100 THE MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY 



to any disease or visitation of any insect whatever." It 

 may be added as more closely identifying with the society 

 the introduction of the buckthorn hedge that Mr. Derby r 

 whose estate was in Salem, was a member of the society 

 from an early date, and one of its trustees from 181(> 

 through a period of years. 



The relinquishment, in 1830, by the society of all control 

 and responsibility in the Botanical Garden at Cambridge ; 

 the cessation of the Journal in 1832, and of the cattle 

 shows in 1835, had effect in directing the society's expen- 

 ditures into different channels ; not to any important ex- 

 tent into new channels, but producing a more copious flow 

 in those already existing. 



An official printed statement relating to the year 1835 T 



"The invested funds and cash of the society amounted at 

 this time to $ 12,914. There had been no increase of them 

 for many years, the income of the society, as well as a part 

 of the donations to it, having been applied to premiums of 

 various kinds, and very largely to the Botanic Garden. It 

 was thought by many, that it was now time to attempt a new 

 field of usefulness, by a systematic introduction of improved 

 breeds of cattle. To do this, it required large outlays in 

 the purchase and importation, as well as a continuous ex~ 

 pense in the proper care of the stock after its arrival ; con- 

 sequently, for several years successively, the amount paid 

 out in premiums was sensibly reduced, and a portion of the 

 society's income was reserved and invested, with the view 

 to more efficient action hereafter." 



The society, at an early date already named, had entered 

 upon the practice thus suggested, and by its own importa- 

 tions, and otherwise, had given it encouragement. Its ac- 

 tion in this particular, whether direct or indirect, was 

 equally in furtherance of its mission, the promoting of ag- 

 riculture. Its indirect influence was exerted chiefly in two 

 ways, the publication of editorial or communicated articles 

 in advocacy of improved breeding, and the award of premi- 

 ums to individuals, who, at their own cost and trouble, had 



