242 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Considerable ground is devoted to hoed crops, with satis- 

 factory results. 



A wider area is being devoted to the cultivation of those 

 commonly termed small fruits ; i.e., the strawberry, raspberry, 

 and grape. We were glad to notice that experiments were 

 in course of trial, intending to demonstrate what is the best 

 plant-food for each of the different kinds : if successful, they 

 will add important knowledge, which is much needed in 

 their successful cultivation. 



We also notice the raising from seed of forest and orna- 

 mental trees is receiving attention in the arborical depart- 

 ment : its importance is justly conceded as a branch of knowl- 

 edge and industry very important for the future thrift and 

 welfare of farming-interests, and one well worthy of encour- 

 agement. 



A former committee recommended the growing of seed of 

 vegetables raised in market and farm gardens. There is, 

 perhaps, no branch of agricultural industry requiring more 

 skill, and no field where skilled labor will be better repaid. 

 Pure bred seed is of as great importance as are pure bred 

 animals ; and, at the present time, no product is more difficult 

 to obtain than pure seed of good and reliable strain ; and it 

 would seem to your committee that high bred seed is espe- 

 cially one of the products the college farm can raise, and 

 disseminate for the advantage of all. 



The conservatories and plant-houses, with the gardens 

 connected, were well stocked with plants. Here are grown 

 for sale many vegetable and flowering plants, which find 

 ready market in neighboring towns. The facilities for sup- 

 ply thus far have not equalled the demand. A new plant- 

 house has been erected the past year, from means furnished 

 by one of the trustees, who seems ever ready to generously 

 respond to the needs of the institution. 



We will leave the report of the college proper to the 

 faculty ; but, as far as we are able to form an opinion from 

 observation, we are satisfied that the Agricultural College 

 will instruct and turn out men that can use both head and 

 hands, — men that are pre-eminently fitted for the business 

 relations of life, whereby agriculture will become exalted 

 and stimulated by men trained to close and exact observa- 

 tion in the varied departments of rural and farming pursuits. 



