SECRETARY'S REPORT. 43 



very few farmers in the State, and the proper mode of preparing and 

 applying them to different soils and to different crops has so many 

 phases that it is hardly too much to say that one man cannot under- 

 stand it in all its length and breadth. But if you bring together the 

 farmers of a town or district and discuss the matter fully, their various 

 experiences throw a flood of light upon the whole subject, and diffi- 

 culties are mastered by the aid of many minds, which would be 

 insurmountable to one. 



Again, the theory of rotation of crops, giving rest to the ground 

 and enabling it to put forth its full powers, increasing crops while it 

 saves the soil from exhavistion, requires many experiments, and can 

 only be proved to be correct — and consequently adopted — by the aid 

 of many minds. 



The writings of a Pickering, a Lowell, a Buel, a Downing, and the 

 essays of able cotcmporaries, do not, after all, reach many minds, and 

 really influence but a few thinking men who adopt their suggestions, 

 and apply them in their practice. But if you bring men together, 

 their effects are multiplied. Thought kindles thought, and one suc- 

 cessful experiment, leads to frequent imitation, so that, if the experi- 

 ment has been successful, not because of some axjcidental or concealed 

 cause, but becaiise it was founded on a sound theory, it becomes the 

 rule of action, and improves the condition of whole masses of men. 



The farmer feeds the nation, and without him society is impossible. 

 What a dignity does this give to his profession. But most fcirmers 

 look upon their labor as drudgery, and their sons escape from it into 

 the crowded avenues of the professions, or commerce, or trade ; yet 

 no calling is so conducive to mental and physical health. In no pur- 

 suit can he find so complete a development, so true a manhood. 



" JSTature is a bride to him who wins her," 



and in penetrating her secret arcana, he compels her choicest favors. 



Assemble the farmers then, and impress upon them these great 

 truths. Show them your experiences and your successes ; inoculate 

 them with the desire of progress ; bring them face to face with the 

 science of agriculture ; help them to explore its mysteries, to adapt its 

 formulas to their daily necessities ; induce them to take an active part 

 in these discussions and investigations, and you will inaugurate a real 

 progress. 



In this mode theory and practice will find their true relation. 



Public meetings, under the direction and control of the Board of 

 Agriculture, Avill best subserve this purpose. 



