350 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



I. They show us an extraordinary increase of interest in 

 Europe, on the subject of Agricultural Schools, within a few 

 years past. . . . 



VI. European Agricultural Schools have taught us some 

 important lessons. . . . 



VII. The lowest class of schools in Europe, the Inferior, 

 are not needed in Massachusetts. . . . 



VIII. We learn that those agricultural institutions succeed 

 best which are started and sustained by the mutual efforts and 

 contributions of individuals, or societies, and of the govern- 

 ment. . . . 



IX. We learn, from European experience, that independent 

 agricultural institutions are essential to accomplish the object 

 which is aimed at, . . . 



X. Essentially the same reasons, and of greater force, exist 

 for the establishment of Agricultural Schools in this country, 

 as in Europe. . . . 



XL We have, in this country, several advantages over 

 Europeans, for establishing Agricultural Schools. , . . 



XII. The conclusion to which my own mind has been 

 brought, by these investigations, is, that Massachusetts should 

 lose no time in taking hold of the business of agricultural 

 education, efficiently and liberally. 



I can hardly doubt, from all that I have seen and heard for 

 the last ten years, that there is a strong desire and expectation 

 that the Legislature should move in this matter without delay. 

 I have heard it talked about almost everywhere; it has formed 

 the burthen of a large part of the addresses delivered at the 

 annual agricultural fairs; and at least two gentlemen, at their 

 decease, have left splendid legacies for founding such schools, 

 — one at Eoxbury, and the other at Northampton. I refer to 

 Hon. Benjamin Bussey, and Oliver Smith, Esq., of Hatfield, 

 How soon the legacy of the former can be brought into use, 

 for a school at Eoxbury, I know not ; but that of Mr. Smith 

 will not be available for more than half a century. Yet let no 

 one fear that we shall have too many schools of this descrip- 

 tion. . . . 



The first question that arises, is, What are the objects we 

 may hope to attain by founding agricultural schools in the 

 State ? 



I reply, and here I must be pardoned for a repetition of some 

 sentiments, — 



