MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 441 



kindred institutions for the scientific education of the farmer, upon whom is 

 levied so lar^e" a share of the taxes for the support of governmental and phil- 

 antiiropic objects. 



Resolved, That it is the duty, as well as the interest of the State, to aid in 

 furnishing the means for such an education, and tliat for the want of this edu- 

 cation, millions of dollais and a vast amount of time, energy and money, are 

 annually lost to the Commonwealth, by the misapplication of labor and capi- 

 tal in husbandry ; and resolved, further, that this loss is mainly to be attributed 

 to the want of a proper system for the acquisition and diffusion of correct in- 

 formation, as to the most approved arts of cultivation, and the best means of 

 perfecting this unfailing source of independence and happiness. 



Resolved, That a thorough systematic course of education is as necessary to 

 prepare the cultivator of the soil for preeminence in his calling, as to secure 

 excellence in any of the schools of science or art ; — that this necessity is uni- 

 versally acknowledged when applied to other pursuits, and that the yeomanry 

 of Massachusetts have a right to claim from the government the same foster- 

 ing aid which is extended to other great interests of the community. 



Resolved, That inasmuch as agriculture is the chief occupation of her citi- 

 zens, the Commonwealth, in the organization of its government, should be pro- 

 vided with a Department of Agriculture, with offices commensurate with the 

 importance of the duties to be discharged, of the abilities to be required, and 

 of the labors to be performed. 



Resolved, That while this board would respectfully refer to the wisdom of 

 the Legislature the maturing of a system by which the wants of agricultiirista 

 shall be supplied, and thereby the prosperity and wealth of the people of the 

 State increased, they most earnestly invite the attention of legislators to the 

 several plans and recommendations submitted by the commiasioners concern- 

 ing agricultural schools, to the last General Court, showing the advantages of 

 such institutions in other lands, and indicating the feasibility and practicability 

 of similar establishments in our own country. 



Resolved, That this board respectfully suggt^sts to the Legislature the pro- 

 priety and expediency of reserving a portion of the proceeds of the sales of 

 public lands of the Commonwealth, in accordance widi the recommenlaiioii of 

 said commissioners, and with a view to extend tliat aid to a s\ stem for the 

 promotion of agricultural science, which the importance of the subject so im- 

 peratively demands. 



Resolved, That Massachusetts has always taken a leading part in most of 

 the great enterprises which mark the progress of society ; — that she is woitny 

 of the high character she has secured, by the endoAvment of institutions for the 

 diffusion of useful knowledge among the people, and that by the adoption of 

 efficient measures for the professional education of her farmers and the better 

 development of her agricultural resources, she will add another wreath to her 

 renown, for the elevation of her sons and the advancement of the best inter- 

 ests of society. 



MARSHALL P. WILDER, Chairman. 



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