192 BOARD OF AGKICULTURP:. [Pub. Doc. 



secrets of nature. Along with the changes of soil come 

 changes of methods. Invention and machinery have largely 

 supplanted physical force. Men must cultivate their minds 

 and skill more than then, or they will not be abreast of the 

 times. Success means work in newer and different channels. 

 "Schools ought to be fitted to the requirements of hu- 

 manity," said a noted German philosopher. We think the 

 Massachusetts Agricultural College comes as near this as any 

 school in the State. Practical knowledge and experimental 

 work go hand in hand with theory and ethics. The student 

 not only sees beauty in the flower, but also in the processes 

 that bring it to perfection. He comes closely in touch with 

 nature. The influence of this educational and experimental 

 work cannot be measured by its curriculum or number of 

 graduates. It reaches out in a thousand different ways. Not 

 a farm or meadow, not a hilltop or valley in this State but 

 what has, directly or indirectly, felt its magic touch, or re- 

 ceived some benefit from its work. 



In conclusion, your committee would reiterate what it ex- 

 pressed in substance in last year's report, — its wish that 

 the people of Massachusetts interested in agricultural pur- 

 suits miffht come in closer touch and become more familiar 

 with the work of this institution, which is especially for 

 them. 



" The riches of the Commonwealth 

 Are strong, free minds and hearts of health ; 

 And more to her than wealth or gain, 

 The cunning hand and cultivated brain." 



Respectfully submitted, 



GEORGE CRUICKSHANKS. 

 E. A. HARWOOD. 

 JOHN BURSLEY. 

 C. K. BREWSTER. 

 W. B. BARTON. 



