FOR PROMOTING AGRICULTURE. 105 



for the best plough that shall lay the sod on edge or 

 obliquely, regard being had to like qualities, $75." A 

 trial, or competition in the field, was had at Worcester on 

 Oct. 13, 1840, and the award of the larger premium was to 

 Prouty & Mears, and the smaller to Charles Howard. 



In 1836 the trustees appeared before a committee of the 

 Legislature and testified, personally, in approbation of 

 pending legislation for the appointment of an agent to 

 make an agricultural survey of the State. The project was 

 carried through, and the State agent appointed was Rev. 

 Henry Colman, of reputation as an expert in agriculture. 

 In 1839 Mr. Colman was made the delegate of the society 

 to attend a convention of silk producers, held in Washing- 

 ton, D. C., his expenses being paid by the society. In 

 1842, the State survey being completed, Mr. Colman visited 

 Europe to make a like general survey, with intention to 

 publish a volume on his return, embodying his observations 

 and conclusions. The society subscribed for 100 copies in 

 advance, paying, at once, in the proportion agreed upon by 

 individuals who had entered into a like subscription. In 

 1839 the total of premiums paid was $1,190, of which $400 

 was given to county societies, and 1450 for the best culti- 

 vated farms. Of the remainder a part was a premium of 

 $100, awarded to the Northampton Beet Sugar Co., for the 

 production of the greatest quantity and best quality of 

 sugar from the sugar beet. 



In 1842 the society reached its semi-centennial date. 

 The record of the period upon which it could look back has 

 here been indicated with sufficient fullness to make super- 

 fluous any commentary or encomium, other than what may 

 be contained in the remark that the labor which had 

 been performed by its officers had been arduous, and 

 the harvest sought had been abundant. Agriculture 

 had been greatly promoted, in Massachusetts, by its 

 activities. Many names, eminent in the State and the 

 nation, had, from time to time, been added to its roll of mem- 

 bership. Dr. Aaron Dexter, who was the president at the 



