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REPORT OF THE SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE. 



It \\\\\ be remembered that, at the last Annual Meeting, -when 

 the appointment of this Committee was made, it was sugi^csted 

 that it would be useful for us to visit certain towns where agricul- 

 tural improvements were progressing, and more than ordinary in- 

 terest and zeal in good husbandry were manifest. We, accord- 

 ingly, addressed circulars to the Trustees in several towns, advis- 

 ing them of our readiness to comply with any invitation extended 

 to us, and requesting that, if it were deemed expedient, they 

 would select certain farms for our inspection, and inform us of the 

 time when our presence would be most convenient and desirable. 

 We, also, enclosed a series of questions, answers to some, at least, 

 of which would be exceedingly desirable, to enable us to judge 

 more accurately of the condition of any farm we might visit, and 

 to place before the Society more useful information respecting any 

 methods and results of successful farming in various parts of the 

 county. We have to say, with regret, that no replies to these 

 circulars were received, and that only two applications were made 

 to the Committee, after a general call upon the Society, through 

 one of the county newspapers. Our report, therefore, respecting 

 the inspection of particular farms, and observation of any special 

 methods and results of farming in the county, will be very brief. 



Before proceeding to the main purpose in hand, we would ex- 

 press our apprehension that the appointment of so numerous a 

 Committee is, in many cases, a hindrance to the accomplishment 

 of the object in view. The attendance of the whole Board may 

 not be expected at any given time or place. Yet, the fact that 

 they are to be notified of every meeting, and may, if they choose, 

 attend, may deter some farmers from solicting the service of the 

 Committee, on account of the inconvenience of providing for so 

 large a number of visitors. There may be instances where the 

 attendance of a large number of gentlemen interested in agricul- 

 tural pursuits, may be particularly desirable to the person whose 

 farm is to be viewed. There may be an advantage in having a 

 multitude of counsellors, when advice is sought for in respect to 

 any contemplated improvement, or in determining the utility of 

 any particular method of cultivation. Greater benefit may result 

 from the discussion of some agricultural topics, if a public meet- 

 ing were to be held, for the purpose, in conjunction with the visits 

 of the Committee. But, if the main object be to obtain a report 

 of the present condition of agriculture in the county, of improve- 

 ments made by individual farmers, or of the special methods and 



