INFLUENCE OF THE BOARD. 15 



of such stock, by constituting, as it were, through its Secretary 

 at headquarters, a medium of intelligence, where inquiries 

 could be made as to the choicest animals of all the different 

 breeds, and of whom they could be obtained. Such inquiries 

 were of almost daily occurrence, so that those seeking improved 

 stock were easily put in communication with those who had it 

 for sale. As an example of the effect of this enterprise on the 

 part of the farmer, it may be stated that at the time of the 

 organization of this Board there were but seventy-five pure-bred 

 Jersey cattle in the State, whereas now many a town, and even 

 some individual breeders, have a larger number than that, and 

 the same is true, in a good degree, with regard to other choice 

 breeds of stock. 



Few are aware of the salutary influence which the Massachu- 

 setts Board of Agriculture has exercised on the farming com- 

 munity and the public mind during the period of its existence. 

 An entire and complete change has taken place in public opinion 

 with regard to the paramount importance of agricultural edu- 

 cation. There are some here who remember, at the time of the 

 organization of the Board, the great prejudice which existed 

 against what was then termed " book farming," and there were 

 but few papers or periodicals that would boldly stand forjth as 

 champions in the cause. But amidst all the discouragements, 

 here was cherished and sustained the first general efforts for 

 the establishment of an Agricultural College, now so favorably 

 known and appreciated, and here ever since it has been fostered 

 and encouraged as one of the most important branches of edu- 

 cation receiving the patronage of the government. 



And here let me say, if we would have our sons attain to 

 great success as farmers, we must educate them ; you must 

 teach them how to apply science to practice. If you would have 

 labor honored and respected, you must educate it. Therefore 

 I rejoice in the prosperity of this college. The farmers hold the 

 destinies of this nation in their hands. They are the conserva- 

 tors of the public good, the almoners of Heaven's bounty to the 

 reduplicating millions who are to follow us ; therefore, I say, 

 educate labor, elevate it, honor it, dignify it, and in its turn it 

 will elevate, enrich and dignify the State. 



Nor must we forget the action of the State Board in regard 

 to the extirpation of that terrible disease, the pleuro-pneumonia. 



