138 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



tlie committee fulfilled the task they had assumed. They were 

 cordially welcomed and hospitably entertained by the trustees 

 and other members, and every facility Avas afforded them to 

 learn the condition of the agricultural interests in the several 

 towns. They could not but be gratified in noticing the evi- 

 dences of thrift, order, comfort and intelligence in many farmers' 

 homes, where the people are seen to the best advantage. The 

 results of labor are here found in the tranquil enjoyment of life 

 under circumstances as favorable as usually fall to the lot of 

 mankind. There are but few jiositions more desirable than that 

 of a farmer, who owns the soil he cultivates, and is capable, by 

 his education and means, of developing its resources. He 

 has a |)owerful and permanent motive to labor, in the hope of 

 leaving his farm in increased fruitfulness to his children. 



To give the society an idea of the impression which was made 

 upon us l)y our visits to a few scores of farmers, we make the 

 following brief extracts from our notes, not with a view to crops 

 raised or to specific improvements, — these will be noticed fur- 

 ther on in this report, — but to convey our general ideas of the 

 character of farmers and appearance of farms at our examina- 

 tion of the various premises. 



Mr. C, a thinking, reading, careful farmer, is making grad- 

 ual but thorough improvements in fields, walls, buildings and 

 stock. Had a true farmer-like reception in his pleasant home ; 

 also an instructive interview with seven or eight townsmen. 

 Made and answered inquiries, found a good spirit, and obtained 

 four new members for the society. 



Mr. P., a gentlemanly, shrewd and careful farmer, who 

 improves cautiously, and makes money. 



Mr. P., a thriving farmer, reclaims meadows, has fine fences 

 and buildings ; is a hard-working, judicious, calculating man, 

 with much of the genuine Yankee spirit. 



Mr. M. cultivates for market; shows good judgment and skill. 

 Has a true help-meet in a wife, a remarkable woman, Avho takes 

 care of the garden, and raises flowers, vegetables and fruits. 

 No pretensions, but well-managed fiirm and good crops. 



Mr. N. exhibits great knowledge and care of trees and vege- 

 tables ; has the best garden we have seen, with native and foreign 

 fruits. Every thing here is for home comfort and enjoyment. 



Mr. D. has boon improving his place for many years, and 



