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PvEPOirr OF SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE. 



Wc have been able to make but a partial survey of the County, 

 during the past year. Appointments were made as usual, but, 

 in several cases, they were interrupted by causes which it is un- 

 necessary here to detail. We take pleasure, however, in saying 

 that, in all those towns where meetings of the Committee were 

 held, we Avere received with cordiality, and every facility was 

 afforded us for the accomplishment of our object. In Dorchester, 

 jMilton, Franklin, Medfield, Dover and Needham, large numbers 

 of the Trustees and friends of the Society were assembled, who 

 manifested a lively interest in the purpose of our visit, and to 

 whom we are indebted for the most gratifying attentions. 



In these towns and elsewhere, we observed plain indications of 

 improvement in the modes of cultivating different crops ; in the 

 increase of various sorts of fruit ; in the drainage of wet and 

 reclaiming of waste lands ; in the condition and character of farm- 

 stock and farm-buildings. To any one familiar with the state of 

 agriculture in the County ten or fifteen years ago, there are ample 

 proofs at the present time, we think, of the influence of this Socie- 

 ty and of an enlarged and enlightened interest in the object which 

 it seeks to promote. And not less noticeable is it, that, to assist 

 in the labors or to supply the places of their fathers upon the 

 farm, many more young men are now coming forward, with the 

 promise of doing honor to their calling, and of sustaining a high 

 character as good farmers and good citizens. 



The subject of farm improvements, particularly by drainage, 

 has been brought to our minds with great force. We have 

 noticed, in some instances, large tracts of land in a comparatively 

 worthless state for want of thorough drainage, which are evident- 

 ly susceptible of great improvement, and might be rendered valu- 

 able and productive, without any large outlay of expense or labor. 

 We have observed other tracts, incumbered and disfigured with 

 needless walls, or with heaps of useless stones gathered from til- 

 lage grounds, which would help at once to enrich and beautify the 

 farm, if these walls and heaps of stones were buried out of sight, 

 or if, better still, they were used in constructing drains that are 

 plainly needed there. And, on the other hand, we have been 

 gratified with a view of once waste, swamp or bog lands converted 

 into smooth, fertile, and highly remunerative tillage or mowing 

 fields. We have seen a farm, once crowded with division walls, — 

 literally cumbering the ground, and constructed only for the pur- 

 pose of disposing of superabundant rocks and stones, — now pre- 



