SECRETARY'S REPORT. 17 



who could not; otherwise, have obtained it witliout great diffi- 

 culty. 



A correspondence has been opened, and an interchange of 

 publications established, with most of the States which have 

 Societies encouraged by the government. A direct system of 

 exchange has also been established with the Bureau of Agri- 

 culture, of France, from which a very valuable collection of 

 books has already been received. Copies of our own publica- 

 tions have been sent in return. The mutual interchange of 

 kind offices between different governments, should be a source 

 of just pride to the citizens of each, and must, necessarily, be 

 an advantage to both. 



The importance of obtaining full and accurate agricultural 

 statistics is too obvious to need comment. As yet, no plan 

 has been devised, by which it has been possible to arrive at 

 satisfactory results. To meet this great want, in some measure, 

 the following circular was sent to men of good jugdment in 

 every town in the State ; and the returns have been such, that 

 from them, with the aid of the results of much observation 

 throughout the State, and other sources of information, we 

 may obtain a tolerably clear idea of the present condition of 

 the Agriculture of Massachusetts : — 



COMMONWEALTH OP MASSACHUSETTS. 



Boardof Agriculture, Secretary's Office, 

 Boston, Sept. 1st, 1853. 

 Deak Sie: — 



I desire to obtain from each town in the State, such facts 

 and statistics as will enable me to make an accurate statement 

 of the present condition of our agriculture. 



Any aid which you may be able to render me, either of your 

 own knowledge, or by interesting other intelligent and observ. 

 ing men to furnish me with the desired information, will be 

 gratefully acknowledged. 



Your attention is more particularly called to the following 

 inquiries, with such other suggestions and observations as may 

 be interesting and useful to your town, and to the friends o/" 

 agricultural improvement throughout the State : — 

 3 



