ADVERTISEMENT. XV 



which doubtless exerts a wholesome influence in causing them to be prepared 

 not merely for rhetorical effect, but for profitable perusal in print. 



It is probable that in Massachusetts we have as enlightened and skilful cul- 

 tivators of the soil, as in any other section of the Union. It is gratifying on 

 such a point to meet with such a testimony from a highly intelligent source, 

 as that recently borne by Benjamin P. Johnson, Corresponding Secretary of 

 the New York State Agricultural Society. "Look at Massachusetts, that 

 noble Commonwealth. Look at her agricultural associations, sustained and 

 patronized by the Government, and witness the results of their efforts. The 

 Empire State is indebted to Massachusetts for almost every superior imple- 

 ment of husbandry ; and her agricultural products, upon a soil far less fertile 

 and favorable for cultivation than ours, are such as to require the most im- 

 proved and efficient system of husbandry to equal her."* Nor can it be ques- 

 tioned, that to the efforts of our agricultural societies is to be attributed, in a 

 great measure, the general advancement in practical agriculture among us. 

 They have encouraged by premiums, and stimulated by honorable competition. 

 They have excited greater interest in the objects of agricultural labor, diffused 

 information respecting it among the people, and elevated the standard of good 

 husbandry. 



By the legislative act of last year, an additional impulse is provided to im- 

 provement in agricultural science and practice. It remains for the several 

 societies to make it availing for its object. To the wise and efficient exertion 

 of the managers of these institutions must the State look for the cooperation 

 of their members and of the receivers of their premiums, in furnishing such 

 information connected with agriculture as will reflect credit on the institutions 

 themselves, and on the Commonwealth. 



The volume prepared for the present year is, of necessity, imperfect in the 

 amount and value of its contents. It contains, however, many facts, that, in 

 the words of the Act, " are worthy of public notice, study and application." 

 A French statesman lately said, " France is a soldier." Whether, on occa- 

 sion, Massachusetts has been able to assert that character, her history for two 

 centuries may show. The Statistics, just published, of the produce of the 

 mechanical skill of the Commonwealth, may be thought to justify the far more 

 satisfactory eulogium, Massachusetts is a manufacturer and a merchant. In 

 the Reports of her Board of Education, as well as in the fruits of the studies 

 of her citizens, is some evidence that Massachusetts pretends to be a scholar. 

 Such publications as the present may lead the reader beyond her borders to 

 suspect that, in the face of some natural discouragements, Massachusetts has 

 energy enough to be a farmer. And he needs only a better acquaintance with 

 her condition, to learn that the farm-houses, that, speck her shallow and rugged 

 soil, breed men to make her honor and prosperity in all the walks of life. 



In the preparation of the volume, as a first experiment in this Common- 

 wealth, it was thought judicious to study brevity ; and a leading principle in 



* Transactions of the New York Agricultural Societies for 1843, p. 397. 



