FARMS. . 33 



The most humble farmer feels its benefit in the observation 

 and communication of such facts to the public as relate to im- 

 provements, 'to experiments, and their results. One farmer is 

 prompted by the example and success of another ; and so on 

 through a town more interest is manifested, as is evident from 

 general appearances, and the old superstitious notions of fol- 

 lowing in the footprints of their ancestors are thrown off. 



The committee have been called to visit but one farm during 

 the past year, and that of the second grade for which the soci- 

 ety offer premiums, owned by J. Addison Merriam, of Barre. 

 We would gladly refer the whole subject matter Of this case 

 to the statement of Mr. Merriam which accompanies this re- 

 port, if in so doing we could feel our duty fully discharged. 

 But something further seems to be required. The committee, 

 on visiting this farm, had their attention directed to the im- 

 provements upon a few acres which appeared to be such as to 

 do great credit to the owner, and will go down to posterity as 

 a reward for his labors. 



There was a doubt in the minds of the committee whether 

 or not it was good policy for a farmer to cultivate and improve 

 a few acres of his farm at the expense and neglect of the 

 many. Their conclusion was that it was an error that we see 

 too often, but hope the time is not distant when we shall see a 

 change in this respect. The man who improves his whole farm 

 is the one who ranks with the first class of farmers. We 

 should be glad to see more attention given by every farmer to 

 those expedients that dignify and adorn agriculture, so that it 

 should appear to the passer by, when he looks upon the neat 

 combination of shades and flowers, that a man lives there who 

 is something above a mere drudge and sloven — one, indeed, 

 who has taste and a cultivated mind. 



A description of the farm to which the committee award 

 the premium of eight dollars, together with a statement of its 

 products, is given by Mr. Merriam, and is herewith submitted. 



Josiaii White, Chairman. 



Tet^iisuam, November 15, 1854. 

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