406 State Board of AaracuLTURE, etc. 



all the eiithusiasiu of a new discoverer, and not without rea- 

 son, because it is not probable that he could have known 

 what had remained buried among the archives of science 

 for almost one hundred years. His invention had then all 

 the merit of beins; an original one. Himself and his asso- 

 ciate, Gahin, therefore, were loaded with honors, granted 

 medals by scientific societies, and pensioned by the govern- 

 ment. 



It would not be uninteresting to trace the history of pisci- 

 culture in Europe for a few years past. Were we to do so, 

 we should lind much that would not only be of profit to 

 those interested in the development of the art, but much 

 curious and entertaining information. We should learn how, 

 encouraged and protected by the law, it has re populated 

 streams that were becoming almost barren, and introduced 

 ^ the choicest varieties of fish where they were unknown 

 before. Wc might go yet further away and learn something 

 about how the systematic culture of the waters, yielding 

 enormous quantities of food material, relieves the overbur- 

 dened soil of China and Japan. Although this would be 

 appropriate to our theme, we must confine ourselves within 

 narrower limits and discuss matters which have a nearer and 

 more practial relation to farming. 



It is a very small proportion of the farmers of Vermont 

 who have a ready and convenient access to markets. A 

 fresh roast, a slice of sirloin steak, a leg of fat mutton, or a 

 nice fish is, in the busy season of the year, upon a large 

 majority of their tables, the exception oftener than it is the 

 rule. I know better than to stand here and say that the 

 farmers don't live well. On the contrary, what little expe- 



