400 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



of the various local societies, as to permit of more frequent 

 intercourse and interchange of civilities, for the promotion of 

 the great object of their organization. 



2. The propriety of adopting a more uniform system as re- 

 lates to premiums, and the principles upon which they are 

 awarded. 



3. It may be important for the convention to inquire into 

 the expediency of constituting a central committee, consisting 

 of representatives from the various county and district socie- 

 ties, who may meet semiannually for consultation in regard to 

 their general interests. Individual societies can accomplish 

 much, but associated effort, more. 



4. It is also to be hoped that the cause of agricultural edu- 

 cation, now about to receive the consideration of the Legisla- 

 ture, will not be overlooked in the deliberations of this body, 

 and if it be the opinion of this convention that agriculture 

 may be promoted by the application of science, that such a 

 sentiment may be expressed in terms so explicit as not to be 

 misunderstood, and that the aid of government may be solicited 

 for this purpose. 



And, gentlemen, I submit, in view of the present condi- 

 tion of agriculture in our Commonwealth, whether there is not 

 occasion for the assembling of this convention ; whether there 

 is not a necessity for improvement in this most important 

 branch of human industry, and for the patronage of govern- 

 ment to place it on a par, at least, with other arts in point of 

 wealth, honor and influence. For if agriculture is the parent 

 of all arts ; if it is the basis upon which rests individual and 

 national wealth and prosperity ; if it is intimately connected 

 with the virtue and happiness of the community, then it is 

 the duty not only of philanthropists to foster it, but also of 

 government to make it one of the first objects of her guardian 

 care and protection. 



Agriculture should especially receive the encouragement of 

 government, because it embraces more than three fourths of 

 our population, because from it is derived a very large propor- 

 tion of her revenue, and because that large class, who are 

 engaged in it, are, to a great extent, the conservators of the 



