X INTRODUCTION. 



given such encouragement to various objects, as they deemed 

 necessary to develope the agricultural resources within their 

 jurisdiction. Such have been the appropriations for numer- 

 ous geological and other state surveys ; the bounties on dif- 

 ferent articles, as silk, hemp, and some others ; and occa- 

 sionally a small gratuity to encourage the formation and 

 support of State and County Agricultural Societies. 



But while we would not be unmindful of what has here- 

 tofore been effected, our duty compels us to assert, that much 

 yet remains to be done. A single suggestion for the action 

 of the gejieral government and states, is all that our limits 

 will permit us to make. 



The organization of a National Board of Agriculture, com- 

 posed of able and intelligent men, expressly selected for this 

 purpose, whose sole duty it should be, to collect all informa-. 

 tion and statistics on the subject, and arrange and spread 

 them before the people ; to introduce new and valuable for- 

 eign plants., adapted to our soil and climate ; suggest im- 

 proved methods of cultivation ; recommend and disseminate 

 the most approved principles of breeding domestic animals ; 

 indicate those best adapted to particular purposes or peculiar 

 localities ; point out new avenues for the profitable disposal 

 of our surplus products ; and recommend such laws or their 

 modification, as might best subserve this interest ; in short, 

 who should stand as sentinels and defenders on the watch- 

 tower of this great citadel this is the lofty duty, and 

 should be esteemed the peculiar privilege of American leg- 

 islation to accomplish. This was a favorite, yet not a fully 

 digested plan of Washington, the suggestions of whose be- 

 nevolent and comprehensive mind were never followed but 

 for his country's good. 



From the individual states, a less commanding, but not 

 less beneficial duty is required. Restrictions wisely impo- 

 sed upon the general government, limit its action to such 



