316 NORFOLK SOCIETY. 



refer to instances where the effect of such an association is 

 plainly to be seen in a general spirit of enterprise and desire of 

 improvement, in the improved manners and morals of the peo- 

 ple, and in the expressions of mutual sympathy and encourage- 

 ment common in the community. The peculiar advantages 

 thus offered to the young man, away from the restraints and the 

 impulses of home, and whose evenings are now spent in no reg- 

 ular and profitable employment, must be obvious on the slight- 

 est reflection. 



Apprehending an objection to the offer of so many and large 

 premiums as we have recommended, in consequence of the lim- 

 ited means of the society, we earnestly desire that the import- 

 ance of the object in view, may be seriously and thoroughly 

 considered. We think it paramount to many, if not most, of 

 the objects embraced in the patronage of the society. We re- 

 gard the character and qualifications of the laborers on our 

 farms, as a matter of the deepest interest to the whole commu- 

 nity, affecting not merely the immediate welfare of the farmer, 

 but of society, and having relation to other objects of higher 

 value, than the improvement of our lands and the enlarging of 

 our crops. And we confidently cherish the hope, that the plan 

 we have recommended will not be deemed unworthy of your 

 adoption and encouragement ; at least do we hope, that, if the 

 funds of the society will not justify such a course, there may 

 be found enough generous individuals in the county, deeply in- 

 terested in the success of this society, and in the general ad- 

 vancement of the agricultural community, who will subscribe 

 to a sufficient and permanent fund, the income of which shall 

 be devoted, under the direction of the society, to the encour- 

 agement and improvement of agricultural laborers. 



In conclusion, your committee beg leave to advert to the 

 almost general discouragement of farmers in this section of the 

 country — to the increasing desire for change of occupation, or 

 for emigration to some more favorable locality — to the increas- 

 ing competition in the markets, demanding of the farmer more 

 method and exactness, as well as more knowledge and skill, in 

 order to sustain himself here — and to the lamentable want of 

 proper means of education in the science and practice of agri- 



