Objects and Work. 
421 
much, by showing that they are theriiselves interested; that men of 
education and position think agriculture worthy to be thought about 
and talked about, and not be regarded as simply a disagreeable 
means of securing a livelihood. 
I name three methods of work for the congress. First, and in 
-some sense chief, by popular meetings, usually held once a year. 
There is power and influence in the sayings and doings of represen¬ 
tative bodies of men assembled together “ with one accord in one 
place.” These meetings may discuss general topics, or, on occa¬ 
sion, special topics on which it is desirable to collect information 
or to stimulate and express public opinion. Second, by publishing 
its transactions, it will not be necessary to infringe on the province 
of national or state associations, but by presenting in a cheap yet 
permanent form the addresses and other actions of the annual meet¬ 
ings, a good which it is difficult to fully estimate, may be done in 
a series of years. As an illustration, I need only refer to the ad¬ 
dresses at the present meeting. It is not mere boasting to say that 
in no other way can an equally good knowledge of the history, 
progress and present position of our agriculture as a whole, and es¬ 
pecially in some of its great specialties, be so readily and conveni¬ 
ently obtained as by a careful reading of what has been spoken dur¬ 
ing this meeting. Third, I name special investigations by commis¬ 
sions or individual members. This branch would not be prominent 
in the near future perhaps, but it might ultimately become import¬ 
ant and effective. It is not probable the association would ever find 
it advisable to assume the management of agricultural exhibitions. 
In each of the ways named, the congress can exert a healthful and 
important influence in increasing our store of information, in stim¬ 
ulating interest, and in forming and concentrating public opinion 
on matters requiring action, legislative or individual. 
As most nearly representing my ideal of the future of this con¬ 
gress, I would name some of our national associations of a scien¬ 
tific nature. As in them, so in this, I would have a division into 
sections for the more careful consideration of a variety of topics for 
which there might not be time nor opportunity before the general 
body. 
That the work proposed may be done effectively, the congress 
needs an increased membership. It now relies, and I hope'always 
will rely, for its funds solely on voluntary membership fees. It asks 
