SECRETARY'S REPORT. 407 



This is what our agricultural societies are encouraging l)y the 

 offer of this class of premiuais. They are saying practically 

 that improvement in stock growing should be abandoned, and 

 more than this, they encourage a retrograde movement. 



I am happy to know that some of our societies have abandoned 

 this pernicious practice, and ardently wish it were trueof all. 



I am aware that with very many of our farmers such a change 

 is looked upon with disfavor and suspicion ; but this does not 

 detract from its importance, or render less imperative the duty. 



I am fully persuaded that any opposition, or unwillingness to 

 co-operate in this measure, arises from indifference and want of 

 thought, rather than from any well settled convictions^ These 

 agricultural organizations should be examples, and to some 

 extent, leaders and creators of public sentiment, in matters 

 within its appropriate sphere. • 



If it be true that the policy here advocated is calculated to 

 promote the best interests of this important branch of industry, 

 then it should be at once adopted. And when the united testi- 

 mony and influence of these organizations is thus given in favor 

 of this measure, then we shall witness, as the legitimate and 

 inevitable result, a steady though it may be gradual improve- 

 ment in all the desirable qualities of our neat stock. And this 

 not in isolated cases but pervading the mass ; enriching and 

 benefiting not the farmer alone, but the community. 



My acknowledgments are due especially to the president of 

 the society, Charles G. Davis, Esq., for his kind attentions 

 during the exhibition, and for an invitation, which I readily 

 accepted to visit him, and examine hastily his farming opera- 

 tions upon the soil first occupied by the Pilgrims. 



P. Stedman. 



BARNSTABLE. 



According to the reports of former delegates, the exhibitions 

 of this society have been conducted with a good deal of display, 

 which, if not strictly agricultural, served the excellent purpose 

 of making a pleasant holiday, drawing out crowds of people, 

 who were amused, delighted and instructed. And this way, 

 according to my idea, is right. We shall never be likely to 



