1891.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 4. 277 



recently developed so extensively ; and withdrew from the 

 field of holding fairs, when that work was no longer a 

 necessity, but later gave material assistance in that direction 

 to other societies, as such seemed advisable. 



They have introduced into the State almost every kind of 

 farm stock, encouraged its introduction from abroad, and 

 promoted, by other means, the manufacture in the country 

 of improved styles of commercial fertilizers. 



More recently the trustees have been entrusted with the 

 care and use of funds for special agricultural and health 

 purposes, which have been used to promote the objects 

 intended in as wise a manner as their judgment could sug- 

 gest. 



In 1792 was established in England that most useful, and, 

 to this day, advanced and leading foundation, the London 

 Veterinary College, whose course of study has been fre- 

 quently sought by students from our United States. Veter- 

 inary science in this country should hold an advanced 

 position in public estimation, and its promotion should 

 receive all possible encouragement for the benefit of State 

 and Nation. The appointment of veterinarians on battalion 

 staffs in both regular army and militia would be a useful help 

 in this direction, and lectures upon the breeding, care and 

 feeding of horses in armory or at camp would be most useful. 

 Veterinary science is found recognized in foreign armies. 

 A veterinarian might be useful in connection with the work 

 of the State Board of Health. 



At the end of the Revolutionary war, when arms had 

 been laid aside, we find Washington turning his attention to 

 the study of such peaceful pursuits as would be valuable to 

 his country. While studying methods of organization for 

 the promotion and advancement of agriculture, he was led 

 into considerable correspondence with Sir John Sinclair, 

 which resulted in benefit to both England and her indepen- 

 dent child in America. In 1805, coming recently from 

 the presidential office, and having had acquaintance with 

 Washington's agricultural experience, to add to his own 

 discrimination and keen judgment, Hon. John Adams, but 

 lately returned to Massachusetts, accepted the presidency 

 of the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture ; 



