164 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



try. Our young men who, in years past, have been disposed to 

 forsake the old homestead, and the tilling of the ground for 

 positions and occupations in cities and large towns, with di future 

 prospect of a little more cash, but far less independence, may 

 be enabled to see that there is a scope for the mind, in the sci- 

 ence, as well as art, of farming ; and by the use of the improved 

 and labor-saving machines, the farm work is not all mere drudg- 

 ery. At the same time there is more real enjoyment of the 

 gifts of a bountiful Providence than can be obtained in the usual 

 employments of the dense population of a city. The farmer 

 and mechanic are so closely connected in interest and so de- 

 pendent upon each other, that it is desirable they should, on an 

 occasion like this, meet on common ground, and together enjoy 

 that interchange that is necessary for mutual improvement. 

 We hope the fairs of this society will increase in interest in this 

 essential department of agriculture. 



Francis DeWitt, Chairman. 



From the Report of the Committee on Moiving- Machines. 



We have ever felt a deep interest in the success of mowing 

 machines. We have too many reminiscences of aching bones, 

 of garments steeped in sweat, and of exhausted lungs, not to 

 desire most fervently the introduction of some instrument that 

 shall cut grass evenly, without clogging, and with ease to the 

 team that does the work. 



Of the relative merits of the different machines it is not our 

 intention here to speak. The most prominent ones in use in 

 this State are Ketchum's, Manny's and Russell's. These have 

 been tried side by side, in various parts of the State. Commit- 

 tees have been appointed to see them work, and their decisions 

 are before the public. Doubtless each has its merits and its 

 defects. The former we shall be most grateful for ; the latter, 

 point out to the manufacturer, that he may remedy, if possible. 

 We should be satisfied with nothing short of a perfect machine, 

 until we are sure such an one cannot be made. Let us then 

 enumerate some points which we think essential to such an 

 instrument : — 



