lis ON FAR5IS. 



As for insects, I have no idea they have any more connec- 

 tion with tlie rot in potatoes, than the birds that fly over* 

 them. 



North Danvers, Nov. 22d, 1851. 



ON FARMS. 



The Committee on Farms, in making their report, regret 

 that they cannot, from personal observation, speak more gen- 

 erally of the state of farming within the comity. We believe 

 there are many farms in our limits, as yet unknown, by report 

 of your Committees to the Society, well worthy of your com- 

 mendation ; from the inspection and report of which, in con- 

 nection with the statement of the management of their own- 

 ers, much valuable information would be derived, and the 

 cause of agriculture advanced. At present, with us, progress 

 in the cultivation of the soil depends very much upon the dis- 

 semination of the practical experiments of our best agricultur- 

 ists ; and until, by the introduction of schools designed to il- 

 lustrate the principles of science, as they are connected with the 

 cultivation of the earth, we cannot reasonably expect that gen- 

 eral improvement in agriculture, we desire, and believe attaina- 

 ble. Some few of the many farmers, will, by the application 

 of skill and science in their method of farming, distinguish 

 themselves by their increased and improved products : and to 

 these we must look as teachers, and to their statements, as text 

 books in farming, until the principles of agriculuire are taught 

 to our youth, as a part of their preparation for the active du- 

 ties of life. 



We have our schools for instruction in law, physic and di- 

 vinity, more or less patronized by the state ; and why should 

 the calling of the great body of the community, be without 

 its public school ? Is not this want, in a degree, chargeable 

 to our own remissness in urging upon the Legislature of the 

 Commonwealth, its duty in this respect. 



The only farm oflered for inspection, and premium, this year.-r 



