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 MW-YORK STATE AGRICULTURAl SOCIETY 
 
 1844 
 
 
 ARRANGEMENT tor DIFFUSING AGRICULTURAL KNOWLEDGE 
 
 THROUGH THE INSTRUMENTALITY OF 
 
 COMMON SCHOOLS AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES, 
 
 WITH THE CO-OPERATION of the OFFICERS OF THE COMMON-SCHOOL ORGANIZATION- 
 
 TOGETHER WITH THE 
 
 PEEMIUM LIST AND KEGULATIONS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 ANNUAL PAIR AND CATTLE SHOW. 
 
 (TRIAL OF IMPLEMENTS AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FAIR, ON TUESDAY THE 17th : 
 GENERAL CATTLE-SHOW AND FAIR ON THE 18th AND 19th.) 
 
 (Concerning; the Annual Fair and Catttle Show at Poughkeepsie in 1844.) 
 
 Circular from the officers of the State Society concerning arrangements, &c. Page 3 
 
 Premium List— Premiums for Farms, Books, Essays, Experiments, &c. 4 
 
 Premiums and Judges on Cattle and Horses, 6 
 
 Premiums on Mules, Sheep, Swine, Implements, Dairy, Sugar, &c., 
 
 Premiums on Silk, Domestic Manufactures, Fruits, Flowers &c. 7 
 
 Premiums for Plowing Match, Field Crops, &c., &c., 7 
 
 Corapctition from other STates — Regulations, &c. 8 
 
 (In reference to Agricultural Education :) 
 
 Proceedings at the Origin of the Alovement in the Annual Meeting of 1844 Page 9 
 
 Committee appointed, and Premiums offered for Essays and Books, 10 
 
 Proceedings of the State Convention of School Superintendents, 10 
 
 Action of the Executive Committee of thi- State Agricultural Society on the subject, 10 
 
 Keport of the lion John Greig, chairman of the committee of publication, 11 
 
 Opinions of the State Deputy Superintendent of Common Schools, 12 
 
 Letter from Dr. T. Romeyn KecU, of Albany— from Dr. D P. Gardner of New- York, 12 
 
 Letters of Dr. A. J. Prime, of Newburgh — and of John J. Thomas, of Wayne county, 14 
 
 Communication from the Hon. DhiucI Lee, Ch:iiriii:in of the Committee on Ag. in the Assembly, •• IS 
 
 Letters from T. C. Peters, of Genesee— and frmn L. B. Lanpworthy of Monroe, 15 
 
 Remarks of Siinford Howard of Albany — and of I\l. B. Bateham, of Rochester, 18 
 
 Opinion of Gerrit Smith — and,a letter from Henry Barnard of Connecticut, 19 
 
 Opinions in New England — from the editors of the Boston Courier and Mass. Plowman, 21 
 
 Letter from Mr. Colo, of Ihe Hoston Cultivator; ami from Messrs. Harper of New-York, 21 
 
 Concluding Proceedings of the Exec. Committee, and Remarks of Dr. Beekman, 23 
 
 Resolutions of Ale.x. Walsh, Esq., and a notice from the Hon. John Greig, 24 
 
 Opinion of Mr. Wadsworth, Ex-Prcsident State Agricultural Society, 24 
 
 ALBANY : 
 
 FR0 11 THr. 8TEAM PRBSS OP C. VAN BENTHUYSEN & CO. 
 
 1844. 
 
 i: 
 
J 1844. 
 
 NEW-YORK STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
 
 RRAUEMEMS FOR DIFFUSING AGRICULTURAL KNOWLEDGE 
 
 THROUGH THE INSTRUMENTALITY OF 
 
 COMMOx\ SCHOOLS AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES, 
 
 WITH THE CO-OPERATION of the OFFICERS OF THECOMMON-SCHOOL ORGANIZATION. 
 
 TOGETHER WITH THE /O 
 
 PREMIUM LIST AND REGULAp 
 
 OF THE \^ 
 
 ANNUAL FAIR AND CATTLE SHOW.\^ ^-^/^^ 
 
 (TRIAL OF IMPLEMENTS AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FAIR, ON TUESDAY TSB«a»r-" 
 GENERAL CATTLE-SHOW AND FAIR ON THE I8th AND I9lh.) 
 
 (Concerning the Annual Fair and Catttle Show at Poughkcepsie in 1S44.) 
 
 Tirctilir from thf officers of thf State Society concerninj arrangements, &c. Page S 
 
 Piemium Li»t— Prpmiums for Farm?, Fooliii, E^sayy, Kxperiments, Ac. 4 
 
 Premiums a nri Judges on Cattle and Hor^es, ' ft 
 
 Premium^ on Mult s, sheei', Swine, Implements, Dairy, Sugar, 4,c., 6 
 
 Premiums on Silk, Domestic Mauulaclures, Fruits Flowers &c. 7 
 
 Premiums for Plowing Match, Fi«'ld Crops, &.c., Ace, 1 
 
 ComiHftiiiun from other States— Kegulations, &.c. 8 
 
 (In reference to Agricultural Education:) 
 
 Proceedings at the Origin of ti.e Movement in tin- Annual Meeting of Ib44 Page » 
 
 Commitlre apnointed, and Premiums offered lor Essays and Books, 10 
 
 I'roCeedingi' of lae >tato Convfution of School Superintendents, 10 
 
 Action of the Executive Committee of th'- Stale Agricultural Society on the subject, 10 
 
 };eport of li.e Hon Ji.hn Greip, chairman of the committee of publication, 11 
 
 Opinion-* of the State Depoiy Superintendent of Common Sihools, >3 
 
 L'lUT from Dr T. Kome>n Keik, of Albany— fiom Dr. D P. Gardner of New-VorU, Vi 
 
 Lelter> of Dr. A. J. Piinie, of Newhuigh — and of John J. Thomas, of Wayne county. 14 
 
 Communicaiioii from the Hon Dai iel Lee, Cliaiimau of the Conimittee on Ag. in the Assembly, •• IS 
 
 Li'tters from T. C. Peters, of Genesee — and fniiii L. B Lanpwoithy of Monroe, ■. 14 
 
 Keiiiaiks of S^nford Howard ol Albany— and of M. B. Baiehxm, of Kochester, 18 
 
 Op'iiion of Gerrit Smiih— and a l-lier from Henry Barnard of Connecticut, 19 
 
 Oi'inious in New Knuland— Irom the editors of the Hoston Courier and Mass. Plowman, SI 
 
 Letter Iroiii Mr. Cole, of the Koston Cultivator; an>i from Messrs. Harper of New York, 21 
 
 Concluding Proceedings of the Kjtec. Committee, and Remarks of l>r. Heekman, 23 
 
 Besoliition* of Alex. VValsh, E^q., and a notice from the Hon. John Ureig, 24 
 
 Opinion of Mr. WadsworiU, Ex-President State Agricultural Society, 2* 
 
 ALBANY : 
 
 VBOX THE STEAM PRESS OF C. VAIf BERTHUYBEV & CO. 
 
 1844. 
 
OFFICERS OF THE STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY— 1844, 
 
 
 JOHN P. BEEKMAN, Columbia, President. 
 Vice- Presidents. 
 
 Ist rist.— JAMES LENNOX, New-York. 
 
 2J Di>t.— THOMAS L. DAVIES, Pou;rhkeepsie, Dutches*. 
 
 3(1 Dist.— JOEL B. NOTT, Guilderlaml, Albany. 
 
 4lh Disl.— JOHN SAVAGE, Salem, Uashinsjion. 
 
 6lh Dist.— EDMUND KIRBY, Brownvilie, Jefferson. 
 
 6lh Dist.— GEORGE J. PQMPELLY, Owego, Tiotra. 
 
 7ih Dist.— H. S. RANDALL, CoMliiml Vi!iay:e, Cortland. 
 
 8lh Di.t.— RAWSON HARMON, Jr. Wheatland, Monroe. 
 
 BENJAMIN P. JOHNSON. Rome, Cor. Secretaru^ 
 •^ HENRY O'RIELLY, Albany, Pec. Secretary. 
 
 THOMAS HILLHOUSE, Albany, Treasurer. 
 .Associate Directors. 
 
 G. WILKINSON, Pou£?hkeepsie. 
 J. M'D M'INTYRE, Albany. 
 GEORGE VAIL. Troy, 
 ALEX. WALSH, Lansingburgh. 
 JOEL RATHBONE, Albany. 
 
 The above.named ofTicers constitute the Executive Committee, the sessions of which 
 Contimitlee are held regularly on the second Thursday of each month, in the Agricul- 
 tural Hall, Old Slate-House, Albany. The regular meetings of the Society are held in Alba- 
 ny in January, for the election of officers, and at such other place ag the Cattle-Show may be 
 held in September. Special meetings of the Execu'ive Committee are called by the President 
 wheneveii occasion requires. The Hall of the Society is open at all times (except the Sab- 
 bath,) for receivinif visitors; and the extensive Geological Collection resulting from the State 
 Survey, is included in the same edifice — free also for public examination. Officers and mem- 
 bers of Agricultural Societies, Superintendents of Schools in the towns and counties, and all 
 others who feel interested in promoting Agricultural education and improvement, are invited 
 to visit the Hall when sojourning in Albany. 
 
 Meetings of Friends of Agriculture, commenced last winter, will be continued during eachses' 
 sion of the Legislature — many members of which body, as well as other persons visiting Albany 
 from different parts of the Stale, are usually found attending the Agricultural Meetings. 
 
 COMMITTEES FOR THE ANNUAL FAIR, APPOINTED BY THE JOINT MEETING 
 AT POUGHKEEPSIE, JULY 11, 1844. 
 
 On Arrangements generally Joel Rathbone of Albany, Frederick J. Belts of Newburgh, and 
 
 Henry O'Reilly of Albany. 
 
 On Arrangements at the Place of Exhibition — Alexander Walsh of Lansingburgh, E. P. Prentice 
 of Albany, Thos. L. Davies of Poughkeepsie, Benj. P. Johnson of Rome, Luther Tucker 
 of Albany, George Vail of Troy, and N. Sweet of Poughkeepsie. 
 
 On the Transportation of Stock to the Fair — Messrs. Vassar and Wilkinson of Poughkeepsie, Be- 
 ment and Hillhouse of Albany, Vail of Troy, Walsh of Lansingburgh, Beekman of Kinder- 
 hook, and O'Reilly of Albany. 
 
FUR AXD CITTLE-SUOW 
 
 OF THE 
 
 NEW-YORK STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, 
 
 AT POUGHKEEPSIE, SEPT. 17, 18, AND 19, 1844 
 
 The Annual Exhibitions of the State Society, 
 It is already well iinown to the public, are stea- 
 dily increasing in intere>t and importance. The 
 Fairs held within the last three years at Alba- 
 ny. Syracuse and Rochester, have proved every 
 way siUisfactory. The exhibition at Rochester, 
 particularly, was attended by immense thrones 
 from ilifferent sections, olthis slate, an 1 by large 
 representations from several other stales, as 
 well as from the neighboring British Provinces. 
 
 The next Fair, to be held at Pougii'.eejjsie, 
 will doubtless surpass any o(" its predecessors, 
 if we may judge from the interest excited and 
 the arrangements in progress. The facilities of 
 reaching that place by water communication, 
 will greatly promote the convenience of persons 
 who have articles to exhibit, as well as of visit- 
 ors generally. The numerous excellent steam- 
 boats on the Hudson offer ready access and 
 egress, which will pi event inconvcfience fronil 
 over-crowded hotels — enabling visitors to spend j 
 a day at the Fair, and return homeward in the 
 evening. Visitors leaving New- York or Albany ' 
 in the morning boats, will be able lo take eve- 1 
 ning boats homeward, alter spending eight or 
 ten hours at the Fair: so that, with the reason-] 
 able charges and excellent fare on the steam- 
 boats, and the arrangements of the State Society 
 in connection with the liberal preparations of the 
 citizens of Poughkeepsie, (including the facili- 
 ties forvisitins VVestpoint, Nevvburgh. and other 
 places where good hotels may also be found.) 
 the fullest confidence may be fell that the thou- 
 sands who annually visit the Slate Fairs, will| 
 be satisfactorily accommodated this year, whe- 
 ther they remain during the whole days of the| 
 Fair or spend merely a few hours on their route! 
 up or down the Hudson. 
 
 The example of former ye.irs enables the offi-' 
 cers of the Slate Society to remedy some incon-l 
 veniences heretofore experienced; and the elfi- 1 
 cient police that will be maintained, wth the 
 improved mode of arrangiiig the groun Is ani] 
 buildinss for the Fair ami Cattle Show, must 
 render the exhibition more than usually satis- 
 factory to families visiting the place in car- 
 riases and othenvise. 
 
 In a idition to the multitude of premiumsspe- 
 cifically otfered, many discretionary premiuim 
 will be awarded by the committee on non-enu- 
 
 merated articles, so that persons who have arti= 
 Ides of any kind proper for exhibition or com- 
 [petition on such an occasion, may feel assured 
 
 that their articles will be properly considered itt 
 I the Reports and Premiums. 
 
 1 Premiums are also offered specifically for 
 competition among animals of various kinds 
 {from other slates; and the premiums for Books 
 on Agricultural Improvement, and for improved 
 farming implements, are also thrown open for 
 competition to the citizens of other States. Va- 
 rious membeis of examinins commilfes ares •- 
 lected from New-England, New-Jersey, Penn- 
 sylvania, iiic ; from which states, it is hoped, 
 there will be sent to the State Fair mnny spe- 
 icimens of improved breeds and agricultural im- 
 plements. 
 
 I It may not be improper to add, in this con- 
 nection, that many eminent Agriculturists and 
 jPublic Officers from other Stales will be pre- 
 jsent, and participate in the proceedings of the 
 jFair, as in former years; and that meetings of 
 ithe frien Is of agriculture will be held during 
 |lhe -venings of the Fair, a? well as on the show 
 jground during the last day, for the purpose of 
 !inierchanging opinions on subjects connected 
 twith the procress of agriculture in thisand other 
 states of the Union. 
 
