CIRCULAR. 



To 



Sir, — Having been appointed by the Executive of the Com- 

 monwealth, under the provisions of a Resolve of the Legisla- 

 ture, passed at its last session. Commissioner to make an Agri- 

 cultural Survey of the State, I take the liberty of addressing 

 this Circular to several gentlemen of intelligence and respecta- 

 bility in the different towns, yourself among others, with a view 

 to obtain their advice and co-operation in accomplishing such 

 survey. 



You will allow me, then, to point out the general objects 

 of inquiry ; and to solicit particularly your attention to them ; that 

 when I visit you, as I shall ask the pleasure of doing, you will 

 be able to give me, in respect to those which have been the 

 subjects, either of your experience, inquiry, or observation, the 

 desired information. By the Resolve it is made the duty of the 

 Commissioner " To collect accurate information of the state 

 and condition of the Agriculture of the Commonwealth, and 

 every subject connected with it ; point out the means of im- 

 provement ; and make a detailed report thereof, with as much 

 exactness as circumstances will admit." From the terms of the 

 Resolve it is apparent that the duty is very comprehensive; as 

 it embraces every subject connected with the agriculture of the 

 State, and the means of its improvement. The more full 

 however it is, the more useful it is likely to prove ; and exact- 

 ness in the information obtained is obviously of the very highest 

 importance. I will now point out some of the objects to which 

 inquiries will be directed. 



I. The Nature of the Soil, in different parts of the 

 State ; and particularly in reference to the crops 

 cultivated. 



