372 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



My journey was undertaken as a much-needed relaxation 

 from severe and long-continued labor, at a time when my 

 absence could not materially interfere with any official duties, 

 and at my own expense. I trust that the large opportunities 

 of observation it has given me, and the impressions it has left 

 upon my mind, will add to my usefulness in my department, 

 and that there will be found something of value and truth in 

 my wayside remarks. 



I have come back more thankful than ever that my lot 

 was cast in New England, and with the impression that in 

 intelligence, enterprise and morality, the elements essential to 

 a happy and prosperous life, no civilized community in the 

 world holds a prouder position than New England, none has 

 greater cause of gratitude, none a heavier responsibility to 

 maintain the institutions of their fathers in their purity, and to 

 transmit them in all their integrity to their children and their 

 children's children. 



CHARLES L. FLINT, 



Secretary of the State Board of Agriculture. 



Boston, January 28, 1863. 