 I It is hoped that friends of Agriculture in all 
 sections of this and the neighboring states, (and 
 [especially the conductors o( the press, whnse 
 presence is invited to the greatest practicable 
 extent,.! will exert their influence in arousing 
 attention among their neighbors lo the sati>fac. 
 lion and advanlase which may be derived from 
 attending exhibitions like those at the Annual 
 Fairs and Cattle Shows of the New- York State 
 Agricultural Society. 
 
 Deputations are respectfully invited from the 
 Agricultural Soci^ties in other states, as well as 
 
 ifromthe County Societies in this state. Parti- 
 
 |Cular attention will be paid to the arrangements 
 for accommodating the ladies in the exhibition 
 
 .of articles of domestic economy; and such order 
 will be preserved as may enable all to examine 
 
 ;ihe articles ixhibited, without confusion from 
 
 icrowos. 
 
 I JOHN P. BEEKMAN, Prest. 
 
 [ Henry C'REitLy, Rec. Sec. 
 
STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
 
 PREMIUM LIST. 
 
 MANAGEMENT OF FARMS. [ 
 
 For skill and improvement in the management 
 of a farm, taking into view the land, stock and 
 produce, with all the appendages, I 
 
 First premium, a gold medal— Second and 
 third, silver medals. I 
 
 No premium will be awarded unless an accu- 
 rate description of the farm and statement of 
 the crops, &c., with all the expense of the man- 
 agement and profit of the farm, is furnished. 
 These premiums will be awarded only to those 
 whose farms are improved in a manner that 
 lenders them examples worthy of imitation. 
 
 JuDGF.s — On Farms — J. P. Beekman, Kinder- 
 hook; J. S. Wadsworth, Geneseo; Thomas Hill- 
 house, Albany. 
 
 BOOKS AND ESSAYS FOR PUBLICATION. 
 
 For the best series of Essays on the impor- 
 tance of scientific knowledge in prose- 
 cuting successfully the ordinary pursuits 
 of Agriculture, $100 
 
 For the best Text-book on Agriculture, lor | 
 the use of schools, • 100 
 
 For the best essay on Farm Management, 
 including ail the details connected with ] 
 the successful management of a farm,. . 20 
 
 For the best essay on the Rotation of 
 Crops adapted to the climate of Ibis | 
 state, 20 
 
 For the best essay on Subsoil Plowing, 
 with the results of acual experiments in i 
 the slate of New- York, 20| 
 
 For the best essay on the Culture and j 
 ManuHtciure of Silk, , 20 
 
 For the best essay on the cultivation of the \ 
 Apple, for exportation as well as domes- 
 tic use, 20j 
 
 EXPERIMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS 
 IN AGRICULTURE. 
 
 Turning under Green Crops. 
 
 For the most satisfactory experiment of turn- 
 ing under green crops as a manure, on not less 
 than one acre of land, with adetailed statement 
 of tie whole process in writing, $10 — For the 
 second best, 2 vols. Trans. 
 
 Preparation and .Application of Manures. 
 Best experiment in the preparation and appli- 
 cation of manures, with a detailed statement of 
 the expense and all matters connected with it, 
 $10. 
 
 Improvement of Agricultural Implements. 
 To the person who shall exhibit at the next 
 Fair, any new or improved a<ericu!tural imple- 
 ment of his own invention, which shall in the 
 opinion of the committee merit a premium,' — a 
 Silver medal. 
 
 Proof must be given of the work performed 
 by the implement previous to its exhibition, an-l 
 of its having been used and approved by some 
 practical farmer. To be open for competition 
 to any citizen of the United States. 
 Comparative value of Crops as food for Cattle. 
 
 For the most satisfactory experiment upon a 
 stock of cattle not less than four in number, in 
 ascertaining tlie relative value of the different 
 kinds of food used, as compared with hay, with 
 a detailed account of the fodder u*ed, and the 
 expense of raisina; and feeding the same. Th-e 
 experiments to be made in three winter months, 
 or whenever satisfactory experiments can be 
 made, $20— Second best, 2 vols. Trans.— Third 
 best, Diploma. 
 
 Experiments on Indian Corn. 
 
 A premium of $25 for the best, $15 for the 
 second besi, and $10 for the third best conduct^ 
 ed series of experiments in the cultivation of 
 Indian corn. Not less than one acre of ground 
 to be planted. 
 
 The experiments to be made with a view of 
 ascertaining what are the peculiar laws relating 
 to that ciop — particularly how thick it should 
 be planted, how the plants should bedistiibuted 
 on the ground — whether in hills, drills or other- 
 wise; what kind of manure, and ho^v it should 
 be applied; the manner of cultivation, anl the 
 kind of corn planted, to be particularly stated. 
 The cost of each process, the amount of corn 
 raised by each of the diffcent modes of culture, 
 and the relative profits, to be accurately and 
 minutely stated in the report to the committee. 
 Irrigation. 
 
 Best conducted experiment in the flooding and 
 irrigation of lands, $10. 
 
 Sheep. 
 
 Bejt managed flock of sheep, including par 
 ticular statements of the breed, expense of 
 keeping, increase, amount of wool, value, &c. 
 $12, or a Gold medal. 
 
 Dairy, 
 
 Best managed dairy, with a detailed state- 
 ment of expense, and every thing connected 
 with the management as well as profits of the 
 same, — $12, or a Gold medal 
 
 For the greatest quantity and best quality of 
 butter produced on ^^ny farm, from a given num- 
 ber of cows in 30 days the present year, with a 
 particular statement of the method of making 
 and preserving the same, with a satisfactory 
 account of the manner in which the cows have 
 been fed, and the general management of the 
 milk and butter — a Silver medal. 
 
 [All the foregoing Premiums are to be deter- 
 mined at the Winter Meeting of the Society.] 
 
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ANNUAL FAIR, fcc. 
 
 CATTLE. 
 
 Class I — Best of any breed. 
 
 BfstBull, 3 years oln, $J0 I Rest cow, 3 years old, $20 
 B»*t Hull -i year- o d, 15 | Hest Cow, 2 yi-ars <ild, 16 
 Hest y<'ailiiis Bull,--- 10 I Best yeirlme Cow,. •. lo 
 BestBul cilf, G I Besi heilVr c:ili, 6 
 
 Judges — On Cattle, Class I. — Alex. Grant, 
 Dover; Anthony Van Bergen, Coxsackie; G. V. 
 Sacket, Seneca c alls. 
 
 Class II. — Durham Cattle, 
 Beat Bull, 3 years old, $15 I Second best, $10 
 
 Third Lest, Dipluma. 
 Best Bull, 2 years old, $\') \ Second bsst. $5 
 
 Tliiid best, |ii|)l>.tna 
 Best yearling Bull,--- 510 | Si'cond best, $5 
 
 Third best, Hiploiiia. 
 
 Best bull calf, $> | L'esi Cow, 3ye irs old, f 15 
 
 Second Le=t, Diplomi. | Sc-nnd beat, §10 
 
 Third bt'st, Hiploina. 
 Best Heifer, 2 y'rs old, $10 j S-cond best, $5 
 
 Third I esl, Diplocm. 
 
 Best yearling Heil'T,- $i0|Secoiid best, ^5 
 
 Third best, Dip'oma. 
 Best heifer caK, fd | Second best, Diploma. 
 
 Cl\S3 III. — Herefords' 
 
 Best Bull, 3 years old, $16 | Second best, 2 vols. Trans. 
 
 Third i'e^t, Diploma. 
 Best Bull, 2 years old, $10 1 Second best, 2 vols. Trans. 
 
 Third I est, Hipoma 
 Best yearling Bull,--- $6 | Seiond best, --vol. Trans. 
 
 Tliiid bnst, Hipl ma 
 
 Fesi hull calf, $5 | Bt.-t Cow, .? years old, ,115 
 
 Sticond best, Diploma. | Second best, i vols. Trims. 
 
 Third be<t llipl.imi 
 Best Heifer, -2 y'rs old. $10 | Sec.md iiest, 2 vols. Trans. 
 
 Third be>t, lii|.loma. 
 Best yearling Heifer,- ,«6 j Ppcoiid best,-. -vol. Trans. 
 
 Third best, Diploma. 
 Best heifer calf, $5 | Second l)est, Diploma. 
 
 JuDGF.s — On Calt'e, Classes IF. and III. — 
 Henry Whitney. New Haven, Cl.; Dr. J. A. 
 Poole, New Brunswick, N. J.j Thomas Hollis, 
 Butternuts. 
 
 Class IV. — Devons, 
 
 Best Bull, 3 years old, $16 | Second best,- 
 
 Third best. Diploma. 
 Best Bull, 2 years old, .flu | Second best,. 
 
 Thiid best. Diploma. 
 Best yearling Bui:,--- $10 | Second best,- 
 
 Third be,.t, Diploma. 
 
 Be.'t bull calf, $b Secuiiid best,.. 
 
 test Cow, 3 years old, .Slo j Sicond best,. 
 
 Third best, Diploma. 
 BestHeiftr, 2 y'rs old, .'JIO | Seiond best,. 
 
 Third best. Diplmna 
 Best yearling heifer, -• $10 | Second best,. 
 
 Third besi. Diploma. 
 Best heifer calf, $5 | Second best,. 
 
 Class V. — jiyrshires. 
 
 Best B"ll, Syears old, $15 | Bet Cow,.... 
 Second best, $10 | Second best, • 
 
 $5 
 
 •Diploma 
 . ... $10 
 
 $5 
 
 .Diplotna 
 
 $16 
 $10 
 
 Class VI. — Grouses 0/ Native and Improved. 
 
 Best Cow, 3 years old, $12 | Best Heifer, 2 y'rs old, $9 
 
 Seioiid best, 8 1 Second hesl, 6 
 
 Third best, vol. Trans. | Third best, vol. Trans. 
 
 Class Yll.— Native Cattle. 
 
 Best Cow, 3 years old, $li I Best Hei(er, 2 y'rs old, $9 
 
 Second best, 8 1 Second besi, 6 
 
 Third best,--..vol. Trans | Third best, -.-vol Trans 
 
 Class Vfll. — Dairy Cows of any breed. 
 
 For Ihe be-it Diiiy Cow, from wh'ch «h t'.l hive been 
 produced in thirty successive days. lh>- prf-Hiest qu m- 
 tiiy of butler— quality as well as quantity considered 
 — which shall be exhibited at the time, $16 
 
 For the second best,.- $10 | For the third bect,--Diplo. 
 
 The manner of feedin? the cow, the manage- 
 ment of the milk, and the meihod of makinaj 
 the butler, with the time it vvasmu.le, the breed 
 of the cow, if known, an I the time alter calv. 
 ina:, must all be accurately slate I in writing. 
 The cow and the butter to be exhibited at the 
 time, with certificates from the person or per- 
 sons who milked, managed the cream, and pre- 
 pared the butter. 
 
 JcjDOES— On Cattle, Classes IV., V., VI., 
 VII., VIII. — Adnm Fereusson, Watertown, Ca- 
 nnJa West; George Ramlall, New BeJlord, 
 Mass.; Elnathan Haxtun, Beekman. 
 
 Working Oxe'i and Steers. 
 
 Rest, over 4 years old, $15 | Third best, vol. Trans. 
 
 Seroud bCst, «10 j t-'ourlh be>t, Di ilo 1 a. 
 
 Best i yoKe of o.xen or steers -2 years old, belonging 10 
 
 I person $IS 
 
 Second best, $10 | Third best, Diploma. 
 
 l;est ti n yoke of oxen from any one town, $'J0 
 
 Iiest ycjke steers, 3 v'rs. $15 I Second be»t, $10 
 
 Third best, Diploma. 
 
 [In awarding these premiums, particular re- 
 ference will he hfid to the malchiiis, training 
 an 1 iloci'ily of the animals, as well as their ge- 
 neral appearance ] 
 
 Best yoke steers, -i y'rs, $S | Second best, -.vol. Tram. 
 
 Tliir I best, Diploma. 
 Best yoke steers, l yr. $10 | Second best, Diploma. 
 
 919 
 $10 
 $10 
 
 Fat Cattle. 
 
 Best yoke, $i0 | Second best,..- 
 
 Third iiest, $10 
 Bestfiitox, $15 I Second best,-.. 
 
 Third best, vol Tnns, 
 Best fat cow or heifer, $15 | >econd best,..- 
 
 Thiid best, vol Trans. 
 
 A fat ox taUins a premium as one of a pair, 
 cannot compete singly for another premium. 
 
 Judges — On Oxen and Fat Cattle — L. C. 
 Ball, Hoosick; Jolin T. Norton. Farmington, 
 Conn.; Henry A. Metier, Fishkill. 
 
 HORSES. 
 
 Best Stallion, 4 yrs. old $20 
 
 Second best 10 
 
 Third best, ....vol. Trans. 
 Fourth best,... • Di| loiiia 
 He-.t."<tailion,3yrs. old, $15 
 
 Second best, 10 
 
 Thiid best, Diploma 
 
 Hesl pail matched, $i0 
 
 S»c()nd best, . 2 vols. Trans. 
 Third besi, Diploma. 
 
 Best breeding Mare,.. $3o 
 
 >econd be-t, 10 
 
 Third bcsl, Diploma. 
 
 Best Mare. 3 years old, -SIO 
 "'i-< ond best,.- -vol Tr-ms. 
 
 Third besi, Diploma. 
 
 Be>t pairmatch'il larm,$IO 
 Second oest, -• vol. Trans. 
 Bi'st pr. markei horse»,$io 
 Second besi, •• vol Trans. 
 
 Best geldini; horse,.... $10 | Second best, .. vol. Trans. 
 
