70 



REPORTS AKD ESSAYS. 



To render permanent and useful the information and suggestions 

 to be derived from the agricultural exhibitions so Hberallj encour- 

 aged by the bounty of the State, it has been properly required of all 

 the societies that they offer premiums for the best reports of com- 

 mittees. To encoiu-age habits of investigation, reflection and -com- 

 position, especially among the younger members of the societies, it 

 has also become customary to offer premiums for the best essays ou 

 specified subjects. 



The Committee on Reports and Essays for the year 1871 are ex- 

 ceedingly gratified with the number and excellence of the papers 

 presented for their examination, and find it very difiicult to decide 

 in a satisfactory manner how the awards should be made. Never- 

 theless, for reasons which they hope will be obvious to those wlws 

 read them, the first premium has been awarded to Prof. C. A. 

 Gcessmann for his very scientific and instructive report on Butter 

 and Cheese. 



Farm Superintendent J. C. Dillon claims the second premium for 

 his interesting and well-written report on Milch Cows, which is re- 

 plete with information and wise advice in regard to the selection and 

 treatment of dairy stock. Those who will visit him at the CoU^ge 

 wiU learu that he practices what he preaches, and that the animals 

 under his care appreciate the kind attentions they receive. 



Capt. J. L. Skinner's report on Jacks and Mules is deemed wor- 

 thy the third premium. His statements in regard to mules for 

 farm work are not exaggerated, and there can be no doubt of the 

 great advantages to be derived from their use in place of the more 

 expensive, shorter hved and comparatively tender horses now s« 

 commonly employed. 



The three clergymen, who have severally made valuable reports 

 upon Flowers, Fancy Articles and Bread, deserve each a premium, 

 l)ut as the committee have only one at their disposal they award th*' 



