SECRETARY'S REPORT. 43 



misleading those who are in search of true knowledge. Neither 

 has it that insidious danger, which attends a false theory pre- 

 sented with all the tempting and hewildering influence of what 

 is called scientific authority. 



In discussing the question, how to manage a farm, I have 

 been led on to consider the duties of farmers toward agricul- 

 tural societies, and the reciprocal obligations of the latter, 

 because, I have always found that associations of this sort have 

 always exerted a good influence on the agriculture of the region 

 in which they are located. There is nothing so contagious as 

 good farming — unless it be bad. The example set by an indus- 

 trious and skillful farmer is never lost on the community in 

 which he lives. As his own labor radiates from his homestead 

 out over his surroiinding acres, so does his example and influ- 

 ence spread over the farms about him. And societies composed 

 of such men, have a wider influence still. They bring together 

 the thoughts and deeds of a larger section. And when we 

 remember how isolated a farmer may be, and often is, how 

 under the confinement of his own business he sees but little of 

 what is going on about him, it will be easy to appreciate the 

 value of any association which will enlarge his sphere of obser- 

 vation, and bring him into closer relations with his neighbors, 

 whether near or remote. And in the desultory remarks which 

 I have made upon farm management, I have endeavored to 

 draw our own attention to th3 diversity of interests, and the 

 variety of questions which come before us as a Board of Agri- 

 culture. We have our part to perform in the work of agricul- 

 tural education now going on. And we shall only perform that 

 part well, when by diligent collection of facts, and proper 

 arrangement of them, by the encouragement of practical indus- 

 try, by the diffusion of practical knowledge, we furnish the 

 foundation of good farming to every one who will read, and 

 point to those examples of good husbandry, the following of 

 which will enable every sagacious and diligent land-owner to 

 convert his acres into a well-managed farm. 



At the conclusion of the address. His Excellency proposed a 

 vote of thanks to the speaker for his very able and interesting 

 address, which passed unanimously. 



