6 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Jan. 



find time to "work out the requisite materials for such an essay, 

 and to arrange them in proper form. In my present Report, 

 I shall, therefore, confine myself to a statement of the doings 

 of the Board, and an account of the State Exhibition and its 

 results, adding from time to time, such remarks and suggestions 

 as seem to arise naturally from the subjects spoken of. 



Before entering upon a detailed report of the exhibition, 

 however, I desire to express my deep conviction of the useful- 

 ness of such exhibitions in general. 



The history of agriculture shows that various methods have 

 been adopted in different ages to advance its interests and 

 develop its resources, all indicating a conviction on the minds of 

 leading men in civilized life, that this is the basis of all the other 

 arts and occupations. Sometimes allotments of land have been 

 made upon certain conditions, or generous bounties have been 

 offered with a view of exciting an active competition, and thus 

 leading to improvement. The same end has been sought by 

 treatises designed to extend a knowledge of the principles and 

 practice of the art, and in more recent times by the publication 

 of journals, the institution of exhibitions of improved stock, 

 farm implements and farm products, and the establishment of 

 agricultural schools. 



Without doubt, all these methods have been productive of 

 incalculable benefits by increasing the productiveness of the 

 soil, thus adding to the comforts and the luxuries of life, and 

 aiding the progress of civilization. 



But probably the most efficient means of promoting the 

 development of agriculture, is the bringing together of the best 

 specimens of improved stock, products and implements for the 

 examination of all who feel an interest in the subject, or in 

 other words, the agricultural exhibition. 



It has been found by experience that the most valuable part 

 of our practical knowledge, is that gained by intercourse with 

 our fellow men, and especially those engaged in the same pur- 

 suits and having the same objects as ourselves. By means of 

 such intercourse, we have associated, instead of individual 

 effort, the co-operation of many minds, and not merely the 

 teachings of one. 



But this is not all. The benefit which may be derived from 

 reading, is greater, wlien the mind is quickened and stimulated 



