404 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



blessings which have flowed from this, why should not a por- 

 tion of the State income, from the same resource, be appropri- 

 ated for agricultural education ? 



With the view we have taken of the present condition of 

 agriculture in this Commonwealth, is it not the imperative duty 

 of all associations like those we represent, to enlarge their fields 

 of usefulness, and to awaken, if possible, a more earnest inter- 

 est not only in the minds of our State and National legislators, 

 but throughout all classes of the community on this most im- 

 portant subject. 



In conclusion, if agriculture can be promoted by the applica- 

 tion of science, then it is the manifest duty of government to 

 extend to it the hand of protection. Massachusetts is world- 

 wide renowned for her system of education. Let her perfect 

 it by extending it to all her sons, — to the farmer as well as to 

 the professional man. Let her legislators take up the subject 

 in earnest. Let them look at the matter with no narrow or 

 grudging policy, but with generous and enlightened liberality. 

 An appropriation now of a few thousand dollars for this cause, 

 will add, ultimately, millions to the productive capital of the 

 State, and will be of more substantial benefit to her citizens, 

 than any similar appropriation ever made. 



Massachusetts has always taken a leading part in most of the 

 great enterprises which mark the progress of society, and we 

 trust that she will not now hesitate to promote by her legis- 

 lation an interest, which, more than any other, will redound to 

 her future glory and permanent prosperity. 



Gentlemen of the Convention : I congratulate you on the large 

 attendance of delegates, all of whom I am most happy to meet 

 on this occasion, and I doubt not that the results of this meet- 

 ing will not only be productive of good to ourselves, but it is 

 hoped will be of some advantage to those who may come 

 after us. 



Upon motion, it was voted, that an invitation be extended to 

 the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, members of the Council, 

 and both branches of the Legislature, to attend the afternoon 

 and evening sessions of the convention. 



