270 NORFOLK SOCIETY. 



minute detail of the experience of farmers in the raising of cropSj 

 and in the general management of their farms." These details, 

 it is understood, are intended to comprise a statement of the 

 nature and characteristics of the soils, the quantity and descrip- 

 tion of manures, the time of seeding, the methods of cultiva- 

 tion, the amount and value of labor expended, and the amount 

 and value of the crops secured. It is obvious that a faithful 

 and exact record of these details is essential in any report upon 

 the culture of the soil, designed to benefit the farmer, or to im- 

 prove our knowledge of agricultural science. It is also equally 

 obvious, that it is impossible to provide them in cases where 

 time is not given for maturing and adopting plans in advance 

 of seed time. In a still greater degree is time required for ex- 

 periments in draining and subsoiling ; in reclaiming swamp, 

 meadow and pasture lands ; in improving the breed of cattle 

 and swine ; in the soiling of cattle ; in the cultivation of seed- 

 ling varieties of fruits, vegetables, &c. ; in the raising of root 

 crops, and in the planting and management of nurseries. Time 

 is also required for infusing into the public mind that spirit 

 which is necessary to induce men to become actors in new en- 

 terprises designed to promote objects not merely personal, but 

 such as are intimately connected with the general welfare, 

 / A preliminary meeting of the friends of agriculture was held 

 at Dedham, on the 7th of February last, at which it was agreed 

 to form a society. The first meeting of the society was held 

 on the 28th of March. At this meeting, officers for the year 

 were chosen, and a list of premiums was agreed upon. 



Considerable time was employed in preparing the list of pre- 

 miums for publication, and, especially, in placing it before the 

 farmers of the county. The seed time had passed before many 

 of them became acquainted with those details, which were es- 

 sential to enable them to compete successfully for the prizes of 

 the society. 



Against these natural and inevitable obstacles the trustees 

 arrayed the strong forces of energy and will ; with what suc- 

 cess the public will judge. 



The annual exhibition took place at Dedham, on Wednesday, 

 September 26th. The day itself was every thing that could 



