404 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



unduly sought, but not so meagre that good service cannot 

 be obtained. It will not result in injury to the service, but 

 in its improvement and greater efficiency. 



These questions are coming before you for your decision 

 in the near future, and I do not fear but that the result of 

 your deliberation will be wise, and for the best good to the 

 farming interests of the State. 



The Boai d that has done so much for the Agriculture of 

 .Massachusetts, and foreseen so wisely its best good on the 

 great questions of the past, will make no mistake now or 

 in the future. Whatever your conclusion and your action, I 

 have such confidence in your practical wisdom that I confi- 

 dently predict that the historian of the half-century of your 

 work will witL pleasure write, as I have written, of this 

 fortieth year, finding naught to criticise and much to praise. 



