MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 665 



4. To collect agricultural statistics, pamphlets and publica- 

 tions ; to catalogue and arrange the same, together with such 

 books, maps, charts, documents and other articles, as may be 

 given to, or acquired by, this Board, in a manner convenient 

 for reference and consultation. 



5. To obtain and preserve, so far as may be found expedient, 

 and as may be deemed convenient for examination by our 

 farmers, such seeds and specimens of the various grasses, 

 grains, vegetables, fruits and other agricultural products, as are 

 now grown in this Commonwealth, or as may be hereafter 

 introduced into it, and to distribute such new or approved 

 varieties of these, as may be adapted to its soil and climate. 



6. To collect and disseminate such information in relation 

 to the best breeds of domestic animals, and the management 

 of the same, as may be suited to promote this most important 

 branch of husbandry. 



7. To investigate, as far as practicable, the elements and 

 character of the soils in this State ; their adaptation to different 

 crops, and to preserve for exhibition and instruction samples of 

 the same. 



8. To endeavor to discover and successfully to apply such 

 mineral, vegetable and animal fertilizers, as may be found 

 within our territorial limits, or as may be profitably introduced 

 from other localities. 



9. To receive, preserve, and, under the direction of this Board, 

 to report upon, such approved agricultural implements as are 

 now in use, or as may be hereafter advantageously introduced 

 among the farmers of this Commonwealth. 



10. To visit, by the advice of this Board, the various agri- 

 cultural districts of Massachusetts, and to give lectures on the 

 practice and science of agriculture, whenever and wherever 

 they may deem the same most desirable. 



11. To attend, as far as practicable, the exhibitions of the 

 incorporated agricultural societies receiving the bounty of the 

 State, — to receive their returns,— to make an abstract of the 

 same for publication, in connection with his Annual Report, 

 and to perform such other duties as are specified in the act 

 establishing this Board. 



12. To cooperate with the Secretary of the Board of Edu- 

 cation, so far as may be found expedient, for the introduction 



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