40 MASSACHUSETTS AGKICULTURE. 



of the crops likely to be profitable, and the best methods of 

 their cultivation. 



The State has reaped incalculable benefits from the open- 

 ing of the great lines of communication to the West, bringiug 

 as they do all parts of the country into closer relation, and 

 developing the wonderful resources of the country ; still, 

 there is the fiict that the New England farmer has been driven, 

 by the competition which he has to meet from these facilities, 

 from cultivation of his usual crops to seek others which will 

 remunerate him for outlay. Such radical changes involve 

 much care, anxiety and occasionally loss ; the result is that 

 many persons prefer to work on in the old way, in the hope 

 of a favorable change, until experience teaches them that they 

 must abandon the old methods, or abandon the old farm ; 

 often they become discouraged and leave their homes where 

 they have enjoyed so much, seeking for other places and em- 

 ployments, in the hope of bettering their condition, but which, 

 alas, they seldom succeed in doing. 



If they possessed ready means of learning the new proc- 

 esses of culture, a knowledge of the best and most profitable 

 crops to be raised, they would remain and adapt themselves to 

 the new condition of things. But here lies the difficulty. 

 No one can be readily found who is competent to instruct 

 them, and they cling to the old methods. Few persons com- 

 paratively in the community have more information than such 

 as they have gathered by daily experience. Hence the neces- 

 sity of agricultural schools and colleges. They should have 

 the fostering care of the State ; for what population is so 

 essential to its future prosperity as its agricidturists ? From 

 them are to come the energetic, clear-headed men who are to 

 direct the vast enterprises of the Commonwealth. Every 

 assistance possible should be given to sustain and increase the 

 oiiportunities of success. In no occupation is there such gen- 

 eral interest. The prosperity of the farmer underlies that of 

 all other professions, and they should be ready to contribute 

 for the support of institutions which promise to benefit him. 



Eecognizing the justice of this principle the State has estab- 

 lished an Agricultural College, which thus far has been very 

 successful. 



Two classes have graduated, with much credit to them- 

 selves and the institution. 



