xxii BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



much to the effectiveness of the work by preparing them- 

 selves in a measure for the visit of the enumerator, making 

 some investigation as to the yields and value of their crops 

 and the products of their flocks and herds. In this way 

 they will be prepared to answer the questions asked them 

 intelligently, making the work of the enumerator light, as 

 well as their own, and contributi)iof to an accurate and valu- 

 able census of the agricultural products of the Common- 

 wealth. 



Codification and Amendment of Laws. 



There is no question l)ut that the laws relating to the Board 

 of Agriculture, the agricultural societies and the system of 

 agricultural machinery in general might l)e improved by a 

 systematic revision and coditication. The Board would do 

 well to consider the question, and be prepared to present a 

 comprehensive plan for such a codification at no distant date. 

 In my judgment such a measure should provide for the bring- 

 ing of all the departments of the work of the State for agri- 

 culture under the direction of the Board. It should also 

 provide for a thorough revision of all the laws relating to 

 agriculture, and in particular allowing the agricultural soci- 

 eties to expend the money received as bounty from the Com- 

 monwealth in institute and demonstration work, the employ- 

 ment of expert judges, or in other ways for the improvement 

 of agriculture, providing that these meet the ap})r()val of the 

 Board. Tins would do away with the necessity of a society 

 holding a fair, if in the judgment of its officers and officials 

 of the Board of Agriculture it could do more effective work 

 for agriculture in some other manner. There are numerous 

 minor changes which would bo found to be desira))le, and 

 which could be included in such an act without possibility of 

 objection from any (juarter. 



Respectfully submitted, 



J. LEWIS KLLSWORTII, 



Secretary. 

 Boston, Jan. It, 1900. 



