107 



over the matter a good deal for the purpose of satisfying my- 

 self as to what the farm can accomplish. There is no doubt 

 that the land is capable of growing good roots and corn, and 

 that the pastures are better adapted to s/iee^; than for any other 

 purpose." 



Thus were his thoughts and his heart ever intent on the 

 promotion of the welfare of this Society and the agriculture of 

 the county. And more than once he placed at the disposal of 

 the committee on the farm a large sum of money for some 

 needed repairs or improvements on it, but at the same time 

 declined having his liberality made public. 



But enough has been said in enumeration of his services 

 here among his home friends. On a wider field as a member 

 of the old and honored Massachusetts Society for the promo- 

 tion of agriculture, and also of the State Board of Agriculture, 

 and as a frequent attendant on the agricultural meetings of 

 members of the Legislature, he accomplished great good for 

 the farmers of New England, by giving the results of his ex- 

 perience, observation and reading. His advice was always by 

 way of suggestion, never of dictation. Hence it was all the 

 more favorably received and the more readily followed. 



Whilst abroad too, his mind was on the alert in his long- 

 cherished pursuit. In one of his last letters, under date of 

 London, June 19, 1865, he writes to a friend : 



" Last Wednesday I went down to Oxford to a county agri- 

 cultural show, as I was curious to see my favorite breed of 

 sheep on exhibition, — the Oxford Downs, — and it was an easy 

 way to meet some of the exhibitors, all of whom I used to 

 know and many of them I have bought sheep from in days 

 gone by. In this respect the visit was an interesting one. 

 There was also some fine neat stock, particularly Short Horns, 

 which is the favorite breed in England. There were no milk- 

 ers there as good as many of your own, but as beef makers 

 there were many superb animals. There were few horses and 

 none of much account. The President of the Society insisted 

 on my staying to dinner, which was like those of our own, 