 The variety of horses which possesses size, 
 strenath nnl endurance for field labor, combined 
 with that action which qualifies for the carriage 
 or saddle — in 8 tort, the •' horse of all work"— 
 is probably the most profitable class which our 
 farmers can now engage in rearin?; and to s leh, 
 therefore, will the preference of the Socieiy be 
 given. Horses taking premiums in pairs, can- 
 not compete singly for the premium for geld- 
 ings. Sundry discretionary premiums are au- 
 thorized. 
 
 Judges— '^n Stallions— Lewis F. Allen. Buf. 
 falo; Theodore S. Faxon, Utica; John A. King, 
 Jamaica. 
 
 Judges— On Bi*eding Mares — John C. Ste- 
 ven<. New- York; George Fordon, Geneva; Gen. 
 A T Dunham, Watervliet. 
 
 Judges— On Matched Horses — John M. Sher- 
 wood, Auburn; Wm. T. Porter, New-York; 
 Duncan Robinson, Fishkill. 
 
6 
 
 STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
 
 JACKS AND MULES. 
 
 For the best Jack, •••• $'5 I For best pair Mules, 
 
 10 i Second best, 
 
 -Jeremiah 
 
 $15 
 10 
 
 Best,- 
 
 Second best,---- 10 ! Second best. 
 
 Judges— On Jacks and Mules- 
 Johnson, Brooklyn; Noah Gridley, Araenia; Dr. 
 Samuel McClellan, Nassau. 
 
 SHEEP. 
 Class I. — Long Woohd. 
 
 Best buck, $io | Rest pen ol 3 ewes,.--- «10 
 
 «;p,.,,n(l hesl, 6 SeCDUUbesl, o 
 
 Thirdbesi,.---- Diploma iThird bes<, Diploma. 
 
 Be:^l pun of five lambs, $5. 
 Judges— On Sheep, Claf^s I— Henry Rhodes, 
 Trenton; Wm. A. McCulloch, Greenbu^h; Ell- 
 as L. Barton, La Grange. 
 
 Class U.— Middle Woolcd. 
 
 Best buck, §10 I Best pen ol 3 ewes, •• flO 
 
 opp, .nil best, 5 Se oiul l)est, o 
 
 Third best • Diploma. I llnrd besi. Diploma. 
 
 Best pen of five U.mh>, $5. 
 Judges— On Sheep, Class II— Santord How- 
 ard, Albany; Edward T. Hallock, Milton; Wil- 
 liaru Fuller, Skaneateles. 
 
 Class III —i^ine Wooled. 
 
 Bcstb.irk, $10 1 Best i.f., of 3 ewes, ■■ $\0 
 
 S-conil best, 5 SL-cond be>t, o 
 
 Third best, Dii>lom;i. | Th rd b.-si, Diploma. 
 
 Best pen of tiv« lambs, $p 
 
 Class lY.—Fai Sheep. 
 
 $10 1 Second best, $5 
 
 Third lesi, vol. Tr ms. 
 
 Judge?— On Sheep, Class III— Edmund Kir- 
 by BrowBville; Henry K. Morrell, Caroline 
 Centre; Hu^li 1". Brooks, Wyoming. 
 
 Applicants for the premiums on fat cattle and 
 sheep, must furnish statements of the manner 
 of feedins the animals, and the kind, quantity 
 and cost of the food. ,,„.,. , ^ . 
 
 The ter'm " long wooled" is designed to in- 
 clude the Leicesiers, Lincoln?, Cotswolds, and 
 a'l the Enslish varieties of sheep which furnish 
 tie quality of wool suitable for combing — the 
 " mi. idle woole I" include.^ the South Down, the 
 Norfolk, Dorset, Cheviot, Native, &c.— the 
 "fine wooled" includes the Spanish and Saxon 
 varieties of the Merino and some of their 
 crosses. 
 
 SWINE. 
 Best Boar, over 10 mo. flO I Rcstsow, $10 
 
 Third he-l, Oiplom.i | llnnl best, Diploma. 
 
 iesi lot oC piss uii(lt;r 10 monl'is, not I'-ss tlian 4 in 
 unmber, $5. Second be>l, Dliilomii. 
 
 In awarding premiums on hogs, reference will 
 be had not merely to size or present conditio^!, 
 but to that proportion between bone and meat 
 which promises the greatest value from the least 
 amount ol feed. 
 
 Judges— On Swine— H. S. Randall, Cortland- 
 ville; Samuel Youngs, Oyster Bay; Samuel 
 Wait, Montgomery. 
 
 FARM IMPLEMENTS. 
 
 Best cultivator, $5 
 
 Src'iiil hi'j-t, •••• Di|iloma. 
 He>l ilrill b trrow, ••• ■ 5 
 Scconil iiesl,-- vol. Trans. 
 Hes-l i'-irni liorse c:irt,* 5 
 
 BesmxcHrt, 6 
 
 Best horse rake, 6 
 
 Second best, •• vol. Trans. 
 
 Best grain cradle, — 3 
 Second best, •••• Diploma. 
 Best i doz. hay fork^. Dip. 
 
 Bi'st harrow, 6 
 
 Second licsi, •• vol. Trans. 
 Third l)est, Diploma 
 
 Best |doz. gr scythes, Dip. 
 Bes^i '' cradle, •' Dip« 
 Best " dung forks, Di|K 
 Best tlireshg. machine, IS 
 Second be^t, •• vol. Trans. 
 Thiid best, Di-.h.mii. 
 
 Best plow, $15 
 
 Second best, -Silver medal. 
 
 Third best, Dipbnna. 
 
 Best >iib3oil plow, $10 
 
 Besi Dyn iMioiiicti'i,- •• 2'> 
 
 Bt St Farm \vii{>(m, 10 
 
 Second best,-- vol. Trans 
 Best i dz. hand rakes, Dip. 
 
 Best fanning mill, Silv. ml. i:est str. cut. Silver med'l 
 Second be^t, •• Vol. Trans. | Second best, .. vol. Trans. 
 
 Third best, Diploma. I Third best, Diploma. 
 
 Best improved ox-yoke, 5 Best clover machine, • 10 
 
 Second best, Diploma. | Second liest Hiploma. 
 
 Best flax and lienip dressing machine, $10. 
 
 Articles not presenting any new and valuable 
 improvements, will not be entitled to premiums. 
 Implements and machines must be tested as far 
 as possible, in the pi-esence of the committee, 
 on the l7th September — the day before the pub- 
 lic Exhibition. 
 
 Judges — On Farm Implements — T. V. W. 
 Anthony, Fishkill; Geo W. Patterson, West- 
 field; Alvan Bradley, Whilesboro. 
 
 DAIRY. 
 
 BUTTER. — Not less than 50 pounds. 
 
 Best sample, $15 I Konrtli best. Silver medal. 
 
 Second best, Sliver medal. Filtli best, •• " " 
 
 Third best, " " j Sixth best, •• " " 
 
 Judges — On Butter — Alexander Walsh, Lan- 
 singbursh; Z. Barton Stout, Richmond; R. L. 
 Pell, Pelham. 
 
 CHE^;;SE. — Not less than 100 pounds. 
 
 Bes SH III pie, $lo | Foiinh best, Silver medal. 
 
 Second best. Silver nicdul. Kilh e>t, " " 
 
 Third beat, " " | Sixth best, " " 
 
 Judges — On Cheese — Elijah Rhoades. Syra- 
 cuse; W. A. S, North, Duanesburgh; Tobias 
 L. Hogeboom, Ghent. 
 
 The butter ollVred for premiums must be pre- 
 sented in butter tubs, jars or firkins. 
 
 The claimanls for premiums must state in 
 writing the time when it was made ; the number 
 of cows kept on the larm ; the mode of keep- 
 ing ; the treatment of the cream and milk be- 
 fore churning; the mole of churnins, winter 
 and summer ; the metho.l of freeing the butter 
 from the milk ; the quantity and kind of salt 
 used ; whether saltpetre or any other substances 
 have been employed. 
 
 Those who present cheese for the premiums 
 offered, must stale in writing the time when it 
 was made; the number of cows kept; whether 
 the cheese is made from one. two or more milk- 
 ings; whether any addition is made of cream; 
 the qnaniity and kind of salt used; the quantity 
 of rennet used, and the mode of preparing it; 
 the mo le of pressure, and the treatment of 
 cheese afterwards. 
 
 MAPLE SUGAR. 
 Best sample, 15 lbs.-- $15 | Second best,- 
 
 -Diploma. 
 
 CORNSTALK SUGAR. 
 
 For the best experiment in the manufacture 
 of sugar from cornstalks, fiom one acre of 
 northern corn cultivated for the purpose, so as 
 to obtain the greatest quantity of sugar, $25. 
 
 The process of manufacture and ciaiifying 
 must be particularly slated in reference to the 
 maple an4 cornstalk sugar 
 
 Judges — On Maple and Com-Stalk Sugar — 
 F. J. Belts, Newburgh; Myron Adams, East 
 Bloomfield; Morgan Carpenter, Slamford. 
 
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ANNUAL FAIR, &c. 
 
 SILK. 
 
 Best specimen manu. ,'^15 j Srrond best, $ 
 
 Spend best, lo|l'hiiil b>'st, Diplom.. 
 
 Third best, 6 I Best }bii. cocoonx 1844, $11 
 
 Fourth best," -vol. Trans I Seci'nil best, (. 
 
 Best pound reeled >ilk, 10 | Third best, Diplomii 
 
 Judges — On Silk — 0. Hungerford, Water- 
 town; J. R. Barbour, Oxlord, Mass.; Daniel 
 Stebbins, Northampton, Mass. 
 
 DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. 
 
 Best woollen bUnkets, $5 
 — Seoi.nd, 4— Third, 3 
 
 Best ti.Mi yards flnnuel, $5 
 — .'eciiiid, ■! — Third, 3. 
 
 Best lOyards woolen cl'i:h, 
 $5— Second. 4— Third, 3 
 
 Best wooli-u carpet, $5— 
 Second, 4— Third, 3. 
 
 Best tow cloih, 15 yards, 
 81 — Sfcouil, Diploma 
 
 Best 10 yard* linen, $5— 
 Second, 4— Third, 3. 
 
 Best 10 yards linen diaper, 
 $5— Si-cond, 4— Third, 3 
 
 Best hearth rue, $5— Sec- 
 ond, 4—1 bird, 3— Fourth 
 2— Fifth, 1— Sixth, Dip. 
 
 Best ten yards kersey, $3 
 —Second, 2— Third 1 
 
 Best rag carpel, 15 yards, 
 $3— Second, 2— Third. I. 
 
 Best double carpel cover- 
 
 let, 4— Second, 3— Third. 
 
 2— Fourth, !. 
 Best pvir woollen knit 
 
 stockings, $-2— Sec'd, I— 
 
 Third, Diploma. 
 Best wuve woollen stork- 
 
 ii gs, !?■.> — Si-cond, I — 
 
 Third, Diploma. 
 Bi'st cotton wove stock- 
 ings, $-2 — Second, 1 — 
 
 Third, Diidoma. 
 Ktst lb. of linen sewinp 
 
 thread, .'$•2— St cond, 1— 
 
 Third, Diploma. 
 Best linen woven stock- 
 ings, §-2 — Second, 1 — 
 
 Third, Diploma. 
 Best linen knit stockings, 
 
 $.'— Second, 1 — Tnird, 
 
 Diploma 
 Best knii cottonslocking 
 
 S2 — Second, 1 — Ihird, 
 
 Diploma. 
 
 JtJDGES — On Domestic Manufactures — Sam- 
 uel Works, Lockport; Rarisom Cook, Sara- 
 toga Springs; Joseph Arnold, Kingston. 
 
 VEGETABLES. 
 
 For 6.best'stalks Celery, $2 
 
 3 best heads Cauliflo'r, 2 
 
 8 besi heads Broccoli,- 2 
 12 best while table tiir- 
 
 neps 1 
 
 12 best Carrots, 1 
 
 12 best table Beets, 1 
 
 12 best Pirsneps, 1 
 
 12 best Onions, 1 
 
 3 best heads Cabbage,- 1 
 
 12 best Tomatoes, 1 
 
 2 best purple egg plants, 1 
 
 Best half peck Lima 
 be.ins. i 
 
 Bi-st h'l p'U Windsor do 
 
 Best bunch double pars- 
 ley, 
 
 3 liesi Squashes, 
 
 Larg -St Pnmpuin, 
 
 12 l)e>l e irs seed corn,- 
 
 Best half peck table po- 
 I aloes, 
 
 Second best, 
 
 Bist variety seeilling 
 potatoes, 
 
 Discretionary premiums will be awarded on 
 choice garden products not enumerated above 
 
 Judges — On Vegitables — Wm. Wilson, Alba- 
 ny; T. Bridgman, New-York; D. B. Fuller, 
 Hyde Park. 
 
 FRUITS. 
 
 For the greatest variety of table Apples, $8. 
 
 For secoml greatest, •• $.i | Third treatest, vol Trans. 
 
 For Ihe best I2 sorts, not less ihan three of each, $3. 
 
 Ke>t nei'- seedling Apple, $5. 
 
 For the preaiest vari- ty of table Pears, $3. 
 
 For the second greatest, Vol. Trans. 
 
 For theireattst variety of winter Pears, ••- " 
 
 For the best twelve Quinces, " 
 
 For the best I welve Pea'hes, '' 
 
 For the best twenty four Plums, " 
 
 Forihebesi si.x bunches of native nrapps, •• " 
 
 For the best six bunches of foreign Grapes,-- " 
 
 Judges — On Fruits — J. J. Thomas, Macedon; 
 J. F. Sheaf, Poughkeepsie; Albert Hearlt, 
 Troy. 
 
 FLOWERS. 
 
 For the greatest variety and quantity, §5. 
 
 Second greatest, $a | Third greatest, vol. Trans. 
 
 For the best Floral Ornament, S5. 
 
