MR. PKOCTOll's ADDRESS. 33 



The comparative value of crops raised for the feedini^ 

 of cattle, &c., has been a prominent object for which 

 premiums have been offered by this society, but without 

 producing any satisf\\ctory expeiiments. I'his would 

 seem to be an object deserving attention, as without 

 this knowledge the farmer is playing a game of chance, 

 without knowing the value of what he raises.* 



In bes owing the bounty of the State upon the Agri- 

 cultural societies, it was done on condition " that such 

 encouragement should be annually offered as seemed 

 best adapted to increase and perpetuate an adequate 

 supply of ship timber within the Commonwealth." The 

 letter of the condition has been complied with ; — but 

 what has been the result ? Where is the tree now grow- 

 ing that started into being in consequence of this boun- 

 ty ? Where is the cultivated plantation of oaks, even 

 to the extent of a single acre within the County ? Our 

 records show hundreds of dollars offered for their en- 

 couragement, and occasional awards for hopeful promi- 

 ses ; but I fear that the time is far distant, when it will 

 be in our power to use the fruits of these bounties in de- 

 fence of our shores. 



* In the report of the Commissioner of Patents, for 1843, p. 120, is the fol- 

 lowing tabular statement, whicii will afford some lio-ht, until we ascertain 



16 lbs. of hay is equal to 32 lbs. of potatoes ; and 14 lbs of boiled potatoes 

 will allow of the diminution of 8 lbs. of hay. 



5 . 



