24 BOARD OF AGEICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



tended by the farmers of the Housatonic Valley as it should 

 have been. The meeting, however, was productive of much 

 good. The seed then sown did not fall upon barren soil. 

 It took root, germinated and grew, the fruit of which was 

 the awakening of a deeper interest among the farmers, 

 causing them to think, study and act, by way of experi- 

 menting in growing crops, stock, etc., stimulating the 

 Housatonic Society to greater activity. A new impetus was 

 given to agriculture which gradually worked a departure 

 from the old, rutty, slipshod way of farming, and resulted 

 in a more scientific, systematic and better mode. 



The ancient preacher, when he had come before a distant 

 congregation, asked, *' For what intent hath ye sent for 

 me?" So the pertinent inquiry might be made by the 

 Board, *' Why have you requested this meeting to be held 

 in Great Barrington ? " 



Here I may be allowed to say a few words in explanation 

 of the object and purpose of what is termed the public win- 

 ter meeting of the Board. The Massachusetts Legislature 

 annually makes an appropriation of money to be expended 

 by or under the direction of the State Board of Agriculture, 

 for disseminating useful information in agriculture, by means 

 of lectures or otherwise. To that end these meetings are 

 held in the country, among the people, more in touch with 

 the farmers, in the month of December, annually, and are 

 open for all to attend and participate in the discussions 

 which follow the lectures. When sufiicient accommodations 

 are afforded, practice and theory are combined, as in the 

 present butter exhibit, and the illustrating the utility of the 

 scale of points in judging animals. They are termed public 

 winter meetings of the Board to distinguish them from the 

 annual business meeting, held in the month of February, 

 at the office of the secretary, in Boston. 



Gentlemen of the Housatonic Society, this meeting is your 

 meeting. It is for you. It is for you to avail yourselves 

 of this opportunity of attending and participating in the dis- 

 cussions which follow the lectures, submitting questions, 

 aiding and assisting in making it a success. What it is in- 

 tended to be is, a meeting of the farmers, for the farmers, 

 and by the farmers. I need not detain you with any lengthy 