 Second best, S3 | For best s'dling Dahlia, $3 
 
 Third best, — vol. Trans. | Second best, $2 
 
 For the be»t tweuty-five varieties of Dahlias, S6 
 Second best, ^3 | Third best, — vol. Trans. 
 
 Judges — On Flowers — James Lennox, New- 
 York; A. J. Downing, Newburgh; M. B. BatC' 
 nam, Rochester. 
 
 PLOWING MATCH. 
 
 First Preminm; $16 | Third Premium, $10 
 
 oecoud premium, 12 | Fonnh premium, 6 
 
 Fifth preniium, Diploma 
 
 Each competitor will be required to plow one. 
 fourth of an acre of sward land in 75 minutes; 
 the furrows not to be less than 12 inches wide 
 and 6 d'ep — plowman to drive his team. 
 
 Judges — On Plowing — Joel B. Nott, Guilder- 
 'anl; Elon Comstock, Rome; Martin Springer, 
 Brunswick; Henry Staals, lied Hook; Warner 
 Abbot, Olisco. 
 
 FIELD CROPS: 
 
 Fremivms to he awarded at Winter Meeting. 
 Rest crop of wheat, not less than two acies, $ls. 
 
 Second best, $10 | Third be>t,--2 vols. Trans. 
 
 Ke-jl two acres of spring wheat, $15. 
 
 Second best, .flO | I'hird best, --2 vols. Trans. 
 
 He^t crop of Indian corn, 1 ot less than two acres, $15. 
 
 Second best, • $10 ] Third best,- -2 vols. Trans. 
 
 Best crop of Barley, noi le^s than l» o acres, $10. 
 
 Second best, $5 | Third best, • --Vol. Trans. 
 
 Best crop of Rye, noi les< than two acies, $10. 
 
 Second be-i, $5 | Thml besl, vol Ttans. 
 
 Best crop of Oats, not le-s than I w«i acres, $10 
 
 Second best. $-5 | Third best, vol. Trans. 
 
 Best crop of Potaloe'' lor table, not .ess than 1 acre. $10 
 
 Second best, $5 | ihiriihesi, vol. Trans. 
 
 Best cropol Poiaioiis, qii.iiit'y considered, not less than 
 
 1 acie, $10. 
 
 Second best, •••' $5 | I bird best, -•-• vol. Trans. 
 
 Hest crop Sugar Beet«, n^l le-.s than hull an ai re, $10. 
 
 Second best,-' $5 | Thinl best, vol. Trans. 
 
 Best crop of Mangel Wurzel, not less than half aa 
 acre, $10 
 
 Secon 1 hest, $5 | 1 bird best, vol Trans. 
 
 Best crop of Rota Bag 1, not le>s than one acre $10. 
 
 Second best, $6 1 Th'rd best, vol Trans. 
 
 Best crop of Carrots, noi le-^s ih in one acri', $10. 
 
 Second best, $v^ I Third best, vol. Trans. 
 
 Best crop oi Peas, noi less than one .icre, $10. 
 
 Serond b">l, $0 I Hest * acre ol tob icro, • $5 
 
 Fet acre of corn for lod ter, sown iiroaucasi, $6. 
 
 Rest half acie of h'ips, $5 I Tiiird best, -- vol. Trans. 
 
 Best " " Hix, 5 I Hest acre of cabb.igei" 6 
 
 Best acre of broom corn, $5. 
 
 Those who present claims to premiums for 
 farm crops, must state in writing the lollowing 
 particulars: — The condition of the soil at the 
 commencement of cultivation for the crop ; the 
 previous crop and cultivation, and quantity of 
 manure used upon it; the quantity and Kind of 
 manure the present season ; the quantity and 
 sort of seed used ; the time and manner of sow- 
 in?, cleaning and harvesting the crop ; the 
 am'ount ol the crop determined by actual weight 
 or measurement ; and the expense of cultiva- 
 Don. The land shall be measured by some 
 sworn surveyor, and the claimant of the premi- 
 um, with two other persons who assisted in 
 measuring, shall certify under oath as to the 
 quantity produced from the piece of land men- 
 tioned in the certificate of the surveyor. 
 
 DISCRETIONARY PREMIUMS 
 Will be awarded for such implements, pro- 
 ducts, &c. not enumerated, as shall be deemed 
 worthy of notice or encouragement. 
 
 Judges — On Discretionary Premiums — Ro« 
 bert Denniston, Salisbury Mills; Abram Bockee, 
 Federal Store; Samuel Ackerly, M. D., Rich- 
 mond, S. I.; J. J. Viele, Lansingburgh; J. B. 
 Duane, Duanesburgh. 
 
8 
 
 STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
 
 COMPETITION FROM OTHER STATES 
 
 Premiums in form of Silver Medals, open to 
 competition from other States, will be given 
 
 For the best bull and cow of any breed — Se- 
 cond best, 2 vols. Transactions. 
 
 For the best yoke of working oxen — Second 
 best, 2 vols. Trans. 
 
 For the best pair of fat cattle— Second best, 2 
 vols. Trans. 
 
 For the best pair of matched horses — Second 
 best, 2 vols. Trans. 
 
 For the best pen of 3 line wooled ewes — Se- 
 cond best, 2 vol:!. Tr. 
 
 For the best fine wooled buck — Second best. 2 
 vols. Trans. 
 
 The medals will be of equal value with those 
 awarJed on animals confined to the state. 
 
 Judges — On Cattle, &c. from other States — 
 Hon. Levi Lincoln, Worcester; James Tall- 
 madge, New-York; James Gowan, PhiladeU 
 phia^; H. L. Ellsworth, Washinglonj J. VV. 
 Thompson, Wilmington. 
 
 TRIAL OF PLOWS, &c. 
 On the 17th of September, the day before the 
 Gener'tl Exhibition opens. 
 
 Judges— On Trial of Plows — Caleb N. Be- 
 menf, Albany; John Wilkinson, Union Vale; 
 L. B. Langworthy, Rochester. 
 
 REGULATIONS. I 
 
 Horses, Sheep or Swine, should sive notice to 
 Thomas L. Davies, Poughkeepsie, or Henrv 
 O'Reilly, Recording Secretary, Albany, pre- 
 vious to the 10th of Sei tember, that the neces- 
 sary arrangements may be made for their ac- 
 commodation — and all animals must be on the 
 ground by 9 o'clock, A. M. of the 18th Septem- 
 ber. 
 
 All those who intend to compete for the pre- 
 miums on agricultural implements, butter aiid 
 cheese, sugar, cocoons, silk, &c., should tiave 
 their specimens on the ground on the I7th, that 
 they may be deposited in their appropriate 
 places, and the rooms suitably arranged on the 
 day previous to the Fair. 
 
 Applicantsfor premiums are requested to pay 
 paiticular attt'ntion to the notes attached to the 
 premiums on Diiiry Cows, Fat Cattle and Fat 
 Sheep, Butter and Cheese, Field Crops, Maple 
 Sugai , &c. 
 
 No premium will be awarded, unless, in the 
 opinion of the Judges of the Class in which it 
 is offered, the animal or article is worthy of 
 Such premium. 
 
 Competitors for the premiums on Essays, 
 must forward their manuscripts to the Record- 
 ing Secretary, Albany, previous to the Isl of 
 'January, 18-15, free of postage. 
 
 The statements required from those who com- 
 pete for field crops, must be sent to Hen'ry 
 O'Reillv, Rec. Secretary, Albany, previous to 
 the 1st of January, 1845, anJ the premiums will 
 
 The premiums for Essays and Agricultural be awarded at the annual meeting of the Socie- 
 Implements, and others specifically enumerated, I ty, on the thini Wednesday of January, 
 will be open to citizens of other stales; all | Prize animals anJ implements at the prevj- 
 others will be confined to residents of thi> state, ' ous exhibitions, will be allowed to comptte for 
 who are members of this Society, or who m.iy the prizes: but they n ust receive a higher 
 
 become so by the payment of one dollar on en- 
 tering their articles. 
 
 No premiums will be paid on any animals or 
 articles taken away before the close of the 
 Fair. 
 
 Premiums not claimed within four months af- 
 ter they are awarded, will be considered as do- 
 nations to the Society. 
 
 All persons who intend to exhibit Cattle, | 
 
 prize, or in a difffrent class, to cntille them to a 
 premium. Should the same premium heretofore 
 given them be av\arled, they will receive a cer- 
 tificate to that effect, instea i of the prize. 
 
 Aiiimals an I othe-r articles offered lor compe- 
 tition, must be labelled with the mines aaJ re- 
 sidence of the owners at full length. 
 
SOCIETIES, EDITORS, and other Friends of Agriculture, to whom copies of this publication are 
 seat, are requested to express their views on the subject of Agricultural Education. 
 
 AGEICULTURAL KNOWLEDGE 
 
 IN CONNEXION WITH 
 
 COMMOI SCHOOLS & DISTRICT LIBRARIES. 
 
 2feo3-^ovk State Agricultural ©onctn 
 
 (in the executive committee — JULT MEETINt3 — JOHN P, BEEKMAN PRESIDING) 
 
 REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE (HON. JOHN GREIG CHAIRMAN) FOR PROMOTING THE IN- 
 TRODUCTION OF AGRICULTURAL BOOKS IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES. 
 
 (Members of the Special Committeo— Hon. John Greig, Governor Seward, Lieut. Gov. Dickinson, James Lennox, 
 John A. King, James S. Wadsworth, and Henry O'Rielly.) 
 
 At the annual meeting of the New-York 
 State Agricultural Society in Albany, in Ja- 
 nuary of 1844 James S. Wadsworth, 
 
 then President of the institution, in the chair : 
 a movement was commenced for promoting- 
 attention to Agricultural and Horticultural 
 Improvement through the instrumentality of 
 suitable books in the Common Schools and 
 School-District Libraries. 
 
 The importance of the movement may be 
 measurably estimated from the consideration 
 that there are between eleven and twelve thou- 
 sand School Districts, and an average exceed- 
 ing five hundred thousand students annually in 
 the schools, while the Libraries are accessible 
 to every inhabitant, as well as to the scholars, 
 among an aggregate population of nearly 
 three millions in this State alone. 
 
 The feelings which influenced the Society 
 in reference to this important subject, may be 
 inferred from the language of the resolutions 
 published among the proceedings of the An- 
 nual Meeting, included in the third volume of 
 the Transactions — as follows: 
 
 " The following proposition! were presented by Hen- 
 ry O'Reilly, accompanied by some remarks : 
 
 " Whereas, It is important lo the interestsof Apricul- 
 ture that public attention should be turned, more ef- 
 fectually than it is now turned, towards the ronnexion 
 between Scientific Knowledge and Agricultural Iin- 
 provemeui : 
 
 "And whereas, In the opinion of this meeting, the 
 State Agricultural Society cannot render a greater ser- 
 vice to the cause for which it is established, than by 
 promoting the dissemination of Knowledge respecting 
 the Sciences, particularly the Natural Sciences, m their 
 connexion with ordinary agricultural industry ; 
 
 " Be it therefore Resolved, That with the purpose of 
 eliciting discussion on this important subject, and 
 placing the means of mformation witnin reach of every 
 inhabitant of this Stale, a Premium of One Hundred 
 
 Dollars be and it is hereby ofTered, for the best series 
 of Essays ' On the importance of Scientific Knowledge 
 in prosecuting successfully the ordinary pursuits of 
 Agriculture.' 
 
 " Be it also Resolved, That the Premium aforesaid 
 should be left open for competition until the first day 
 of January next, or some other suitable day which will 
 leave sufficient time for judgment on the merits of the 
 Essays offered under these resolutions— the said Essays 
 to be of a popular character, presenting scientific 
 truths divested as far as practicable of technicalitiee; 
 not to exceed in size two volumes of the 'School Dis- 
 trict Library,— and the copy-right to remain with the 
 author, under a recommendation from this Society that 
 the publishers of books for the said Scliool District Li- 
 braries should incorporate the said Essays among their 
 series of works for general circulation. 
 
 " Resolved also, That a committee of seven members 
 of this Society be appointed to examine the Essays 
 offered in competition ; to award the Premium under 
 these resolutions; and to lend all practicable aid to the 
 author in causing the publication of the work in a man- 
 ner best calculated to promote the great purposes of 
 tins Society in disseminating useful knowledge among 
 the Farmers of the Empire State. 
 
 " These resolutions elicited sundry remarks from the 
 President, from Mr. Nott of Albany county, Mr. B. P. 
 Johnson of Oneida, and other gentlemen ; and were 
 finally unanimously approved. 
 
 " In accordance with the views expressed in the fore- 
 going preamble and resolutions, Mr. O'Keilly offered 
 another proposition, which, after remarks (romseve.al 
 members, was unanimously adopted, in the following 
 form : 
 
 "Resolved, That the committee of seven to be ap- 
 pointed under the foregoing resolutions, be also direct- 
 ed to select from the Prize Essays among the pub- 
 lished Transactions of the Stale Agricultural Society, 
 such Essays as may be most appropriately published in 
 volurnes of suitable size for the Family and School 
 District Libraries ; and that the said committee be au- 
 thorized to make arrangements with some of the book 
 publishers for issuing such volumes of Prize Essays, 
 at reasonable prices, for general circulation among the 
 farmers of this and other States ; having due leference 
 in such arrangements, to the pecuniary interests of 
 this Soeictyii connexion with the said publication- 
 
JO 
 
 STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
 
 ^Pd seeing, at least, that no expense shall be incurred 
 no compensation can be had for the f opy-rigbt. 
 " The committee of seven contemplated for carrying 
 into effect the foregoing resolutions, was subsequently 
 appointed by the newly elected President ^Dr. Beek- 
 man), as follows : the Hon. John Greig of Ontario, 
 Gov. Seward of Cayuga, Lieutenant-Governor Dickino 
 son of Broome, Col. John A. King of Queens, James 
 S. Wadsworth of Livingston, Judge Savage of Washing- 
 ton, and Henry O'Reilly of Albany." (Judge S. having 
 declined, the Committee elected James Lennox of N.Y. 
 Jn his stead.) 
 
