In an enterprise altogether unattempted in our own country, it was 

 necessarily left in a great measure to the commissioner to determine 

 his own course of proceeding under the sanction of the Governor. 



He accordingly prepared a circular letter to the farmers of Mas- 

 sachusetts explaining his notions of the nature of the survey, and 

 pointing out in detail the various objects embraced by it. Of this 

 letter the Governor was pleased to signify his approbation. A copy 

 of it, he has now the honor to submit to the committee.* Of this 

 letter, the preparation of which required some labor, he caused 2,500 

 copies to be printed and distributed in various parts of the State. 

 Afterwards finding it indispensable in the prosecution of his inquiries, 

 he caused to be published and distributed extensively, wherever he 

 visited, a blank form of a Farm Report, a copy of which also, he 

 submits to the committee. f 



In the prospectus of the survey the chemical analysis of soils, 

 mineral manures found in the state, botanical productions, insects 

 and worms affecting crops, and forest trees, are put down as subjects 

 of inquiry. From these, by the instructions of the Executive, 

 he is excused, as they come immediately within the survey of other 

 departments. His duties, however, make them incidentally indis- 

 pensable objects of inquiry ; and they have accordingly in a degree 

 received his attention. 



It will be seen that the information sought after was not to be had 

 but from personal observation and direct intercourse with the farmers 

 themselves ; on their own premises ; by correspondence ; or wher- 

 ever they could be met with. He has accordingly undertaken to 

 visit every town in the Commonwealth. He has given it likewise 

 to be understood as his wish to visit every principal farm in every 

 town, the management of which promises to afford useful information. 

 In determining what particular farms to visit, it is obvious that he 

 must necessarily be directed by the advice or suggestions of others ; 

 but in order to avoid all invidiousness, he stated plainly, in the outset, 

 that unless prevented by extraordinary circumstances, he would visit 

 every farmer, who would invite him to his premises ; having a per- 

 fect confidence that he should find oftentimes as creditable and in- 



' Appendix B. t Appendix C. 



