Massachusetts has always taken a leading part in most of the great enter- 

 prises which mark the progress of society, and we trust that she will not 

 now hesitate to promote by her legislation an interest, which more than any 

 other will redound to her future glory and permanent prosperity. 



Gentlemen of the Convention, I congratulate you on the large attendance 

 of delegates, all of whom I am most happy to meet on this occasion, and I 

 doubt not that the results of this meeting will not only be productive of 

 good to ourselves, but it is hoped will be of some advantage to those who 

 may come after us. 



On motion of Rev. Mr. SEWALL, the following gentlemen were appointed 

 a Business Committee : Rev. C. C. SEWALL of Norfolk ; GEORGE DENNY 

 of Worcester ; PAOLI LATHROP of Hampshire ; J. W. H. PAGE of Bristol ; 

 B. V. FRENCH of Braintree ; ALLEN W. DODGE of Hamilton ; ISAAC DAVIS 

 of Worcester ; E. L. KEYES of Dedham, and Mr. SPRAGUE of Bristol. 



It was voted that an invitation be extended to the Governor, Lieutenant 

 Governor, members of the Council and both branches of the Legislature, to 

 ittend the afternoon and evening sessions of the Convention, and Rev. Mr. 

 SANGER of Dover, was appointed messenger to deliver the invitation. 



The Convention then adjourned to 3 P. M., to allow the Business Com- 

 mittee to attend to their duties. 



AFTERNOON SESSION. 



The Convention assembled in the Representatives Hall at 3 o'clock. 

 The attendance was quite large, and among those present were many of 

 the leading agriculturalists of the Commonwealth. 



Rev. Mr. SEWALL, from the Business Committee, reported for the delib- 

 eration of the Convention the following preamble and resolutions : 



Whereas, Agriculture, the parent of the Arts, is essential to the subsistence and 

 preservation of the human race, and embraces in itself the elements of national wealth 

 and power, therefore, be it 



Resolved, 1. That the encouragement and advancement of Agriculture should be 

 with us, as it has been with other civilized nations, a leading object of public regard, 

 to be cherished by a generous public sentiment, and liberally sustained by the re- 

 sources of the Commonwealth. 



Resolved, 2. That it is expedient to establish a Central Board of Agriculture, to be 

 :omposed of delegates from the various incorporated Agricultural Societies of the 

 Commonwealth, whose duty it shall be to meet semi-annually, or oftener, if it shall be 

 ieemed expedient, and to recommend to the several Societies uniform rules of action, 

 and to take into consideration all subjects pertaining to the interests of Agriculture. 



Resolved, 3. That, whether acting as individuals, or as Representatives, the citizens 

 of the Commonwealth are bound to encourage the application of science to all those 

 branches of industry which minister to human comfort and happiness, and thereby to 

 the wealth and prosperity of the State. 



Resolved, 4. That Agricultural Schools having been found, by the experience of 

 other nations, efficient means in promoting the cause of Agricultural Education, which 

 is so essential to the prosperity of farmers and to the welfare of communities, it be- 



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