6 



the investigations of its members and the publication of 

 their experience, thus not only teaching each other, but mak- 

 ing the knowledge of one the property of all. 



And here it may be stated, that, twenty-five years ago, the 

 agricultural literature of the country was far from being 

 creditable to us. Most of the works of ability were reprints 

 of English publications, and were not generally read, or 

 adapted to our location. The Board has contributed largely 

 to the improvement of the agricultural literature of the 

 country, raising it to a much higher standard of merit, until 

 now it stands on a par with that of any other science. 



Among the labors of the Board it should also be remem- 

 bered that it early instituted an elaborate series of farm 

 experiments. 



It originated the law for the protection of sheep, which 

 has also been adopted by many other States. 



It effected legislation for the organization and encourage- 

 ment of farmers' clubs, which are now so popular and useful. 



Twenty years ago it was difficult to get an audience of 

 farmers to listen to the most distinguished scientific men, 

 like Agassiz and Johnson: now farmers will go great dis- 

 tances to hear lectures from such men upon agriculture. 



It originated the law for the inspection of fertilizers, and 

 appointed the State agricultural chemist. 



And, as a crowning glory, it arrested the progress of that 

 dreadful scourge, the pleuro-pneumonia, and extirpated it from 

 our State. Had it not been for the united and persistent 

 action of the Board, it probably would here, as in Europe, 

 have devastated not only our own, but other States, at a loss 

 of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars. But 

 who that is cognizant of these facts can doubt that this action 

 of the Board with reference to that disease was worth more 

 to the State and the country than many times the cost of 

 our department from the beginning, or the expenses of sus- 

 taining it longer than any of us shall live ? 



In regard to the influence of the Board, we have a striking 

 illustration of the power of association as stated by Mr. 

 Webster. " The great truth of the present generation," 

 said he, " is that public improvements are brought about by 

 voluntary combinations and associations." So it has been in 

 the operations of this Board. 



