MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 667 



mands ; although I have been severely pressed with labors 

 since the receipt of your letter. 



Waiving all other considerations, there is one that seems to 

 decide the question presented for my consideration. I cannot 

 persuade myself that duty will allow me, at present, to quit the 

 post which I now occupy. This demands all the time and 

 strength which I can command, and even more, and the same 

 would be the case with the office of Secretary, as I view its 

 duties. I have no alternative, therefore, but to decline the 

 proffered honor. 



I beg you to convey to the Board my deep sense of obliga- 

 tions for their generous offer, and my strong desire that their 

 minds be directed to the choice of one younger, more vigorous 

 and competent than myself for this important post. 



With the highest respect, I subscribe myself, sincerely yours, 



EDWARD HITCHCOCK. 

 Hon. Amasa Walker, Secretary, SfC, c^*c., Boston. 



This letter was accepted, and the further consideration of 

 the subject postponed to the meeting to be held on the first 

 day of December then next ensuing. A committee of five was 

 chosen to report, at that meeting, the name of some suitable 

 person to act as Secretary of the Board. 



A committee was also appointed to consider the expediency 

 of preparing a manual on agriculture for the use of common 

 schools ; another, on the best means of promoting the interests 

 of agriculture in the State by public lectures. 



The Board met again on the first Wednesday of December. 

 At this time Mr. Wilder, from the committee on the nomina- 

 tion of a permanent Secretary, submitted the following report : 



The committee to whom was referred the nomination of a 

 permanent Secretary of this Board, respectfully report : That 

 the names of several distinguished persons have been present- 

 ed, and their qualifications have received the consideration of 

 the committee. 



The committee regret that they have not been able to agree 

 upon a nomination, and they respectfully ask for further time. 



In consideration, however, of the fact that the annual ab- 

 stract of the returns of the county societies, and the Report of 



