XV 



The terms of the Resolve enacting the survey, were so in- 

 definite, and at the same time so comprehensive, that the Com- 

 missioner deemed it his duty not merely to report on the condi- 

 tion of the Agriculture of the State, but, by every means in his 

 power, to awaken interest and inquiry on this subject : to dif- 

 fuse correct and useful information ; and devote his time and 

 talents, such as they might be, to the advancement of this 

 great interest of the Commonwealth. He has anxiously en- 

 deavored to do this. 



The next inquiry is, what has the Agricultural Survey effect- 

 ed 1 To this, it cannot be expected that a very definite answer 

 can be given. Perhaps, so early as this, much visible and direct 

 effect was not to be looked for. Seed will sometimes lie long 

 in the ground, without germinating ; at best, its results are not 

 to be expected at once ; and we must wait for the early and the 

 latter rain, before the harvest can be matured. Again, much 

 influence is often exerted, the operations of which cannot be 

 detected, and much of good is often effected, which does not 

 admit of any sensible or definite measurement. This applies 

 particularly to all good of a moral or intellectual nature ; and 

 much, which was proposed to be eftected by an Agricultural 

 Survey, is of this character. We cannot possibly determine 

 how much knowledge has been communicated, how much zeal 

 for improvement has been kindled up, how much the estimation 

 of the agricultural art and profession has been exalted ; nor 

 Jearn at once, if at all, how many experiments have been made ; 

 how many improvements have been carried out ; and how far 

 the crops have been increased ; nor in what respects, nor to what 

 extent, the Agricultural Survey has contributed to any of these 

 results, if results they are. We may not know, when the rain 

 descends upon the parched ground, by what mysterious process 



