6 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



many otlicr valuable specimens of different kinds for the collection 

 from various sources, while individuals are ready to coiitributo 

 extensively to its enlargement as soon as a proper room is in 

 readiness to receive their contributions. 



When the plans for the recent enlargement of the State House 

 were adopted, a room was designed, and has since, by an act of 

 the legislature, been appropriated, for the purpose of receiving 

 the cabinet. But as no provision has been made by the Com- 

 monwealth for furnishing this room with the necessary conven- 

 iences, it has been impossible for tlic Board to carry out their 

 original design in regard to it. 



Of the great value of such a collection, as representing the 

 progress and the present condition of the agriculture of the 

 State, I need hardly speak. The mere collection of models of 

 all our best fruits, and labeling each specimen with its true 

 name and its local muues or synonyms in dilferent sections, 

 with the addition of facts in regard to the soils it requires, its 

 comparative value, where it may be procured, and other items 

 of interest, and placing them where they will be constantly 

 studied by the inquiring cultivator, would be an object sufficient 

 to warrant the small outlay for furnishing the room with suit- 

 able fixtures, to say nothing of the proper preservation of the 

 invaluable collection which already belongs to the State ; to say 

 nothing, also, of the constant practical value of a complete col- 

 lection of all the varieties of grasses, grains and other plants ; 

 of the birds, the fishes, and the insects injurious to vegetation. 

 Such a collection would not be merely a matter of curiosity, 

 but would tend to elevate the Commonwealth in the opinion of 

 all enlightened men, bo a source of just pride to the people, and 

 the centre of attraction at the State House, I must therefore 

 respectfully ask the legislature to authorize the furnishing of 

 the museum room at an early day. 



The operations at the State Farm have been continued as 

 heretofore, though embarrassment has been occasioned ])y the 

 insufficient appropriations made, on account, it is presumed, of 

 a want of a full understanding of the circumstances of the 

 case. From this cause the Board has labored under disadvan- 

 tages of varioiis kinds. Thus they have had only old and 

 unsuitable farm implements, in many cases, to put into the 

 hands of one hundred and fifty boys worked daily on the farm, 



