SECRETARY'S REPORT. 335 



# 



So far there is no reason to suppose that the disease has ever 

 been known upon this continent. The disease is peculiar and 

 well defined. Its symptoms are well known. They have been 

 carefully studied by the first scientific men in Europe. It is our 

 duty to accept the results of their experience and observation, 

 and to adopt the only means known to them to guard against it, 

 and that is to extinguish it as soon as it appears among us, at 

 whatever sacrifice. England could have spared herself the misery 

 and ruinous loss which the last six months have witnessed, by a 

 sufficiently prompt and efficient action. That is now admitted. 

 France did actually root out the disease in the month of Decem- 

 ber, after it had been introduced into the garden of acclimati- 

 zation at Paris, but only by the most decisive action on the part 

 of the government and of individuals. We have examples of 

 both lines of policy, and the results of both to guide our efforts 

 in case of an outbreak upon our shores. No rational man can 

 hesitate a moment what course to adopt in such an emergency. 



We have, fortunately, what some other States have not, a 

 cattle commission prepared to act. Let us sustain this commis- 

 sion, if the occasion offers, by the power of a united public 

 sentiment, as the only means of protection and immunity. 



This, it may be said, is a danger far off and little likely to 

 affect us. Yet we should remember that it has seldom been 

 wholly eradicated from a country that it has once invaded, and 

 be on our guard against its nearer approach. 



On the whole, the agriculture of the Commonwealth has been 

 prosperous during the past year. Farm labor has been high, to 

 be sure, but so has farm produce of every kind, and it is 

 doubtful if there ever was a time when the farmer could com- 

 mand more for his labor or for the yield of his farm, than during 

 the last few months. 



The progress made in the establishment of an agricultural 

 college has been as great, probably, as could have been expected 

 under the circumstances. The enterprise is new and the details 

 require much laborious thought and attention. The location of 

 the buildings has been finally determined upon, and the work 

 will doubtless be pushed forward with rapidity during the 

 coming season. 