 The sentiments expressed in these tesohi- 
 tions were further indicated by the offer of ad- 
 ditional Premiureis for Prize Essays on Agri- 
 cultural sTibjects, through the mode specified 
 in connexion with the Premium List for the 
 Annual Fair and Cattle Show of 1844. 
 
 The project was also distinctly and warmly 
 recommended by Mr. Wadsworth, Ex-Presi- 
 dent of the State Society, in his valedictory 
 communication published in the third volume 
 of "Transactions," from which an extract is 
 quoted on the last page (24) of this pamphlet. 
 The State Convention of Common School 
 Superintendents, (which met in Rochester in 
 June, and of which Henry E. Rochester was 
 President,) publicly testified, what is abun- 
 dantly manifested in the individual expressions 
 of many of these officers — a lively interest in 
 the propo.sed connexion of Agriculture and 
 Horticulture Avith the educational interests of 
 the State — in illustration of which, the follow- 
 ing resolutions are quoted from the conclusion 
 of the Report made to that Convention by a 
 committee consisting of Messrs. Potter, Pat- 
 chin and Bateham : 
 
 " As As,ricnlture is the art on which all other arts 
 depend, and the profession in which the greater part 
 of our populpition are easaged, its improvement and 
 prosperity is a subject of the highest importance; and 
 the committee are of opinion that the time has ar- 
 rived when the elements and scientific principles of 
 Agriculture should be taught in all our schools, espe- 
 cially to the older class of pupils. 
 
 "The rapid progress which has of late years been 
 made in those parts where the discoveries of science 
 have been brought to bear on the improvemeal of Agri- 
 culture, affords the strongest evidence of the impor- 
 tance of diffusing a knowledge of the principles upon 
 which these improvemenis are based, among those who 
 are soon to become the owners and eullivators of our 
 naturally fertile, though much-abused soil. There can 
 he no doubt but that such knowledge, if properly im- 
 parted, would have a direct tendency to improve the 
 practice of Agriculture, and elevate the profession to 
 that high rank in public estimation which it so justly 
 dBscrvGS. 
 
 "Your committee have perceived, however, that 
 there are numerous dirhcultics connected with the sub- 
 ject, and that it requires more deliberate consideration 
 than they have bestowed upon it, to devise the best 
 means for accomplishing the object. Much can be done 
 by the introduction of books on Agricultnre into the 
 District School Libraries. This object has received 
 considerable attention from the New-York State Agri- 
 cultural Society, and premiums are now offered for ttie 
 best essays for the purpose. There is still wanting a 
 suitable Text Book on Agriculture, for the use of schools. 
 "In view of the whole sulijecl therefore, the commit- 
 tee bes leave to recommend this subject to the earnest 
 consideration of this Convention, and to snbmit the 
 following resoluticms : 
 
 ^'Resolve'!, That this Convention recommend to teach- 
 ers, as far as is in their power, to impart instruction 
 on Agriculture by occasional dialogues or convf-rsa- 
 tions among the scholars, and by the reading of Agri- 
 cultural books and periodicals, so as to explain the 
 principles of this art, and show its respectability and 
 importance to themselves and society. 
 
 "Resolved, That the Convention deem it of the high- 
 est imporiance that our School Libraries contain more 
 works on the principles and practice of Agriculture 
 
 suitable for the perusal of the young; and therefore we 
 take pleasure in recommending to the trustees oi school 
 districts under our charge to purchase works of thai 
 character. 
 
 " Resolved, That we will, as county superintendents, 
 take the subject into consideration, and be prepared at 
 our next annual convention, to express our opinions 
 respecting it, and to act decisively upon it, if deemed 
 advisable. 
 
 " Resolved, That a committee of three be now ap- 
 pointed to take this matter under their especial consi- 
 deration, and report thereon at our next annual con- 
 vention; and that the State Agricultural Society be re- 
 quested also to appoint a committee to confer with 
 them." 
 
 [The committee of three on the part of the 
 convention of school superintendents, consists 
 of Professor Potter of Union College, Mr. 
 Patchin, superintendent of Livingston county, 
 and Mr. Bateham, editor of the New Gene- 
 see Faimer. 
 
 With this brief recapitulation, explanatory 
 of the origin and progress of the movement, 
 the results of that movement are now given in 
 the annexed outline of proceedings on the part 
 of the Slate Agricultural Society: And it is 
 satisfactory to know that those results, even 
 within the few months since the project was 
 started, are amply realizing all reasonable ex- 
 pectations in arousing public attention to the 
 interesting subject. 
 
 j^gricultural and Horticultural Studies in 
 the Schools and Libraries. 
 
 At a meeting of the Executive Committee 
 of the New-York State Agricultural Society, 
 held in Poughkeepsie on the 11th of July, 
 while arranging for the Annual Fair — John 
 P. Beekmajv, President of the Society, in 
 the chair: 
 
 The subject of introducing agricultural 
 books into 'he schools and libraries throughout 
 the state, having been called up, the President 
 read the resv)lutions of the annual meeting, 
 and briefly remarked on the importance of the 
 matter in connexion with the public interest 
 as well as with the operations of the stale so- 
 ciety. He then called upon the committee 
 which had the subject specially in charge, to 
 report their proceedings for the information of 
 the society and the public. 
 
 MR. GREIG'S REPORT. 
 
 The Hon. John Greig of Ontario, chair- 
 man of the committee, then slated that the 
 committee had maintained considerable cor- 
 respondence with sundry public functionaries, 
 anti with various devoted friends of agricul- 
 ture and education, in furtherance of the ob- 
 jects committed to their charge. A portion 
 of that correspondence, now submitted for 
 consideration, sufficiently exemplifies the in- 
 terest awakened in this and other slates, by 
 the efforts of' our society in blending the inte- 
 esls of agriculture and education. These let- 
 ters speak plainly for themselves — emphati- 
 cally evincing the sentiments with which the 
 subject is viewed by the respective writers; 
 and showing that the movement is warmly 
 sustained in other states, as well as by many 
 well-known writers in this state — several of 
 
ARRANGEMENTS FOR PROMOTING AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION. 
 
 11 
 
 which writers are now preparing agricultural 
 works for text-books in the schools, and for 
 circulation among; the community, through 
 the agency of the school district libraries. 
 Superadded to this, is the readiness which well 
 known publishers (as shown in the letter from 
 the Harpers) evince towards the publication 
 of the proposed volumes as parts of their 
 School District and Family Libraries. Mr. 
 Greig deemed it needless to occupy much 
 time in stating facts which would be sutficient- 
 ly evidenced by the letters that he now call- 
 ed upon the secretary to submit for the exa- 
 mination of the Executive Committee. Those 
 letters would show that the whole business was 
 now " in the full tide of successful experi- 
 ment" — so far as success could be promoted 
 by the approbation of the State Convention of 
 School Superintendents and of the State Agri- 
 cultural society, by the labors of several com- 
 petent authors in preparing the required books, 
 and by the readiness with which enterprising 
 publishers avow a willingness to incorporate 
 s>ich books with their standard publications 
 for the use of schools and families — for the be- 
 nefit of age as well as youth — and there are few 
 scold or so wise as to be beyond the reach of 
 benefit from the development of those scientific 
 truths and practical results which are distin- 
 guishing the progress of modern agriculture. 
 Some of the corres[)ondence was then sub- 
 mitted by the secretary; and a few of the let- 
 ters are annexed as specimens of the senti- 
 ments manifested generally by those gentle- 
 men with whom intercourse has occurred in 
 reference to these topics. 
 
 Secrbtart's Office, I>ei-t. op Com. Schools, f 
 Albany, July 1, 1844. $ 
 
 Hon. John Greig, 
 Chairman Com. of State Agricultural Society, &c. 
 
 Dear Sir — In compliance with the request 
 contained in a Circular forwarded to me on the 
 26th ult.,by the Recording Secretary of the 
 New-York State Agricultural Society, I have 
 (he honor to submit briefly my views respect- 
 ing the introduction of agricultural studies into 
 the several district schools, and of agricultu- 
 ral books into the several district libraries of 
 our state. 
 
 It is a source of the highest gratification to 
 every enlightened mind, thrit a very large and 
 rapidly increasing portion of the moral and in- 
 tellectual energy of tiie age is resuming ti)e 
 direction of agrirullural anil horticultural en 
 terprise and knowledge. The numerous! vicis- 
 situdes and disastrous results whicii have en- 
 sued from a too general diversion of men's 
 faculties and powers into (he various channels 
 of personal and political ambition, of unhal- 
 lowed speculation and overcrowded profes- 
 sions, have produced a decided revulsion in 
 public sentiment in this respect; andthe ranks 
 of the "ancient and honorable " fraternity of 
 agriculturists are beginning to be replenished 
 from all the other departments of tlie social 
 organism. This infusion of new material, 
 although, perhaps, not immediately produclive 
 
 in all cases of practical benefit, arising from 
 a want of experience and from a prevailing ten • 
 dency to substitute plausible theories for the 
 slow results of cautious labor, must neverthe- 
 less be regarded as a valuable accession in 
 many points of view. It brings to bear upon 
 the interests of agriculture that invincible spirit 
 of enterprise which, in whatever field its ener- 
 gies are unfolded, is eminently characteristic 
 of the age, and adequate to the accomplish- 
 ment of its highest behests. It gives new life 
 and vigor to agricultuial labor, by raising il 
 to the dignity of a science, by applying to all 
 its departments the principles oi advancing 
 knowledge, and the discoveries and inventions 
 of a progressive civilization, and by dissem- 
 inating a practical acquaintance of its details 
 among all classes and conditions of commu- 
 nity. Il reconciles and harmonizes those 
 clashing interests which, from mutual ignor- 
 ance of the value and relation of each to the 
 others, have heretofore often been found at 
 variance, to the serious detriment of the com- 
 monwealth, as well as to the manifest injury 
 of the rival aspirants to precedence and profit. 
 And it restores the cultivators of the soil to 
 their just predominance in the social and poli- 
 tical system — assigning to them that influence 
 and rank which under various pretences have 
 long been almost exclusively usurped by other 
 and less important classes. 
 
 That a more general knowledge of the 
 theoretical and practical details of agricultural 
 science should be diffused among the youth of 
 our land, is unquestionably exceedingly de- 
 sirable. The importance to the future farmer, 
 of such a thorough and minute acquaintance 
 with the details of his prolession, as may en- 
 able him to accomplish the highest prac- 
 ticable results with the least expenditure of 
 time and niaterial, and in the most direct, ju- 
 dicious and efficient mode, can scarcely be 
 over-rated. This knowledge can oi.ly be ac- 
 quired by the union of practical experience 
 with scientific investigation and research: and 
 where can the elements of the latter be more 
 readily found and successfully prosecuted than 
 in our common schools.^ It may, probably, 
 safely be assumed that nine out of ten of 
 those who are in the habit of attending these 
 schools in the rural districts, are destined to 
 become practical agriculturists. Why, then, 
 5-hould not more ample and systematic provi- 
 sion be made for such a course of study and 
 of education in these institutions, as sliall meet 
 the reciuireiiients of this large class of pupils 
 — especially when by the adoption of such a 
 course the interests of the remaining pupils 
 can in no respect be injuriously affected. "* A 
 course of study which sliould jirepaie those for 
 whom it is more particulaily designed for an 
 enlightened and systematic cultivation of the 
 soil, with (!)c view of obtaining (he highest 
 and most permanent rewards of labor and in- 
 dustry, whilst it would exclude no single 
 branch of science necessary to success in any 
 other profession, trade or calling, would con- 
 fer incalculable additional benefits, direct and 
 
12 
 
 STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, 
 
 indirect, upon those who may never have oc- 
 casion to till the earth either for subsistence or 
 profit. The ordinary branches of common 
 school education — orthography, reading, writ- 
 ing, arithmetic, grammar and geography, are 
 equally essential to every class of pupils, 
 whatever may be their subsequent desfination. 
 A knowledge of the higher branches of the 
 mathematics, of algebra, geometry, survey- 
 ing, trigonometry, astronomy, geology, natural 
 philosophy in all its departments, and even «>f 
 rhetoric and belles-lettres, is as indispensable 
 to the enlightened farmer and horticulturist of 
 the present day, as to the scholar, the advo- 
 cate, the clergyman, the merchant, the manu- 
 facturer, the legislator or the judge. Habits 
 of accurate and" practical observation — a fa- 
 miliar acquaintance with the capabilities, pro- 
 perties and varieties of soils — the nature and 
 properties of the various minerals — the differ- 
 ent species of grain and vegetables, and the 
 principles which regulate their growth and im- 
 provement — the distinction between useful and 
 noxious plants — the uses and most advantage- 
 ous mode of cultivating and improving the 
 one, and the means of extirpation, when neces- 
 sary, of the other — the effects of air, of light, 
 heat, moisture and vegetable decomposition 
 upon plants — the various species and habits of 
 domestic animals — the principles which deter- 
 mine the uses and value of the different classes 
 of trees — and in short, a ready and intelligent 
 practical knowledge of the most ordinary 
 pursuits of agriculture and horticulture, could 
 not fail of proving eminently serviceable in 
 any condition, either of public or private life. 
 Is it wise, then, to send forth our six hundred 
 thousand children annually from our public 
 schools, in entire ignorance, so far as the di- 
 rect instructions of the teacher are concerned, 
 of those pursuits which must of necessity enter 
 so largely in one shape or anotiier, into the 
 whole tenor of their future lives.' Can that 
 be denominated a practical education, or 
 an enlightened system of public instruction, 
 which for all practical purposes leaves out 
 of view so important adepartment of intellec- 
 tual culture.' 
 
