104 



made with as much exactness as the nature of the case admitted, ol 

 the agricuhural produce of the town of Pittsfield. I was anxious, 

 in order to give a just and impartial view of the husbandry of the 

 slate, to obtain, from some prominent town in each county, such re- 

 turns as are here presented. I have, to a degree, succeeded, in re- 

 spect to Berkshire, f'ranklin, Middlesex and Worcester ; and I can- 

 not but express the hope that they will induce the Legislature to 

 procure such returns occasionally, say once in five years, from every 

 town in the Commonwealth. The value of such statistics to the 

 public would be very great ; and their influence upon the habits of 

 our farmers, in leading to exactness of measurement and calculation, 

 inquiry and observation would confer an immense benefit. 



Inaccuracies may have crept into the estimates. This could not 

 be avoided ; and in a first attempt there are always difficulties to be 

 encountered, which disappear on a second trial ; but every effort has 

 been exerted to make it as true as under the circumstances it could 

 be. On the original document the name of every farmer is given ; 

 but as it might lead to invidious comparisons or remarks, or wound 

 the diffidence of some, if I should give the names to the public, I 

 avoid it. I am exceedingly desirous during the progress of the sur- 

 vey, that my intercourse with the farmers should be as free as possi- 

 ble ; I am desirous, likewise, that any statement which I give to the 

 public should rest upon responsible authority. But I shall never 

 give a name to the public without express permission, or in a case 

 where, I think, consent, if asked, would be withheld. 



