SECRETARY'S RErORT. 117 



take any steps towards the establishment of tlicse Institutes. 

 It is desirable that some provision should be made at an early- 

 day with reference to this object. 



Justice to myself requires me to say, that the duties of the 

 Secretary are too arduous to be performed by a single person. 

 During a part of the past year, I have found it necessary to 

 employ an assistant at my own expense. 



These duties, entered upon with great diffidence, and with a 

 knowledge of the embarrassments arising from their manifold 

 and responsible nature, and the undefined wants and unlimited 

 expectations of many, are still constantly increasing. I must 

 accordingly respectfully ask that provision be made for a per- 

 manent clerk, as soon as suitable office accommodations can be 

 furnished. 



In the preceding pages, I have endeavored to present as 

 complete a view of the past and present condition of the agri- 

 culture of the Commonwealth, as the facts at my command 

 made practicable ; noticing, in the course of the statement, such 

 wants as seemed to me to call for prompt action for their 

 removal. On the whole, we have evidence of a gratifying 

 progress in our agriculture, though it is still embarrassed by 

 many deficiencies. More attention is paid to farming now than 

 formerly. Intelligent cultivators are more numerous, and more 

 successful, and there seems to be every reason to believe that 

 the progress which has begun will continue, until at last the 

 cultivation of the soil will take its proper rank among the 

 various occupations in which the inhabitants of the State arc 

 engaged. That this result may be speedily arrived at, must be 

 the earnest wish of all who have at heart the true interests of 

 the Commonwealth. 



CHARLES L. FLINT, 



Secretary of the Board of Agriculture. 



BosTO]<r, January 23d, 1854. 



