218 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



and his fruitions. But the mighty progress of improvements 

 which have been realized, has taught, that the reward soon fol- 

 lows the faithful and persevering effort to render one's life use- 

 ful. And the man who, even in old age, plants a tree, and 

 cultivates it with care, may live to enjoy the fruits of it for 

 successive years, and even though he should not eat of its fruit, 

 the sweet satisfaction of witnessing its rapid growth for a single 

 year, and feeling that he has done something for the benefit of 

 posterity, is a rich compensation, which one who never tried the 

 experiment cannot appreciate. It is gratifying to see and note 

 the change which is visible in this respect. 



Two claims have been entered the present year for the pre- 

 mium offered " for the most extensive forest, of any sort of trees 

 suitable for fuel or timber, raised from seed, not less than one 

 thousand trees to the acre, which shall be in the most flourish- 

 ing condition, and more than five years old in September, 1862." 

 One of these, by the Rev. Morrill Allen, of Pembroke, who, by 

 nis faithful care, and counsel, and contributions to this society, 

 has done so much for its advancement to its present state of 

 prosperity ; — and who, though scarcely expecting to see the 

 day when this premium shall be awarded, yet having loved and 

 cherished this society from its infancy, still loves it, and wishes 

 to lend his example, and exert his influence for its prosperity so 

 long as he has the ability. 



The other of these claims is by Mr. Philip Brewster, of Han- 

 son, another of the fathers of this society, and whose efforts for 

 its prosperity are still vigorous in old age. It is hoped that the 

 sons of the present generation will imliibe the spirit of the 

 fathers, and resolve that they will never, by their apathy, deserve 

 the appellation of degenerate sons of worthy sires. 



Freeman P. Howland, Chairman. 

 Bridgewater, November 6, 1856. 



Statement of Solomon Ilayivard. 



The lot of land on which I planted white pines contained one 

 hundred and fifty-three rods, it being a gravelly hill, of little 

 value for cultivation. I planted the seeds October, 1829, in 

 hills five feet three inches distant from each other, each way, 



