12 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



bers of the Board, have made it what it is, and it is from 

 these men you shouhl have selected some one to speak in 

 m}^ phicc. But, gentlemen, as a young man, I heartily wel- 

 come you. Why? Because you have taught us how to 

 make use of fertilizers ; you have taught us economy in all 

 the operations of the farm, and it is for that we greet you 

 here to-day. By the Agricultural College and the experi- 

 ment institutions founded by your exertions, you have edu- 

 cated our young men to know the different soils, to know to 

 what crop each soil is adapted, to know what fertilizer each 

 crop requires, and also to know what crop to feed for cer- 

 tain results ; and, thus educated, the intelligent farmer may 

 carry on his business with little waste. 



We have been looking forward with great anticipations 

 ever since you accepted our invitation to meet with us this 

 winter. We came up here to fill our storehouses with 

 knowledge for future consumption, and this audience is 

 anxiously Availing for you. Your time is limited, and I will 

 not occupy it. (Applause). 



The Chairman". I now have the pleasure of introducing 

 Mr. John W. Pierce of West Millbury. 



WATER AND ITS SUPPLY FOPv OUR CROPS. 



BY JOHN W. PIERCE, OF AVEST MILLliUllY. 



There are five conditions, largely under the control of 

 man, which are essential to successful agriculture : — 



1. Good seed. 2. Suitable soil. 



3. Effective tillage. 4. Available plant-food. 



5. The proper degree of moisture. 



If these conditions all exist, success is assured ; and while 

 the full compliance with cither may, to a certain extent, be a 

 substitute for a partial failure of other conditions, yet the high- 

 est success is only obtained by the complete fulfilment of all. 



Without good seed we cannot expect success, yet, other 

 conditions being favorable, we may avoid an entire failure. 

 Neither can good seed planted on soil not suited to its 

 ofrowth meet hiirh exnectation. Or, if the seed and soil be 

 good, there will not be success unless the earth is w^ell pre- 

 pared for the reception of the seed, and it is carefully 