 But there is another view of this svibject 
 which suggests itseU to my mind as peculiarly 
 worthy of regard and attention. Would not 
 the various elementary studies which are taught 
 in our common schools, be far more speedily 
 appreciated and rendered interesting and at- 
 tractive, by their perceived connection with 
 the practical pursuits of every -day life? — 
 Would not the apparently inexplicable mys- 
 teries enveloped within the folds of the obnoxi- 
 ous and wearisome task-book become invest- 
 ed with a new life and a new nature by the 
 application of their principles to the circle of 
 observation within the range of the inquisitive 
 pupil? From tlie names, qualities, properties 
 and powers of every portion of animate or in- 
 animate nature, familiar to his eye or ear, 
 to the most profound principles of dynamics, 
 hydrostatics or mensuration, illustrated in the 
 
 operations of the farm on or near which he 
 resides, lie would be enabled at once to per- 
 ceive the objects and the uses of all science, 
 and all knowledge — to trace its results in the 
 limited field of observation open to his view, 
 and from thence to infer its capabilities and 
 powers when applied on a more expanded 
 scale. Is there not reason to believe that a 
 process of this nature, conducted under the 
 auspices of a corps of well qualified and effi 
 cient educators, scattered among the ten thou- 
 sand school districts of our state, and aided by 
 a competent supply of elementary text-books 
 and well-digested essays for the District Li- 
 brary, might operate a complete transforma- 
 tion of our existing systems of agricultural 
 science into practical results of enduring 
 beauty and value ? 
 
 Such, on a limited scale, has been its effect 
 in portions of Continental Europe, where the 
 experiment has been tried under circumstan- 
 ces favorable to its complete development. 
 The agricultural condition of Bavaria, in 
 Germany, has undergone an improvement dur- 
 ing the present century, exceeding that of 
 any other country of equal extent in civilized 
 Europe, with the exception perhaps of Scot- 
 land. The greatimpulse to this improvement 
 originated in the primary schools, where agri- 
 culture and horticulture were taught theoreti- 
 cally and practically. Not only were the best 
 elementary treatises on gardening, agriculture, 
 domestic economy, the qualities of different 
 soils, the effects of chemical compounds, the 
 management of silk worms and the culture of 
 silk, introduced as text-books into the differ- 
 ent schools, but to each school was attached 
 at least half an acre of land for experimental 
 gardening, under the instruction of a teacher, 
 who was required to be a practical agiicultu- 
 rist. " Since these schools have come into 
 action" says an intelligent tourist in that coun- 
 try, "an entirely new generation of cultivators 
 has arisen, and the consequence is, that agri- 
 culture in Bavaria is carrisd to a higher de- 
 gree of perfection than it is any where else in 
 the central part of Germany. The result of 
 the whole of the information procured and of 
 the observations made, is, that we think the in- 
 habitants of Bavaria promise soon to be, if 
 they are not already, the happiest people in 
 Germany." 
 
 Nor has the influence of this enlightened 
 system of agricultural instruction in the prima- 
 ry schools of that country, been confined to 
 the mere improvement of the soil. "The 
 roads, bridges asd other public works have 
 undergone a corresponding improvement; in- 
 dividual comforts have been greatly multiplied ; 
 business of every kind has been improved; 
 and human intellect, reanimated as it were, 
 has burst its cerements and become an effi- 
 cient aid in the noble work of improvement. 
 The public roads are all lined with ornamental 
 fruit-bearing or forest trees, and furnished 
 with guide-boards, mile-stones, and seats, at 
 intervals, of stones or sods for the weary travel- 
 
ARRANGEMENTS FOR PROMOTING AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION. 
 
 13 
 
 er." This novel species of education and the 
 blessings which have flowed from it, and the 
 still greater blessings which appear in pros- 
 pect, have resulted from the wise provisions of 
 the government aided by individual enterprise. 
 M. Hazzi, the editor of an agricultural jour- 
 nal at Munich, an active philanthropist and a 
 devoted patriot, contributed essentially to a 
 result so gratifying. 
 
 It was the opinion of Fellenberg, one of the 
 most enlightened and judicious educators of 
 the age, and the founder of the well known 
 school at Hofwyl, that agricultural pursuits 
 were most favorable to a sound and healthy 
 development of the mind — that the child when 
 surrounded and occupied with the objects of 
 Nature, instead of the productions of human 
 skill, the arts and sciences which are at once 
 the work of man and the sceptre of his power, 
 perceives continually such luxuriant richness, 
 such varying and inimitable beauty, such im- 
 mense operations, as to place the highest ef- 
 forts of man in the strongest contrast with In- 
 finite Power; and that such a praciical and 
 scientific acquaintance with agriculture, as 
 may, under proper regulations, be taught in 
 our elementary institutions of learning, fur- 
 nishes the most ample means for direct intel- 
 lectual instruction and moral improvement. 
 In a physical point of view, it contributes, in 
 his judgment, to health and vigor of body, 
 from the necessity of active employment in 
 the open air, when in its purest state; and as a 
 science, tends not only to cultivate the spirit of 
 observation and of systematic effort, to exer- 
 cise the judgment, and to produce habits of 
 foresight and prudence, but to the acquisition 
 and practice of the most important branches 
 of knowledge. In laying out and arranging 
 the ground for different crops, in the various 
 processes of irrigation, in removing stones 
 from the fields and clearing the ground of 
 weeds, in the selection and improvement of the 
 various instruments of husbandry, and the best 
 methods of cultivation of the soil, scarcely a 
 department of intellectual science fails to be 
 frequently put in requisition; and the constant 
 necessity of order, industry, foresight, discri- 
 mination, regularity and accuracy, exercises 
 the moral faculties, in a mode best adapted to 
 their harmonious and proper development. 
 
 The practicability, then, of uniting elemen 
 tary instruction in our common schools with 
 agricultural science, and of so combining 
 them as to produce results eminently favora 
 bleto physical, intellectual and moral culture, 
 has been amply demonstrated in the educa- 
 tional institutions of Continental Europe. Is 
 there any thing in our institutions, our civili- 
 zation, our Societies, which should induce us 
 to doubt the full success of the exi)eriment 
 here .'' Are we not eminently an agricultural 
 people .'' Are we not provided with every fa- 
 cility in our school district organization, for 
 the practical adoption of a scheme which com- 
 mends itself unhesitatingly to our most mature 
 judgment, and which alone cin give to our 
 
 rising millions that sound and useful know- 
 ledge requisite to enable them adequately to 
 fulfil the great mission with which they are 
 entrusted — the advancement of civilization — 
 the diffusion of science — and the final and com- 
 plete triumph ol republican freedom .' Ample 
 means are at our command : and it only re- 
 mains that an enlightened public sentiment 
 indicate the course to which reason, interest 
 and duty alike point. This may be done, and 
 to a very great extent has already been done, 
 through the agency of the agricultural press; 
 through the operations of the State Society 
 and its county branches — and especially by 
 the various ofQcers in any way connected with 
 our extensive and admirably organized Com- 
 mon School System, interspersed throughout 
 every portion of the state, and possessing un- 
 equalled facilities for the guidance and direc- 
 tion of the public mind. 
 
 " To me " says Governor Seward in his 
 message of 1841, " the most interesting- of all 
 our republican institutions, is the Common 
 School." In this sentiment, every enlightened 
 philanthropist,every right-judging citizen, will 
 readily concur. Looking forward to the time, 
 when, instead of "the miserable and dilapida- 
 ted edifices" which in too large a proportion 
 of our school districts offend the eye and the 
 taste, spacious and commodious erections, 
 combining architectural grace and beauty, 
 with comfort, health and convenience, shall be 
 found — when instead of the tedious and mo- 
 notonous routine of miscalled instruction, 
 which by its disagreeable associations has 
 rendered knowledge tasteless and insipid to so 
 many of our youth — education, in the hands of 
 thoroughly qualified teachers, shall assume a 
 praciical cast, and become the means of a sys- 
 tematic, full and harmonious development of 
 all the physical, mental and moral faculties of 
 our nature — when the lessons ot the school- 
 room shall be agreeably diversified with intel- 
 lectual and moral teaching, with music and 
 drawing and painting — and the hours of ne- 
 cessary relaxation be divided between the 
 exuberant and heaUhful sports of childhood, 
 and the no less healthful, no less pleasing cul- 
 ture of flowers and shrubs and trees, in an am- 
 ple portion of the playground set apart for 
 this purpose — when the long winter evenings 
 shall be enlivened and animated by the perusal 
 of the choicest productions of literature and 
 science in all their various departments, ' 'with- 
 out money and without price;" when in short, 
 the Common School and the District Library 
 shall be made to unfold their exhaustless capa- 
 bilities of disciplining the youth of our land in 
 all the essential requisites of practical know- 
 ledge and goodness and virtue — we shall see the 
 most abundant cause for congratulation on the 
 wise and beneficent policy which has hereto- 
 fore so liberally aided these invaluable institu- 
 tions. 
 
 If, in view of the importance of a practical 
 and permanent connection of the groat inter- 
 ests of Agriculture and Public Instruction, I 
 
14 
 
 STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
 
 might venture to throw out a few brief sugges- 
 tions for the consideration of the intelligent 
 body of which you, sir, are chairman, I would 
 respectfully recommend the organization of 
 auxiliary associations in each of the eleven 
 thousand school districts of the state, to con- 
 sist of such of the inhabitants of the district as 
 might feel an interest in the subject, and of 
 Ihe teacher and pupils of the school; the pur- 
 chase of at least an acre or two of suitable land 
 adjacent, if practicable, to the school-house, to 
 serve as a model farm , and to be exclusively 
 cultivated by the male children under the di- 
 rection either of the teacher, if qualified, or of 
 a committee or agent of the association; and 
 the conversion of a portion of the play-ground 
 attached to the school, into an ornamental 
 garden, to be cultivated and superintended by 
 the young ladies of the school and district. 
 For the purpose of a more general and tho- 
 rough diffusion of agricultural and horticultu- 
 ral information, I would also recommend the 
 preparation of a series of practical- works de- 
 voted to the elucidation of agriculture in its 
 various departments, for the District Library, 
 and of proper elementary text books on this 
 subject, for the school. 
 
 1 am, sir, very respectfully your ob't. serv't, 
 S. S. RANDALL, 
 Dep. Sup. Common Schools. 
 
 [From Dr. T. Romeyn Beck.] 
 
 Albany, July 8th, 1844. 
 H. O'Reilly, Esq., Sec. State Agnc. Society, 
 
 Dear Sir — I received your printed Circu- 
 lar, relative to the proposed introduction of 
 works trealihgoii agricullure intoourscliools, 
 on (he Isl inst. As the time for forwarding 
 answers is limited to the lOlh, you will of 
 course .scarcely expect moie than a brief ex- 
 j res-sion of my views on this important subject. 
 
 I consider it an unquestionable and perfiectly 
 established fact, that the science of agricul- 
 ture is intimately connected with, and indeed 
 dependent on, the science of chemistry. Any 
 attempt to separate the.se, must result in the 
 continuance of the present empirical practice 
 of many farmers ; for unless it be shown to 
 them, by a reference to the laws and pheno- 
 mena of nature, that they are wholly or par- 
 tially wrong, they will adhere (and indeed are 
 in a measure justified in so doing) to the ways 
 and customs of their forefathers. 
 
 With this conviction, I am of opinion, that 
 if a treatise could be prepared — in the first 
 place elementary as to chemistry, embracing 
 all the important information needed as to 
 the constitution of the air — of water — of the 
 various elementary substances, dwelling par- 
 ticularly on those which form the principal 
 constituents of the soil; and with so much of 
 geology as explains the changes it has under- 
 gone or is undergoing; and then concluding 
 with a cautious and if possible practical view 
 of the experiments made by agriculturists, it 
 would be a very useful one for the more ad- 
 vanced scholars in our schools. 
 
 But I deprecate in the first place the too 
 early use of such books and studies — pushing 
 aside the primary objects of early study — viz : 
 the knowledge of our own language in its 
 most comprehensive sense, from orthography 
 up to composition — the knowledge of arithme- 
 tic — of geography — of the history of our own 
 country — of the duties and privileges of the 
 young scholar when he shall become a citizen. 
 
 Every thing in its place. The tendency now- 
 a-days is almost too exclusively towards phy- 
 sical subjects of investigation^ — and we are 
 paying for it, as a community and a nation. 
 
 I must also express an apprehension, lest 
 the present brilliant era in agricultural che- 
 mistry, and which has attracted so many su- 
 perior minds to its investigation, may meet 
 with some overshadowing in the overthrow of 
 several of its prevailing doctrines. Certainly 
 great differences of opinion are constantly 
 manifesting themselves, and this should render 
 the author or compiler of the proposed work, 
 whoever he may be, very cautious, as to what 
 he makes part of his treatise. 
 
 I remain, very truly yours, 
 
 T. ROMEYN BECK. 
 
 From D. P. Gardner, Agricultural Chemist, author of 
 the ' Influence of Light on Vegetation,' &c.] 
 
 New-York, July 6, 1844. 
 
 To H O'Reili-t, Es<i. 
 
 Dear Sir — I had the honor to receive on 
 the •2dth ult., your letter containing a Circular 
 from the State Ag. Society, requesting infor- 
 mation on the introduction of agricultural 
 knowledge into the public schools. 
 
 It is unnecessary to make many remarks on 
 the great advantages which will flow from 
 such a measure, not only as a means of im- 
 proving tillage, but by furnishing the scholars 
 witli the rudiments of a knowledge which will 
 iiLsure lo them in alter life the means of acqui- 
 ring an honorable employment. Numbers of 
 the industrious class engaged in field labor, 
 who now send their children unwillingly to 
 school, will fake an interest in seeing them in- 
 structed in so important a subject. It is, 
 moreover, in the minds of children, unbiassed 
 by the dogmas of old prejudices, that the pro- 
 per soil will be found to implant the facts of 
 scientific agriculture. The germ of know- 
 ledge thus gathered in our public schools will 
 call for its development the instructions of 
 agricultural colleges ; our art will become a 
 profession ; the judgment and energy of the 
 human intellect will be the agents of cultiva- 
 tion to a greater extent than the ox and 
 ploughshare. 
 
