4 ESSEX SOCIETY. 



lem, the exhibition by the Essex Institute being united with 

 that of this Society. 



For an examination of the animals and articles presented, and 

 the premiums and gratuities awarded, reference may be had to the 

 reports of the several committees ; — which do, or should contain 

 a complete specification of all presented, and all awarded, to- 

 gether with the reasons of the award ; — that those who read 

 may have as full an understanding of the awards, as those who 

 saw the objects for which they were made. It cannot be ex- 

 pected that committees will view with the eyes of competi- 

 tors ; — if they did, it would be a hopeless task to expect any 

 awards. Disinterested as committees are always required to be, 

 and selected for their special qualifications for the purpose, it is 

 desirable that they shall continue to command, as they have 

 heretofore received, the confidence of the public ; — and espe- 

 cially of the farmers whose interests they are anxious to pro- 

 mote. 



The premiums awarded are but a small part of the objects of 

 the society. The information elicited and disseminated is the 

 grand purpose of the organization. This is done through the 

 medium of the reports. It cannot therefore be too strongly 

 impressed on the minds of competitors and committees, that on 

 the fullness and accuracy of their statements and reports, will 

 mainly depend the usefulness and reputation of the society. In 

 regard to some of the objects upon which reports are to be 

 made, it is not easy to say anything new ; — nevertheless, if 

 worth examining at all, they are worthy of description. — " Line 

 upon line, and precept upon precept," will be found to make 

 salutary impressions in agriculture as well as in morals. 



An increased interest has been given to the annual meetings 

 of the society, for several years, by the presence of distinguish- 

 ed gentlemen from other counties. Such an interchange of 

 civilities is worthy of encouragement, and may be the means 

 of much improvement. Within the year, more than fifty have 

 been added to the list of members. Much pains have been 

 taken to establish a library, for the use of the members, which 

 is accessible to all, and from which much good is anticipated. 

 The time has gone by, when book knowledge is to be viewed as 



