278 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Jan. 



extensive waste over which we passed in going from the town 

 to Siasconsit, where there is not a house, a fence, or even a 

 tree on whicli the weary eye can rest, covered with huckle- 

 berry bushes and fern. But little attention has formerly been 

 paid to agriculture, from the belief that this " beautiful island " 

 was " nought but barren sand," and would not pay the expense 

 of cultivation. More than four-fifths of the island is yet in a 

 state of nature, uncultivated and unimproved. 



The planting of fruit trees is receiving considerable attention. 

 Within the last nine years, 600 acres have been planted to 

 pines, which are growing finely and looking well. 



This agricultural society, the smallest in territory, the least 

 in population, and the youngest sister in a family of twenty- 

 one, is already in advance, in some respects, of many of her 

 sister societies, and from present appearances, it needs no 

 prophet to foretell, that she will soon compare favorably, in all 

 respects, with any society in the Commonwealth. 



In conclusion, I would most truly express my heartfelt 

 acknowledgments to the officers and members of the society, to 

 the president and the vice-president, Mr. Barney, and their 

 families, for the hearty welcome, the cordial kindness, and the 

 generous hospitality everywhere extended to me, and I shall 

 ever remember with a grateful heart, the three days spent with 

 tliis warm-hearted people, as among the pleasantest days of my 

 life. 



S. H. BUSHNELL. 



