THE BOARD AND THE COLLEGE. 27 



the comfort and happiness of a well-organized farmer's home. 

 Much of all this can he encouraged by the Board of Agriculture. 

 From them to the college may he imparted the tone and flavor 

 which appropriately belong to such an institution. Of the prac- 

 tical topics which I have enumerated, they should he the special 

 patrons ; upon all the work to which I have alluded they should 

 bestow the benefit of their constant interest and observation. 

 They could not do a better work than to recommend, from year 

 to year, the subjects of a special course of lectures, to be fur- 

 nished from their own members, as far as possible, and so far as 

 is consistent with the regular course of instruction. 



I know and respect, and would carefully recognize the func- 

 tions of the trustees of the agricultural college, as conferred 

 upon them by the Act of incorporation. But, in order to perfect 

 the institution, I would have the Board of Agriculture stand 

 around it with fostering care, giving it all encouragement, and 

 applying to its development and guidance all those powers 

 which have enabled them, year after year, to present to the 

 community a valuable volume, and have won for them an honor- 

 able reputation, as devoted students of the profession which 

 they represent in the Commonwealth. If encouraged, or even 

 if unhindered, they may aid in making the college not only a 

 source of light, but a protector of the farmer against the innum- 

 erable temptations which are thrown in his way, to fertilize his 

 lands, and ameliorate his toil ; and which too often end in 

 disappointment and loss. Upon them has thus far fallen the 

 labor of discussing the value of fertilizers, the preparation and 

 application of manure, the value of different crops, the merits 

 of the various breeds of domestic animals, the comparative 

 value of various articles of food, the economy of pasture lands, 

 the modes of drainage. Let them bring these questions to the 

 careful investigation of the agricultural college, and the prac- 

 tical utility of both institutions will be recognized, I am sure, 

 even by those who are pleased to think lightly of all efforts in 

 behalf of agricultural education. 



I have dwelt long upon the matter before us, longer, perhaps, 

 than is accordant with your patience, but not longer than its 

 importance deserves. I remember with pride the achievements 

 of Massachusetts in literature, science, and the arts, her schools, 

 and all her industries. I remember the oft-repeated efforts oi 



