120 THE MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY 



the society from an early date, and one of its trustees 

 from 1816 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 expenditures into different channels; not to 

 any important extent into new channels, but produc- 

 ing a more copious flow in those already existing. 



An official printed statement relating to the year 

 1835, says: 



"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 continu- 

 ous expense in the proper care of the stock after its 

 arrival; consequently, for several years successively, 

 the amount paid out in premiums was sensibly re- 

 duced, and a portion of the society's income was re- 

 served 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 importations, and otherwise, had given it en- 

 couragement. Its action in this particular, whether 

 direct or indirect, was equally in furtherance of its 

 mission, the promoting of agriculture. Its indirect 



