394 BOAED OF AGRICULTURE. 



among all naturalists. An agricultural observation of value, 

 under existing circumstances, may be embalmed in some pub- 

 lication having but local circulation, and it is late in securinir 

 the recognition which is both the stimulus and reward of 

 intellectual labor. 



The chief objection that may be brought to the suggestion 

 of a society of the character indicated, and widely different 

 from any existing in this country, I conceive to spring from 

 the variety of topics included under the term agriculture, 

 and the supposed impracticability of chemists, entomologists, 

 botanists, veterinarians, and so forth, finding sufficient support 

 and sympathy to render a society, that should include so 

 much, interesting at all. This objection will, however, seem 

 the less formidable if we consider the composition of several 

 associations existing under the term of natural history socie- 

 ties, or science associations. These are concerned with as 

 great variety of problems, — as many specialties, so called, 

 requiring specialized talent, — as would be likely to com- 

 bine in an agricultural society of the large scope herein 

 indicated. 



It should be remembered, also, that progress of agricult- 

 ure largely depends upon the concentration of the mind upon 

 the study of specialties, that grouped, constitute the sum of 

 agricultural knowledge. 



If, by the permission of the Board, any idea can be sent 

 out from among us that shall occasion any person to set about 

 the difficult task of realizing this object, should he succeed in 

 his efforts, it seems to me the varied talent of Massachusetts, 

 with its distributing societies, its newspapers, its agricultural 

 college and other agencies, may then be said to be perfectly 

 organized in aid of her agriculture. 



Respectfully submitted, 



Joseph N. Sturtevant. 



The paper was read and laid over, under the rule. 



The Committee of Arrangements for the country meeting was 

 constituted by the appointment of Messrs. Knox, Sessions, 

 Wakefield and the Secretary. 



