SECRETARY'S REPORT. 103 



effectually roots out error, as bringing these different theories 

 — formed, as they usually are, upon a very limited observation 

 of facts — into collision with each other by means of free and 

 friendly discussion. We have no hesitation in saying that the 

 result of such discussions among ourselves has been to diffuse 

 more valuable information through our community than could 

 possibly have been accomplished in twice the time, if every 

 farmer among us had carefully read every scientific work ever 

 published upon agriculture. It is a great mistake to suppose 

 that the formation of such associations will injure those of the 

 several counties in the State, and we would do all in our power 

 to remove the antagonistic feeling which has in some degree 

 existed between the two forms of organization. That they 

 must benefit the county societies is, we think, rendered evident 

 by the increased interest in that of Middlesex County, where 

 these town societies have for some years been most extensive." 

 Some allusion should also be made to the county agricultural 

 societies, and the manner of awarding prizes in different sections 

 of the State. These societies are, without doubt, doing a great 

 and good work for the agriculture of this Commonwealth. Few 

 things, however, are more difiicult, than to arrange a system of 

 awarding prizes, which is perfect in all its practical details. 

 There is, therefore, need of much forbearance on the part of 

 individuals, and great discrimination and care on the part of 

 committees ; and even then, there will be cases in which more 

 or less dissatisfaction and ill-feeling is excited. For instance, 

 an honest difference of opinion often arises between the owner 

 of an animal entered for premium and the members of the 

 committee, or between the members of the committee them- 

 selves. Yery few, comparatively, have made the points of 

 perfection in an animal a matter of special and careful study. 

 Most men form an opinion from the impression received at a 

 first view, without examining in detail the degree in which the 

 animal has each of the various points, which, together, would 

 make it perfect. But the same men would admit that the 

 general appearance is often deceptive. Of two cows, for exam- 

 ple, standing side by side, one may be beautiful, and, on the 

 whole, well formed, the other ill-shaped and unattractive, yet 

 in those points which constitute a great milker, the latter may 



