IG BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



culture and farming, from the practical raising of the indis- 

 pensable fowl to the omnipotent horse. 



We are gratified to have the honor of the convention in 

 this place at this time. Although a gathering of this kind 

 requires much work from different conmiittees, the benefit 

 derived from such social and mental intercourse is most 

 advantageous, both in the promotion of agriculture and the 

 advancement of higher motives in all industries. 



As you Avell know, Athol is a manufacturing town. It 

 is pleasant to say that our manufactories are flourishing. 

 Aside from the grave labor problem of the country, we enjo}^ 

 good times. At least ten of our factories have been estab- 

 lished in their present location for man}^ j^ears, and their 

 growth has been constant with each successive year. The 

 younger concerns have rapidly fallen into file, and are proving 

 themselves wortlw. But do not fear " to sow your seed in 

 sandy soil." There is })lenty of rich soil and pasture land 

 to be found among; the hills when the farming understand- 

 ingrs are but awakened. And it is our earnest desire that 

 oiu" hospitalit}' will so meet your pleasure that we shall 

 receive your help in planting profitably along these lines of 

 modern aoriculture. 



*e5 



responsp: for the state board of agriculture, 

 by firsr vice-president william r. sessions. 



In replying to this very cordial welcome from the people 

 of Athol, — by the mayor, if I may call the chairman of the 

 selectmen such, — I shall detain ^ou but a few moments. 



We recognize in Massachusetts the value of C()-o})eration. 

 The larmers of Massachusetts de})end on the communities for 

 a market for their products, and tlie Board of Agriculture in 

 its past action has endeavored to so conduct its meetings 

 as to make them of interest, a part of them at least, to 

 such communities ; and the programme which is presented 

 to you to-day has for this evening's lecture one which is 

 of as nmch interest to the manufacturing people and to the 

 mercantile people as to the farmers. Some of the other 

 lectures are more particularly agricultural, as is perfectlj' 

 proper. 