 The mistaken ambition which hurries so 
 many youths from the country into towns, vviH 
 be restrained -by opening a road to advance- 
 ment and reputation on the farm; and much of 
 the talent and enterprise which are allowed to 
 pine away in unsuccessful attempts to .secure 
 professional reputation and competency, will 
 be directed to the cultivation of the soil — the 
 most natural and satisfactory of all pursuits. 
 
 But the necessity for proper economy, and 
 
ARRANGEMENTS FOR PROMOTING AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION. 
 
 15 
 
 all other appliances to farming', is becoming, 
 with our State especially, a matter of s^ern ne- 
 cessity. Through the Erie canal we have 
 generously invited competition with the virgin 
 lands of the West, and it is only by the appli- 
 cation of a strictly economical and improved 
 tillage that we can sustain our position in the 
 market. 
 
 The point of greatest importance is the se- 
 lection of proper books for the schools. On 
 this topic, as I have been for upwards of seven 
 years engaged in teaching physical science, 
 I will take the liberty of offering some re- 
 marks. 
 
 It is a misfortune that the treatises on agri- 
 culture at present enjoying most reputation 
 are either purely scientific or practical. 
 
 The worksof Johnston, Davy, Liebig, Spren 
 gel, Boussingault, Payen, Daubeny, &c., are 
 unintelligible to any but well informed che- 
 mists. Whereas the mass of English writers 
 as Low, Stephens, Loudon, Rham, Ransome, 
 Johnson, Youatt, Blacklock, and the treatises 
 of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Know- 
 ledge, are devoted to practical details. 
 
 It will be necessary for your committee to 
 require a new set of books, which will convey 
 full information in a simple way, but contain- 
 ing the germs of future scientific knowledge. 
 This task is by no means easy. If we are for- 
 tunate in living during an age when agricul- 
 ture is beginning to be correctly studied, we 
 are unfortunate in finding ourselves placed 
 between the conflicting opinions of three dif- 
 ferent theories — that of Payen and tlie French 
 school , who attribute the efficacy of all manures 
 to ammonia; Liebig's doctrine that potash and 
 saline matters are the great fertilizing agents, 
 and the theory of Saussure that plants flourish 
 on the soluble manures which are taken into 
 their structure. The last view has been so 
 much favored by the farmers of the United 
 States, that it is feared its incorrectness and 
 absurdity are not sufficiently manifest. The 
 recent award of a prize for an Essay on Ma- 
 nures, by the Mass. Agr. Society, is a proof of 
 its popularity. It may however, occur to the 
 members of your Committee, that in elementa 
 ry books no allusion to theory is necessary; 
 but in the present instance theory is of the 
 first consequence, for so diverse is the prac- 
 tise suggested by these three doctrines, that 
 whoever writes on manures must constantly 
 have them in view. Thus Liebig's theory 
 renders the collection of feculent matters a 
 secondary affair, the use of mineral manures 
 and salts of primary importance; in practise it 
 suggests the inutility of keeping cattle for 
 manure — whereas Payen and his school re- 
 gard stall manures as the great and almost 
 only resource of the improver. 
 
 It is out of place here to attempt to recon- 
 cile these discordant doctrines. There is 
 nmch attention therefore necessary in adopt- 
 ing such a general view as may form the 
 groundwork of a system of instruction. Al- 
 low me to suggest, in place of any of these 
 
 theoretical systems, the introduction of such 
 preliminary studies as shall place in the hands 
 of students the means of forming in due time 
 an independent opinion. It is more desirable 
 that they should be fully taught the facts than 
 the I'ancies of scientific agriculture. 
 
 It would be necessary in carrying out this 
 suggestion, to call for the preparation of such 
 text-books as may convey a full and accurate 
 history of all chemical bodies necessary to 
 farming, found in the surface and subsoil, in 
 plants, &c.; the structure of the earth, so far 
 as drainage, the nature of soils, &c. is con- 
 cerned; the history of plants, their develop- 
 ment in horticulture, an account of such as 
 may be introduced into culture, &c. 
 
 These views, for sometime operating on my- 
 self, have already engaged me in the prepara- 
 tion of two treatises designed as text-books 
 for schools, and intended to be forwarded to 
 your prize committee, entitled the Chemistry 
 of Farming and the Botany of Farming. 
 
 Should the subject be similarly viewed by 
 your committee, it will afford me great encour- 
 agement to continue ; otherwise I beg that any 
 different plan may be communicated to me. 
 
 Another point worthy of attention is the 
 possession of a tract of land whereon the pu- 
 pils might see the application of all new pro- 
 cesses, the advantages of recent agricultural 
 implements, and become conversant with all 
 that is mechanical about a farm. This would 
 be especially useful to such pupils as had com- 
 pleted their education : it woulil establish their 
 theoretical knowledge by practice, make them 
 efficient farmers and laborers, and might con- 
 tribute in no small degree to the maintenance 
 of the schools. 
 
 Yours very respectfully, 
 
 D. P. GARDNER. 
 
 [From Dr. Prime, Principal of the Newburgh Academy.] 
 
 Newburgh, July 3d, 1844. 
 
 Hon. JoHK Greig, 
 Chairman of Committee of State Agricultural Society : 
 
 Sir — I yesterday received from Mr. O'Reilly 
 a circular letter, soliciting my views " re- 
 specting theintroductionof agricultural studies 
 into schools," &c., and I take the earliest op- 
 portunity to reply. 
 
 It is strange that there should exist an opin- 
 ion in the mind of any man against such a 
 course; and yet, strange as it may seem, I am 
 aware that there is at least a great want of in- 
 terest in the community at large, on this im- 
 portant subject. Even the greater part of 
 those who are practically engaged in the busi- 
 ness of agriculture, still cling pertinaciously 
 to old methods, and entertain a prejudice 
 amounting to even aversion against a rational 
 system of farming. So strong is this feeling, 
 that I have long been accustomed to view as 
 next to hopeless, any effort to produce a 
 change in the present acting generation. They 
 must remain as they are, with a few honorable 
 exceptions, and our hopes and efforts must be 
 directed to the young who ar<e now looking 
 
16 
 
 STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
 
 forward to active life . Regarding the matter in 
 this light, I more than two years since com- 
 menced an elementary work on scientific ag- 
 riculture, intended expressly for use in common 
 schools. But the apathy which prevailed on the 
 subject attlmt time, and the hopelessness of in- 
 troducing it, at least in some years, as well as a 
 crowd of other occupations, induced me to 
 relinquish it. But I do regard it, sir, as a 
 matter of the highest importance that it 
 should be made a branch of learning in our 
 primary schools, as well as those of a higher 
 grade. My own experience in teaching has 
 given me abundant reason to know that no 
 book of science can be put into the hands of 
 a boy, which is studied with greater zest and 
 interest than the science of agriculture and its 
 kindred branches. It opens his mind to the 
 operations of the world he has before viewed 
 only with the eye of habit, and he now sees 
 life and power where he before saw only a 
 plant growing upon a lifeless clod, (and saw no 
 more, because he had been accustomed to see 
 it from his infancy,) and his mind and his heart 
 expand with the newly acquired knowledge. 
 I speak of it now only as a study in its etfects 
 upon the mind, and not in its practical bear- 
 ings. But when we remember that the foun- 
 dation of a nation's prosperity is in the soil — 
 that when agriculture ceases, all the arts cease 
 with it, and that the development of the re- 
 sources of the soil in the least degree depends 
 upon the principles of science, then a thorough 
 knowledge of the relations of vegetable life 
 becomes of paramount importance. 
 
 Undoubtedly the large majority of children 
 who are educated in our primary school*, are 
 those who are to be eufjaged in agriculture, 
 and tlie large majority of these receive here 
 all Iho education they ever receive. This fact 
 ought to be enough to satisfy any one, that if 
 any cliange is to tiike place in the methods of 
 carrying on this art — if our future farmers are 
 to be thinking, reasoning, scientific farmers, 
 the foundation is to be laid here, 
 
 A seeming objection may arise from the in- 
 capability of the teacliers of common schools 
 to instruct in these branches. The objection 
 is but a seeming one. It would indeed re- 
 quire an extra qualification in a teacher, but I 
 view this as so much gained. Every thing 
 which raises the standard of qualification in 
 teachers, adds dignity and usefulness to the 
 station. And it is matter of sincere regret, 
 that so few of the teachers of elementary 
 schools are, to say the least, capable of giving 
 instruction in any thing beyond the mere rou- 
 tine of the district school. Any attempt to 
 lower the standard of qualification, I should 
 deeply regret — any attempt to elevate it, I re- 
 joice in. But even taking the standard as it 
 is now, if the text-books adopted are of that 
 simple, elementary kind, which in my opinion 
 they ought to be, comprehending chiefly facts 
 and principles, it would require but a small 
 amount of extra labor, and that a most pleas- 
 
 ing and useful one, for a teacher to preparer 
 himself for his new duty. 
 
 The introduction of agricultural works into 
 the District Libraries, I regard as only a step 
 forward in the same cause. To the pupils it will * 
 afford an opportunity for enlarging and ex- 
 tending the knowledge they acquire from ele- 
 mentary books in the school. To the teacher 
 such works will be all important in preparing 
 to teach others, and to the community they 
 will be a circulating library of the most use- 
 ful and interesting science. I believe that in 
 no other way can such knowledge be as exten- 
 sively and rapidly diffused. And if teachers 
 take the interest in it that they ought, thty will 
 soon become capable of teaching beyond the 
 bounds of their school-rooms, and become a 
 class of most extensively useful men. But 
 upon this point I need not enlarge. Indeed, 
 I fear that I have already exceeded your pa- 
 tience. Let me say, in conclusion, upon this 
 subject, that I regard this movement as one of 
 immense importance, not only as it affects 
 most deeply individual, but also in an eminent 
 degree, public prosperity. We must always 
 be an agricultural people; and this movement, 
 if carried out, will have a mighty effect upon 
 the moral, intellectual and pecuniary interests 
 of the nation. 
 
 I am, sir, yours, &c. 
 
 A. J. PRIME. 
 
 [From John J. Thomas, author of several Prize Essays 
 
 on Agriculture, <fcc.] 
 
 Macedon, 7th month, 1844. 
 
 H. O'Reilly: 
 
 RESPECTKn Friend — Thy request for 
 suerg'estions relative to the introduction of the 
 stud}^ of agricultUT'e into common schools, is 
 only this moment received. The importance 
 of the acquiienient of what is known in this 
 great ait, which employs a vast majority of 
 our |.opulation and furnishes subsistence for 
 the whole, by those who are likely to spend 
 their whole lives in its pursuits, cannot, of 
 course, be questioned. But the best means of 
 attaining this end, requires much attention. 
 
 The introduction of^ this study into schools, 
 if properly done, would without doubt prove 
 of the highest benefit to the country. It should 
 be remembered that more than nineteen-twen- 
 tieths of our farmers appear, at least by their 
 practice, to be quite unacquainted with the 
 best systems of farming; or at least do not de- 
 rive one-half the profits from their farms that 
 a better directed course would give them, and 
 which now actually does give a few of 
 our best agriculturists. Hence the great im- 
 portance of laying before all our young farm- 
 ers, the means by which these profits may be 
 secured — to say nothing of the moral influence 
 which the thriving and prosperous, neat and 
 systematic prosecution of this rural pursuit 
 would have indirectly on the habits of the peo- 
 ple — must be at once obvious. 
 
 But a question arises, whether the applica- 
 tion of science to agriculture shall be chiefly 
 
ARRANGEMENTS FOR PROMOTING AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION. 
 
 17 
 
 taught, or whether the modern improved system 
 of farming, as already established by the full 
 experience and thorough practice of the best 
 farmers of the present age, should be adopted 
 for a course of study. The former would be 
 theoretical to a great extent, and embrace 
 many suggestions yet to be brought to bear 
 upon practice ; the latter would comprise what 
 practice has already established as of decided 
 excellence, and worthy, not of trial merely, 
 but of adoption at once. In the latter would 
 be included the best modern systems of rotation 
 of crops — (he best proved modes of making 
 manure — the operations of draining and irri- 
 gation — the use of improved implements 
 ■^the culture of root crops as food for domes- 
 tic animals — the raising of the best breeds of 
 animals — in all of which vast improvements 
 might be made, and in some, even the first 
 steps be taken by a great majority of our 
 farmers. 
 
 While I would not wish in the least degree 
 to undervalue the benefits which science is 
 likely to confer on the cultivation of the soil, 
 I cannot but agree with Henry Colman in the 
 opinion that the agricultural millennium is not 
 yet quite at hand. Many years of long and 
 weary trial must yet elapse before various 
 points, now considered by some as about set- 
 tled, can be fully set at rest by satisfactory ex- 
 periments; these experiments cannot well be 
 tried except by the enterprising and scientific 
 few: at least we ought not to teach our young- 
 farmers promiscuously to look to great dis- 
 coveries and golden harvests from this source, 
 while they yet remain unacquainted with the 
 best practice of the day, already thoroughly 
 established, and which, if generally known 
 and carried out, would increase by millions 
 the annual products of our State. While, 
 theretore, the reasons on which good prac- 
 tice is founded, should be well understood, 
 I would not embarrass beginners with the study 
 of theories which are dividing the eminent 
 chemists of the day, and who, it is to be re- 
 gretted, are spending their time in trying to 
 arrive at conclusions by arguments in their 
 closets, rather than by the only true and satis- 
 factory means — the evidence of full and accur- 
 ately conducted experiments on the farm. 
 
