HINTS TO THE TKUSTEES 28 



CULTIVATION OF ENTIRE FARMS. 



Whoever examines our Transactions for information, will find it 

 best condensed, in the statements of the cultivation of entire farms, 

 and the reports thereon. This should stimulate to renewed efforts to 

 revive these premiums. Not simply the offer of them, but the 

 bringing forward of claims to merit them. There is scarcely a town 

 in the County, that could not annually present the statement of the 

 cultivation of some farm, that would be a source of useful instruc- 

 tion. If this information cannot be secured in the manner hereto- 

 fore practiced, let it be done as in the Counties of Plj'mouth or Mid- 

 dlesex, by a viewing committee, who will seek out what is interest- 

 ing, and not wait the tardy movement of the diffident cultivator. 

 There are many, who will readily communicate, when solicited, who 

 will not come forward of their own motion. Among these, three 

 times out of four, is real merit most likely to be found. 



We are somewhat flattered, when we see references to what has- 

 been done by our Society, in obtaining and diffusing information ; 

 but have we not reason to be more mortified, when we reflect upon 

 what we know has been left undone ? I appeal to your candory 

 gentlemen, who should know the state of agriculture in the County, 

 whether this is not so ? Is there any one of you, for example, who 

 can, with any confidence, answer the inquiry. What proportion of 

 the bread stuffs consumed in the County, is raised in the County ? 

 I ask each of you, without consultation with others, to give me your 

 opinion on this question. Hand in your ballots, if you please. Our 

 notions on these subjects are apt to be vague and indefinite. It 

 should be the aim of societies like this to correct them. The mer- 

 chant, Avho wishes to conduct his business with success, has his cor- 

 respondents in all directions, and understands from them the pros- 

 pect and the state of the market. Before he undertakes to forward 

 a cargo, he inquires whether it will be wanted, where it is to be 

 sent. Why should not the farmer do the same, before he undertakes 

 to plant his fields. True, he knows that a certain portion of pro- 

 duce will be needed for the consumption of his family, because his 

 father before him raised about this amount. But the man who is 

 ambitious of being considered an intelligent cultivator, should not 

 rest satisfied with this knowledge. Is it not possible to adopt a plan 

 of securing returns annually, from every town in the County, of such 

 statistical information, as when properly arranged, Avould be of great 



