332 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



To refute that, those of you who have closely followed our 

 work have only to bring to mind the years of careful, con- 

 scientious labor given so freely by a committee of this Board 

 for the benefit of Massachusetts agriculture, and which labor 

 would doubtless still be freely given had it not been refused 

 by Massachusetts politicians. 



Again, the care this Board has had over the annual fairs 

 of the several agricultural societies has had a tendency to 

 make these autumn exhibitions in a measure instructive as 

 well as entertaining ; and, though the conditions under which 

 they are held have greatly changed during the fifty or more 

 years of their existence, still in certain localities agricultural 

 fairs, as to-day conducted, are nearly as upbuilding to agri- 

 culture and to the farmer and his family as they were when 

 first organized. 



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The collection of statistics concerning the agricultural 



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work of the State and the distribution of the same as per- 

 formed by this office have afforded much information, of 

 which farmers have availed themselves. The following let- 

 ter explains how early this work was commenced : — 



Dear Sir : — I propose to send a circular letter to every town 

 in the Commonwealth, for the purpose of obtaining statistics 

 which will enable me to make an accurate statement of the present 

 condition of our agriculture. If one of these circulars falls into your 

 hands, you will greatly oblige me by answering the inquiries con- 

 tained in it to the best of your judgment and ability. 



Some of the questions may be more accurately answered by a 

 reference to the books of the assessors, or by inquiry and conver- 

 sation with intelligent men, in the vicinity, who have ample means 

 of knowing. 



I trust your interest in agriculture will dispose you cordially to 



co-operate with me for its improvement. 



Very respectfully, Charles Louis Flint, 



Secretary of the Board of Agriculture. 

 Boston, June 1, 1853. 



Our public winter meetings hold each year since 186.3 



have also been a great factor for the good of the agri- 



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culturist. At these meetings no pains or expense have 

 been spared to secure the best talent the country affords. 



