SECRETARY'S REPORT. 97 



community at large, by their destruction, is almost incalculable. I 

 take tbis occasion, tberefore, to entreat every farmer, and every man 

 who has any regard for the public good, to use his influence to put a 

 stop to this practice, not only on his own premises, where he has an 

 undisputed right, but throughout his neighborhood and town. Strin- 

 gent laws already exist against the destruction of birds. Let every 

 man see to it that these laws are rigidly enforced, and rest assured 

 that he will be richly rewarded, not only by the consciousness of an 

 act of mercy in preventing their annual and rapid diminution, but also 

 by the fulness of joy and song with Avhich these sweet messengers of 

 heaven will surround his dwelling, and testify to every passer by that 

 there is practical Christianity enough in its owner to protect and save 

 them. 



I will thank any man, in any section of the State, to inform me of 

 the extent of the violation of the laws of mercy, and of the Common- 

 wealth, in order that, if necessary, more effectual measures may be 

 taken to protect the birds, and thus invite and encourage them to live 



among us. 



Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



CHARLES L. FLINT, 

 Secretary of the Board of Agriculture. 



Many letters were received in answer to this call for informa- 

 tion, showing clearly that the puV)lic sentiment was right with 

 regard to the subject, and that if it could be brought to bear 

 with sufficient force, against the authors of the mischief, the 

 evil would be checked. Meantime, the law against the de- 

 struction of birds was made more stringent, and it is made 

 the duty of the selectmen of towns, and the mayor and alder- 

 men of cities, to cause the provisions of the law to be enforced 

 within their respective limits. In addition to the laws and 

 regulations now in force throughout the Commonwealth, it 

 would be well for each town to' take measures to eifect the 

 object more surely within its limits. 



It gives me much pleasure to be able to report the continued 

 prosperity of the various agricultural societies of the State. 

 Within the last year two new associations have been added to 

 the number of those previously existing, and all are novr doing 

 well. During the same period, the number of active members 

 has been largely increased, and there is less difficulty than for- 

 merly in obtaining funds to meet inevitable pecuniary demands. 



