[24] 



For years this has been my pet scheme. A chair of In 

 struction in Agriculture was the starting point ot the Agri 

 cultural Survey ; for it is obvious that a knowledge of the actual fea 

 tures of the State was absolutely essential to truly practical instruction 

 of youth. In the absence of a pressing call for such instruction on the 

 part of the people, at that time, the original character of the depart 

 ment was gradually lost sight of; and until recently, when the Con 

 gressional donation for the purpose of industrial education has revived 

 the interest in this matter all over the United States, though residing 

 at the University, I have had no opportunity of communicating, as a 

 teacher, the results of the State Survey. The publication of my re 

 port of 1860, it is true, made the facts accessible ; but I mean no dis 

 paragement to the older generation, when I avow my conviction, that 

 it is mainly through the young men, and through the medium of direct 

 verbal instruction, and not through printed reports carefully put away 

 on their fathers shelves, that the results of the Survey, and the logical 

 consequences flowing therefrom as regards agricultural practice, will 

 ever become incorporated into popular consciousness. 



THE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. 



Second in importance in this respect only to the education of youth, 

 is the social and intellectual influence exerted by the Agricultural 

 Societies. 



It is there that not only the fathers are brought in direct contact with 

 the progress of the science and art of Agriculture ; but there also the 

 sons find the opportunity for applying, for their own benefit as well as 

 that of others, the principles and facts they may have received at the 

 Agricultural College ; and for continuing their own studies. 



Here are the centers from which correct agricultural practice will 

 spread most readily, the precepts being enforced by example ; and the 

 example given by men against whom the mad-dog-cry oi: * book-farm 

 ing&quot; cannot be raised. 



It is strange and sad, but nevertheless true, that in too many cases, 

 a kind of jealousy has arisen between the Agricultural Colleges and Soci 

 eties. Since both have in view the same ultimate object the improvement 

 of agriculture the antagonism referred to can but be the outgrowth of 

 misapprehension (on one or both sides, as the case may be) of their 

 respective objects, and proper sphere of action. Neither can replace 

 the other, but each is the complement of the other. 



