1858.] SENATE— No. 4. 231 



Henry Eddy, of North Bridgewuter ; of twenty-four species of 

 birds from Mr. J. W. P. Jenks, of Middleborough ; and of 

 several varieties of Indian corn from different individuals. Mr. 

 Jenks has kindly consented to present specimens of a large 

 number of varieties of the birds of this State, and individuals 

 in all sections are respectfully invited to aid in this collection, 

 by forwarding any curious and rare specimens which they may 

 chance to have, in order to make it what it should be, the 

 largest and finest collection of Massachusetts birds now in 

 existence. Capt. N. E. Atwood, of Provincetown, has under- 

 taken to supply the Cabinet with specimens of all the varieties 

 of salt water fishes in our waters, and this department will 

 soon be creditable to the State. The cooperation of individuals 

 in all parts of the Commonwealth, is respectfully solicited, and 

 contributions of any kind, illustrating any part of the natural 

 history of the State, will be thankfully received and acknowl- 

 edged in subsequent reports. 



The practical value and importance of this Agricultural 

 Museum will become more and more apparent as the collection 

 increases. 



In conclusion, I take great pleasure in reporting the continued 

 usefulness of the county agricultural societies. There never 

 was a time when, as a whole, they were more active in promot- 

 ing the true spirit of emulation. There never was a time when 

 the spirit of inquiry and enterprise in agricultural improve- 

 ment was more widely spread among the people of this State, 

 or when it was having a more lasting effect upon the future 

 prosperity of the community. 



When I entered upon the duties of my office, five years ago, 

 the aggregate amount of the permanent fund of the societies 

 was 192,816.54. It has now increased to $156,791.73, while 

 the total amount of all the property of the societies has risen 

 in the same time from $109,911.10, to 1178,175.50. The 

 amount received from new members and donations in 1853, was 

 $6,376.50. The amount received from the same sources last 

 year, was $9,214.10. The total amount of receipts by the 

 societies in 1853, was $30,251.82. Tlic total amount of receipts 

 by the societies in 1857, was $33,228.42, or more than double 

 that of 1853. The amount of premiums and gratuities dis- 



