266 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



To the skill of the Massachusetts Agricultural College we 

 have looked for help in the emergency, and not in vain. Its 

 work in this line cannot be measured in dollars and cents. 

 It has been invaluable to the farming interests of this Com- 

 monwealth. 



Again, a great benefit that accrues to the farming interests 

 of this Commonwealth, and especially of western Massachu- 

 setts, comes from the personal presentation of agricultural 

 subjects and experimental results directly before the people 

 at agricultural institutes, where different subjects are pre- 

 sented by some member of the faculty, and usually followed 

 by a discussion. Such subjects as soiling crops; compara- 

 tive commercial value of different feeds and fertilizers ; 

 mixed rations, and their results ; relative value of different 

 grasses and grains ; system of farming best adapted to 

 increasing the fertility and productiveness of the soil ; the 

 system of farming best calculated to increase, improve and 

 utilize farm manures ; rotation of crops ; the clover plants, 

 their value and importance in farm economy ; the scientific 

 and practical way of improving the butter qualities of the 

 dairy cows ; laws that especially pertain to farmers' inter- 

 ests ; horticultural matters, and other kindred subjects. 

 These lectures come directly before the people, and stimulate 

 thought and investigation that are showing marked results 

 in many ways. Then, too, the lectures add new dignity to 

 the farmer's vocation. They inspire the people with the idea 

 of being co-workers with nature in bringing forth benefits 

 for the people. They give new vitality to the aesthetic side 

 of our lives, so that we see more and clearly that which is 

 beautiful and interesting in the natural development of crops 

 and fruits and flowers. They open the way to feel the in- 

 visible touch of that power of life which renews itself in 

 growth. Along with practical suggestions, they add new 

 beauty to the landscape and new spirit to the words of the 

 sweet poet who wrote, — 



" He who plants a tree, he plants love, 

 Tents of coolness spreading out above 

 Wayfarers he may not live to see. 

 Gifts that grow are but 

 Hands that bless, are blest ; 

 Plant ! Life does the rest." 



