vi ADVERTISEMENT. 



Board has commenced operations. Should that be the 

 case, it will form a new era in the history of our agri- 

 culture. 



In examining the reports of the several societies for 

 the last year, (in which we have been assisted, as here- 

 tofore, by Hon. A. W. Dodge, of Essex County,) we ob- 

 serve a great difference. Some make full and instructive 

 returns of their doings ; not merely the award of the 

 premiums, but the statements of competitors as to the 

 animals, crops, or other products for which the premiums 

 are awarded. These reports of their committees give 

 also the grounds or reasons of the awards, and a com- 

 parative estimate of the merits of the competitors. Now 

 it is clear, that from these reports and statements, the 

 agricultural community derive no inconsiderable benefit ; 

 and that from them are to be drawn such general princi- 

 ples and deductions as will aid the progress of agri- 

 culture. It is only by thus recording and publishing 

 facts and experiments, that they become available to all. 

 The advantages of such a practice would seem to be so 

 obvious, and the obligation to observe it so imperative on 

 the societies receiving the State bounty, that it is a mat- 

 ter of regret that any society should fail to adopt it. 

 There are some of the societies,* however, the Berkshire 

 and Housatonic, for example, that are among the most 

 flourishing in the State, that award premiums to a large 

 amount, and apparently require statements of competi- 



• The Worcester (West) Society lias made no returns, either of reports or 

 atatcmentfl, but as this is the first year of ita existence it is not so censurable. 



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