FAEMS. 175 



In view of these facts, the importance of farmers associating 

 themselves together for mutual improvement and mutual bene- 

 fit becomes really apparent. The necessity and importance of 

 accurate experiments in every department of agriculture, and 

 of clear and careful statements in everything pertaining to the 

 breeding of domestic animals, and to the growth of plants, is 

 not overrated by agricultural societies when they offer liberal 

 premiums, for the purpose of placing such valuable information 

 before the public. This matter was partially discussed by your 

 committee in a former report, and we had thought that the 

 principle upon which premiums were offered and claimed, was 

 generally understood ; but we find in the award of premiums at 

 our late fair this important principle in many instances was 

 completely overlooked. One gentleman, for instance, received 

 something over fifty dollars for simply exhibiting a pair of fat 

 oxen. 



Now, let us inquire what the society has received for this 

 liberal bounty. Is the making or fattening of beef in Bristol 

 County a profitable business ? What particular breeds are best 

 for feeding, and most inclined to take on fat ? What is the best 

 method of feeding, and does cotton-seed pay better than Indian 

 meal ? What is the net profit or loss accruing from feeding the 

 cattle on exhibition ? These are questions of vital importance 

 to every farmer, and who should be required to answer them 

 correctly but he whom the society is willing to pay liberally for 

 such important information ? 



Your committee are aware that this matter does not strictly 

 come within the scope of their official duties, and the only ex- 

 cuse offered for this digression, is the ardent desire they have 

 that the society should receive at least a partial equivalent for 

 its liberal premiums. 



The past season has been one of general prosperity with the 

 farmers of Bristol County. The crops, with but few exceptions, 

 were good. The hay crop, though light, being about two-thirds 

 of an average, was cut early and stored in excellent order ; the 

 cereals were quite up to an average ; apples were almost a total 

 failure throughout New England ; but other fruits, and 

 vegetables of all kinds, were abundant and of excellent quality. 



A. P. Slade, Chairman. 



