No. 4.] ADDRESS OF WELCOME. 27 



told you, to hold one meeting each winter in some locality 

 for the discussion of agricultural subjects and the spread of 

 agricultural knowledge. Once before, nine years ago, we 

 miet with you. Again, in response to the invitation of your 

 people, we have come, as I said before, not to show ourselves 

 or to glorify ourselves, but, as far as in us lies, to benefit the 

 agriculture of Massachusetts, particularly of this valley. 

 We thank you for the welcome. We anticipate an interesting 

 and profitable meeting, one that we hope you will long re- 

 member in connection with the one held here in 1884. 



You have come to hear agricultural subjects discussed, and 

 it is not fitting that I should take your time by any further 

 remarks. This evening I hope that we shall have a social 

 gathering, with speech, story and compliments. Until then 

 we will give the time to business. 



Mr. Barton. It becomes my duty now to turn over this 

 meeting to Judge Rowley, who will be the presiding oflicer 

 for this afternoon. 



The Chairman. Everybody is interested in the growing 

 'of food, which sustains life, and consequently they will be 

 interested in the lecture of the afternoon. The title of the 

 lecture is " Raising Crops with Commercial Fertilizers," and 

 I have the pleasure of introducing to you Mr. S. I. Parker 

 of Dalton. 



Mr. S. I. Parker. Mr. President and members of the 

 State Board of Agriculture, ladies and gentlemen : I was 

 exceedingly gratified to learn that at the late meeting of the 

 committee of arrangements it was decided that the subject of 

 raising crops with commercial fertilizers should be presented 

 and discussed at this meeting, but was surprised to learn 

 afterwards that the honor of presenting so important a mat- 

 ter fell upon myself. 



