PAST MExMBERS OF THE BOARD. 19 



tion, — the novel processes of reproduction by the art of hybridi- 

 zation, — the accession of new and improved grains, vegetables, 

 and fruits everywhere springing up around us, — the increased 

 taste for choice fruits, extending through every grade of society, 

 — the large and general circulation of agricultural newspapers, 

 periodicals and books, and the universal desire to obtain every- 

 thing which promises to be interesting, useful or profitable, — 

 and last, not least, the establishment of agricultural colleges, 

 schools and societies throughout our States. Look at these and 

 compare them with the past, and who will say that we do not 

 live in an age of progress and improvement ? 



Conclusion. 

 Gentlemen, I have cordially cooperated with the Board in its 

 inception, organization and operations. I have ever felt a 

 lively interest in its welfare and usefulness, and I have therefore 

 thought it expedient to lay before you the foregoing facts. This 

 I have done without any intention or desire to magnify the im- 

 portance of the department, but for the purpose of preserving 

 its history, and rendering justice to those worthy men who 

 assisted in laying its foundations, and also to those who have 

 labored with us for its advancement. Many of the progenitors 

 of the Board have fallen by the way, but others have risen up to 

 fill their jDlaces. Among those who have ceased from their la- 

 bors, we recall the names of Edward Hitchcock, Scth Sprague, 

 Moses Newell, Benjamin V. French, John W. Lincoln, John 

 Brooks, William Parkhurst, Richard S. Fay, Johnson Gardner, 

 J. H. W. Page, and others wlio took a less prominent part in 

 the early history of its proceedings. We would also remember 

 the decease of one of our fellow-associates the present year, Mr. 

 James Thompson, the delegate of the Nantucket Agricultural 

 Society for a long course of years, a gentleman of sterling abil- 

 ity, of stirring enterprise, and real love of agricultural life. But 

 while we cherish a recollection of these worthy men, and would 

 strew their graves with fragrant memories, we would not forget 

 the services of many others now living, who have labored zeal- 

 ously for the advancement of our common cause and the pros- 

 perity of the Board. If any think we have spoken too favorably 

 of the Board, or that it has not accomplished all that was 

 anticipated, let them compare the condition of agriculture in 



