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And, much as has been done for the cause of agriculture in the 

 county and the commonwealth, the agricultural community is not 

 yet thoroughly awakened to its real interest ; nor universally in- 

 structed in a wise and profitable use of the means of growth and 

 progress which are actually in its i:»ossession. The reason, 

 probably, is, that so many farmers are not otherwise open to the 

 influence of agricultural associations, than as a chance attendance 

 u})on some annual sliow may benefit them ; or to the stores of in- 

 formation scattered from the agricultural press, than as an 

 occasional, hasty perusal of a newspaper, or the conversation of 

 enlightened neighbors, may arrest their attention. 



We invite, therefore, the hearty cooperation of all the farmers 

 in the county, and of all others, whose interests are intimately 

 connected with theirs, in the work to which this Society is pledged. 

 We proffer to them the benefit of whatever advantages its associ- 

 ations and labors afford. We solicit the counsels and endeavors 

 of all, in whose judgment the results yet produced by the Society 

 are not what they might and ought to have been, to guide and 

 regulate its future movements. We recommend to the members 

 of the Society to use more active measures to spread correct 

 views of its character and purpose ; and to create and foster, by 

 their own zeal and energy, a general spirit of improvement in the 

 knowledge and practice of good husbandry. We desire to see 

 Noi'folk County foremost, if possible, in the cultivation and pro- 

 ducts of her soil ; keeping pace, in agricultural and horticultural 

 improvement, with the increase of her population and enlargement 

 of her wealth, and the consequent demands upon intelHgent, in- 

 dustrious and skilful labor. 



It is much to be regretted that the information solicited by the 

 Committee from the farmers of the county, has not been furnished 

 from more numerous sources. The diffusion of such information 

 is well calculated to correct errors of judgment or practice, and 

 to extend the knowledge of enlightened views and successful 

 methods of cultivation. It would seem, therefore, to be the duty 

 and interest of every member of the Society to communicate, 

 readily, whatever principles or facts he may have gathered from 

 experience or from observation and study, that he may thus right- 

 fully share the benefits of a large common stock of knowledge re- 

 lating to husbandry. 



We have, however, received valuable communications from 

 several farmers, distinguished for intelligence, skill and success. 

 These communications, somewhat abridged and condensed to con- 

 form to our limits, are hereto appended. And while we return 

 to their authors our cordial acknowledgments for the favor, we 

 would also express the confident belief that the community will be 

 benefitted by a knowledge of their practice and experience. 



