation at the 

 county fair, and from these, the best might be presented at the 

 State exhibition. Such a system, if adopted, would add exceed- 

 ingly to the interest of those occasions. How often is the remark 

 made — " I could have brought as good or better myself," and often 

 with truth, but he may sometimes be mistaken, for it is only by 

 comparison that accurate judgment can be formed, and relative 

 merit decided. Tlie adoption of this plan would not only add to 

 the interest of the County and State exhibitions, and increase the 

 attendance, but would greatly increase their means of usefulness. 

 Many of the county societies are too feeble, pecuniarily, to do much 

 which needs to be done. For instance, it would be a great step to 

 offer liberal premiums for the best general improvements upon any 

 farm during a term of years, and to have judicious committees visit 

 all the farms entered, annually, (and others, also, in their neighbor- 

 hood, so far as practicable) as has been done by the Cumberland 

 society. The testimony regarding the beneficial effects of such 

 premiums, is very strong. Premiums for specific objects, requiring 

 a term of years, might also be offered to advantage, as for planting 

 of orchards, draining of lands, &c., &c. One reason why many 

 societies arc feeble, probably, is that the number incorporated, in 

 some counties, is larger than can, in the present condition of things, 



