8 



Take an example : 



We have 150,000 cows in this Commonwealth. Suppose science enal 

 these, or improved breeds, to yield one additional quart of milk per da 

 this, at three cents per quart, would increase the productive capital of t 

 State $4,500 per day, or $ 1,642,500 per year ; or if two quarts per d* 

 a gain of more than three million dollars annually. 



We have 70,000 horses in the State, and which might, by a better kno 

 ledge of the principles of breeding, be improved so as to command at le; 

 fifty dollars each more than they are worth at present ; this would increa 

 their value three millions and five hundred thousand dollars. Who dout 

 that with a better understanding of the laws of agricultural chemistry, a 

 the proper adaptation of crops and manures to the soil, that our cereal grai 

 might be increased ten bushels to the acre without additional expense ; tl 

 would add several millions of dollars to the present amount of products. 



Doubtless these results can be attained, or science is a chimera, and 

 the laws of animal and vegetable physiology a delusion. , 



It is susceptible of proof that the loss of manure in the Commonwea' 

 by misapplication and waste, is more than two millions of dollars per ye 

 Now suppose this enormous loss were appropriated scientifically, who c 

 estimate the additions which it would make to the products of the soil ? 



We need information in all these branches of husbandry. We have n 

 terials, but they need system, cooperation ; they need the encouragemt 

 and patronage of Government. We have already stated that we make 

 objections to what the Commonwealth has done for educational and cha 

 table purposes. Our Common School Fund now amounts to nearly a m 

 lion of dollars ; but great as are the blessings which have flowed from th 

 why should not a portion of the State income, from the same resoun 

 be appropriated for Agricultural Education ? 



With the view we have taken of the present condition of agriculture 

 this Commonwealth, is it not the imperative duty of all associations li 

 those we represent, to enlarge their fields of usefulness, and to awaken 

 possible, a more earnest interest not only in the minds of our State a 

 National legislators, but throughout all classes of the community on U 

 most important subject ? 



But, Gentlemen, I forbear from extending these remarks. 



In conclusion, if agriculture can be promoted by the application of s 

 ence, then it is the manifest duty of Government to extend to it the hand 

 protection. 



Massachusetts is world wide renowned for her system of education. I 

 her perfect it by extending it to all of her sons, to the farmer as well as 

 the professional man. Let her legislators take up the subject in earne 

 Let them look at the matter with no narrow or grudging policy, but w 

 generous and enlightened liberality. An appropriation now of a few the 

 sand dollars for this cause, will add; ultimately, millions to the product 

 capital of the State, and will be of more substantial benefit to her citize 

 than any similar appropriation ever made. 



