364 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



deaf ear to the needs of her schools and colleges. Grateful 

 for-past generosity, she hesitates not to ask even more in the 

 future. We say the college is proud of her mother ; equally 

 true, the mother has reason to be proud of this child, and 

 constantly watchful and solicitous for her welfare. Unsur- 

 passed for beauty of location, the pur})oses and aims of this 

 college call forth her deepest affection, devoted as she is to 

 the "work of niakino- as^riculture even more noble, because 

 of the increased intelligence of the farmer. AVatchful, 

 knowing, if Massachusetts agriculture is to hold its place 

 in the fierce struggle of competition, it must be manned by 

 the educated mind and trained skill of her farmer citizens ; 

 solicitous, since the farmer has shaken off the dust of seclu- 

 sion, is soundino; his voice and demandino- a hearing ill the 

 councils of both State and nation ; remembering that his 

 voice can be safely heard and followed, not alone because 

 the farmer speaks, but better because the farmer speaks 

 wisely. Among all her sons the State has no surer promise 

 of the future patriotic, manly, useful citizen than from these 

 farmers' boys, gathered at the Agricultural College. 



The work of the college and experiment stations seems 

 increasingly useful and dignified when we remember its 

 threefold nature : first, the instruction of those conmiitted 

 to their care ; second, practical and scientific results that 

 are being reached by experiments ; third, the object lesson 

 furnished in the various departments. 



To pass an intelligent judgment upon work being done in 

 class rooms, to measure accurately efficiency of instruction, 

 faithfulness in study and habits of application, require close- 

 ness of touch with the internal workinj^s of the colleoe, that 

 which your committee has not been able to secure. "\Vc have 

 attended recitations from time to time, and have thus been 

 assured, by personal inspection, that earnest, faithful work is 

 being done by both instructors and students. Your com- 

 mittee heard the essays and oral examination of the senior 

 class in agriculture, as usual. 



The Grinnell prizes were awarded : first, to Henry Martin 

 Thomson of Monterey ; second, to Henry Beimctt Emerson 

 of Gloucester. 



