142 NOTICE OF MR. COLMAN. 



various branches of Agriculture and Horticulture lie ever manifest- 

 ed a special interest. His aid was freely given, and not without 

 marked results, to every effort to encourage the study and to improve 

 the practice of these arts. Immediately on coming into this coun- 

 try, he became a member of this Society, and has been distinguish- 

 ed as one of its most active supporters. The farmers of Essex im- 

 perfectly know the obligations they are under for the many services 

 freely and voluntarily rendered for their benefit. The pages of our 

 Transactions bear testimony to the zeal and ability with which he 

 accomplished whatever he undertook. Whoever shall glance his 

 eye over these, for the ten years next following 1830, will find more 

 than two hunderd from his pen, — marked by a keenness of percep- 

 tion, and felicity of expression, rarely found in such productions. 

 The same sparkling brilliancy which beamed from bis eye, radiated 

 from all his paragraphs. His inimitable humor never failed to ar. 

 rest and enchain the attention of the reader. However repulsive 

 the subject, he had the faculty so to present it, as to avoid offence, 

 without the least sacrifice of truth. 



No subject was too abtruse for his philosophic reflection, — none 

 too minute for his searchinir observation. 



When a Commissioner for the Agricultural Survey of the Com- 

 monwealth was to be appointed, his ardor in the pursuit of this Sci- 

 ence, marked him as the fit agent to accomplish the desire of the 

 State. In discharging the duties of this office he became favorably 

 and extensively known. The fruits of his labor are plainly to be 

 seen in the improved methods of farming ; and in the increased in- 

 terest and respect. Avith which the pursuit of the farmer is regarded. 

 He inspired many Avith fresh courage and hope, who were dishearten- 

 ed by repeated failures, or discouraged with little success. He awak- 

 ened a generous emmulation, which brought into active operation a 

 great amount of dormant energy, and replaced by industry and skill, 

 what in many cases had been lost through sloth or ignorance. If there 

 are any who were inclined to question the utility of this commission ; — 

 there are probably few, who could match the industry and persever- 

 ance with which its duties were discharged. If there are any who 

 are disposed to cavil at the accuracy of Mr. Colman's facts and opin- 

 ions, there are probably none who will deny the salutary impulse he 

 gave to Agricultural improvsments. 



In the autumn of 1842, Mr. Colman embarked for Europe, in- 

 tending to make such a survev of the indijstrial and a^rricultural 