 I should hence consider that books for this 
 purpose should give the results of past and pre- 
 sent experience, systematically arranged, 
 clearly explained, and, when practicable, en- 
 forced by plain, scientific explanations; but 
 science, without full practical proof, should 
 be admitted with extreme caution, as the dis- 
 appointment, on trial, of fiilse hopes, or the 
 failure of high expectations, might result in 
 more injury, not only to science, but to agri- 
 culture itself, than could easily be repaired. 
 
 I regret that the few minutes which the late 
 receipt of thy letter has allowed me, do not 
 permit me to explain myself more fully, but 
 I shall be glfid if any of these remarks may 
 be of any use ►<> thee in placing the subject in 
 
 a proper shape before the committee on the 
 subject. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 J. J. THOMAS. 
 
 [From Mr. Lee of Erie, Chairman of Committee on 
 Agriculture in the Assembly.] 
 
 Buffalo, July 7, 1844. 
 
 Hon. John Greio, Chairman of Com. State Ag. Society: 
 
 Dear Sir— I am informed by the Recording 
 Secretary of the N.Y. State Agricultural Socie- 
 ty, that you are chairman of a committee ap- 
 pointed to examine Essays or works on the 
 Science of Agriculture, presented for premi- 
 ums, and written with a view to introduce its 
 study as a branch of useful knowledge into 
 our common schools. 
 
 Several members of your committee need 
 not be informed that the undersigned feels a 
 profound interest in the success of this noble 
 undertaking. It is an object worthy of the 
 enlightenetl patriotism and i>hilanthropy of 
 the gentlemen who have made the State Agri- 
 cultural Society what it is. I speak freely 
 upon the subject, for it is one upon which I 
 have bestowed much thought. Indeed, hav- 
 ing devoted a large portion of my life to prac- 
 tical farming, and the study of those branches 
 of natural science most intimately connected 
 with rural pursuits, I have thought, after se- 
 veral years experience in writing for the 
 press, that I might venture to write a woik on 
 the "Study of Agriculture," with a 
 reasonable hope of making it useful as a com- 
 mon school book. 
 
 If the writer of this have any ambition, it is to 
 render, as far as his humble efforts will permit, 
 the brilliant discoveries in modern science, 
 serviceable in the highest degree to the toiling 
 millions, whose well or ill directed labor must 
 ever be employed in cultivating the earth. 
 How is this to be done ? 
 
 I answer, by establishing a State Agricul- 
 tural School; and by making the study of 
 rural economy an important element in our 
 whole educational system. It is needless for 
 me to enlarge upon this topic. With permis- 
 sion, however, I will give a brief outline of 
 the plan, which, on mature reflection, I have 
 adopted in the treatise I am now writing on 
 the " Study of Agriculture:" 
 
 The subject is di£cussed both as a Science 
 and an yfrt. 
 
 The Science is considered under the follow- 
 ing four distinct heads: 
 
 First. Agricultural Geology. 
 
 Secondly. Agricultural Chemistry. 
 
 Thirdly. Oriranic Structure and Physiology 
 of Cultivated Plants. 
 
 Fourthly. Organic Structure and Physiolo- 
 gy of Domestic Animals. 
 
 Under the head of " Art of Agriculture," 
 will be considered the skilful applicntion of 
 muscular power, whether of man or brute, by 
 the aid and use of rural impl'^ments, to accom- 
 plish in the best manner, and at the least ex- 
 
18 
 
 STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
 
 pense, all the mechanical operations peiform- 
 ed by the practical aj^ricullurist. 
 
 In writing a work for the use of schools on 
 the science and practice of good husbandry, 
 the author is taking great pains to make his 
 language and ideas clear and to the point. 
 The meaning of all uncommon words and 
 technical terms will be explained in a Glossa- 
 ry. The too common fault of constructing 
 long and obscure sentences will be carefully 
 avoided. 
 
 How far I shall succeed in getting out a 
 good Text-Book, adapted alike to the agricul- 
 ture of my native state and the capacity of 
 the more advanced pupils attending our com- 
 mon schools, time alone can determine. All 
 I can hope to do in the matter this year is, to 
 issue from the press one volume of moderate 
 size, on Agricultural Geology and Chemistry. 
 
 If any one of your committee, or other gen- 
 tlemen, will suggest any hints calculated to 
 aid me in this arduous enterprise, they will be 
 very gratefully received by 
 
 Your humble servant, 
 
 DANIEL LEE. 
 
 [From T. C Peters, Presideat of the Genesee Agricul- 
 tural Society.] 
 
 Darien, July 8th, 1844. 
 
 H. O'Reilli, Esq: 
 
 My Dear Sir — Your favor of the 16th 
 ult . came duly to hand, as did also the circu- 
 lar. 
 
 On the subject of introducing " Agricul- 
 tural Knowledge into Schools and Libraries," 
 I have had for many years but one mind. Un- 
 til it is 'done, we can never make any really 
 permanent improvement in agriculture. We 
 may get up a fevernow and then in particular 
 localities ; but when the excitement is over, 
 the matter is at an end. 
 
 The plan which has appeared to me the 
 most feasible in the outset, is, to place a vo- 
 lume of the Transactions of the State Society 
 in every District Library annually. 
 
 This would give an interest to the subject, 
 and would more universally awaken public 
 sentiment than any other course that could be 
 adopted. 
 
 The next thing would be to have a text- 
 book or books, perhaps a series, containing 
 1st. A treatise on cattle; 2d. On sheep and 
 hogs; 3d. horses; 4th. poultry, &c. They 
 must not be large books; but should contain 
 drawings, &c., to illustrate the various sub- 
 jects treated upon. 
 
 Teachers should be qualified to teach as 
 much of agriculture in schools, as can well be 
 taught by theory alone; but that is the work 
 of time. The books can be put in circula- 
 tion within a very short time; and the sooner 
 it is done, the better. 
 
 I think the books coidd be sold readily; but 
 they should be put cheap, and the Secretary of 
 State and the County Superintendents should 
 recommend their adoption in every district. 
 Great care would he requisite to have the 
 
 books got up rigVt. They should be publish- 
 ed under the supervision of a committee of 
 common-sense practical men, who are among 
 and of the people — practical farmers. Facts 
 should be given as much as possible. Let 
 every man make his own theory. One fault 
 of our agricultural books, is the prevalence of 
 theory over facts. 
 
 I have written you hastily, and perhaps 
 crudely; but you must guess at what you do 
 not understand. I am always ready to do all 
 I can for the great cause, but do not think my 
 views can be of much importance among the 
 great number who will be consulted on the 
 subject, or who will express themselves, called 
 or uncalled: such as they are, you have them; 
 and if you think them worth the trouble, you 
 may lay them before the committee. 
 
 I am very busy about these days, or I would 
 talk more with you on this and other matters. 
 Sincerely yours, 
 
 T. C. PETERS. 
 
 [From Lyman B. Langworthy, President of the Monroe 
 County Agricultural Society.] 
 
 Hanford Landing, July 9th, 1844. 
 H. O'Reillt, Sec. &c: 
 
 Sir — Your favor, containing a Circular re- 
 questing my views on the subject of the intro- 
 duction of agriculture as a branch of educa- 
 tion in our primary schools, and also what de- 
 scri()tion of books would be best adapted to 
 facilitate that object, was duly received. My 
 ideas must inevitably be very crude, consider- 
 ing my constant avocations and the shortness 
 of the time required fur their arrival at head- 
 quarters. Although the subject has been 
 broached by the public journals, yet, as far 
 as I am conversant, it has not become familiar 
 with the masses, and has not been agitated 
 with any supposition of its adoption. I ara 
 entirely convinced of the immense importance, 
 that correct notions should prevail among the 
 farming community on that subject which is 
 paramount to all others, and one which, unlike 
 our political faith, is not matter of opinion, but 
 a science capable of the strictest analysis, 
 proof, and illustration. 
 
 The age at which boys of the working 
 classes are taken from school by nine-tenths of 
 the families in the country, would seem to in- 
 terpose a barrier to the philanthropic project 
 of enlightening and enlarging their minds on 
 a matter upon which "children of a larger 
 growth" are deplorably deficient. It is also 
 a subject upon which a doubt may be indulg- 
 ed, whether the great mass of teachers will 
 ever possess the necessary qualifications 
 for its elucidation. They are usually young 
 men "with souls above buttons," and ah 
 though fi^rmers' sons, have very little prac- 
 tical knowledge of even the commonest ma- 
 nipulations of husbandry, much less of the 
 elements of the art as a science: they usu- 
 ally quit the occupation after a few years, 
 and very few make it a permanent pro- 
 fession and source of livelihood; and until 
 
ARRANGEMENTS FOR PROMOTING AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION. 
 
 19 
 
 Normal 7\achers' Schools shall become more 
 numerous, and the profession more honorable 
 and profitable, and qualifications for (hat par- 
 ticular branch are made Indispensable to ad- 
 mission as teachers, fears in my oi)inion may 
 be indulged, whether any great improvements 
 would inmiediately grow out of the introduc- 
 tion of that branch of studies into our com- 
 mon school*;, commensurate with the expec- 
 tations of its patriotic projectors: And yet I 
 see no pal[)able objection to its introduction: 
 even as lessons for practice in reading and 
 reciting, they would be equally valuable, and 
 perhaps more interesting than many abstruse 
 subjects now admitted into the books in com- 
 mon use; and some of the seeds might catch 
 and vegetate although sown on the meagre 
 and shallow soils of the " apple-munching 
 urchin." 
 
 It is important that the books to be intro- 
 duced into schools on the subject of agricul- 
 ture should be interesting and alluring in the 
 highest degree, and adapted to the capacities 
 of the young mind: they should embrace the 
 great leading truths, combined with the 
 modern lights and discoveries in the science, 
 clothed in familiar language, of a sprightly 
 and engaging tone. 
 
 If I had leisure, I would send you some- 
 thing of what I conceive would approximate 
 to what v^ould be required in the premises. 
 Much good may grow out of the proposition 
 to introduce this subject into our common 
 schools: it cannot be charged with any of the 
 "abstractions" of modern projectors; and at 
 any rate, it can work no evil that I can con- 
 ceive of. It therefore shall have my hearty 
 support, at least as a wise attempt to do good 
 in a quarter of greater importance perhaps 
 than any other, exce[)t a correct knowledge 
 of the religious and moral duties of man to 
 God and his fellow. 
 
 With great respect, your obt. friend, 
 L. B. LANGWOr.THY. 
 
 {From Smford Howard, Associate Editor of the " Cul- 
 tivator. "] 
 
 Albany, July 10, 1844. 
 
 Hon John Grieg, Chairman, &.C. 
 
 I have received a copy of the Circular of 
 the New-York Slate Agricultural Society, on 
 the subject of the introduction of Agriculture 
 as a branch of study in our schools and semi- 
 naries. I have given the subject but little 
 reflection, and am not prepared to write an 
 elaborate essay; but you will be good enough 
 to receive my hasty remarks for whatever you 
 may deem them worth. 
 
 In regard to books for the School Libraries, 
 it appears tome that those on Natural History 
 in general, would be very suitable. Perhaps 
 the " Naturalist's Library" would compri-e 
 more that would be valuable under the head of 
 Zoology, than could be so well obtained from 
 any other quarter. In Geology, a work pub- 
 lished in London under the title of "Geology 
 
 for Beginners," seems well calculated for its 
 object. 
 
 I have no doubt that some instruction on 
 Agriculture, and subjects having a bearing on 
 that art, might be given in schools with good 
 results; but the first thing will be to find those 
 who are capable of giving it; for Agriculture 
 and almost every thing belonging to it, has 
 heretofore received little or no consideration 
 in making up the qualifications of school 
 teachers, and of course much knowledge of 
 its principles is not at present to be expected 
 in that class. 
 
 On a subject where (here are so many doubt- 
 ful and undecided questions as there are in all 
 departments of Agriculture, the exercise of 
 great caution is obviously necessary in laying 
 down theories. It is far better that a child 
 should form no opinions at all on these subjects, 
 than that he should form erroneous ones; and 
 the danger is, that opinions may be inculcat- 
 ed, which after experience will prove to be 
 wrong. 
 
 Discussions in relation to vegetable and ani- 
 mal physiology, the operation and value of 
 substances contained in the soil or used as 
 manure, are now going on; and even the most 
 learned men — those who have devoted the most 
 time and study to these matters — entertain on 
 som.e points, very different opinions. It is 
 hoped, and indeed believed, that these points 
 will be, by further investigation and experi- 
 ment, ultimately settled; but in tlie present 
 state of affairs, it will hardly do to adopt either 
 of the controverted systems. The disappoint- 
 ment which follows the adoption of an errone- 
 ous theory, always occasions perplexity, and 
 if often experienced, is very likely (o create 
 disgust and tocause a final aban lonment of the 
 whole subject. 
 
 But I did not intend to say more than to 
 make one or two suggestions in relation to (he 
 kind of instruction which appears to me most 
 desirable. 
 
 There are two branches of Natural Science 
 not now taught in Common Schools, which, I 
 think, might be to some extent advantageous- 
 ly introduced. I allude to Entomology and 
 Botany. In regard to the former, it may be 
 safely asserted that, next to the slate of the 
 weather, the success of farming operations de- 
 pends more on the exemption of crops from 
 the ravages of insects, than on any other cause. 
 Yet it is notorious that very little information 
 on the subject generally prevails. I would not, 
 however, recommend a loo diffuse study of 
 (his science — preferring that the attention of 
 the pupil should be first directed to those in- 
 sects which by (heir habits injuriously affect 
 the interests of the farmer. And as one means 
 of obtaining the desired information, I would 
 suggest the formation oi entomological cabinets 
 in every school district. Collections might 
 easily be made — those insects which are most 
 common in the several neighborhoods, being 
 of course those whose depredations are most 
 to bs guarded against. Procure some work. 
 
so 
 
 STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
 
 say Dr. Harris's " Insects of Massachusetts," 
 and with that, in connexion with the closest 
 study of the habits of each insect, let the sub- 
 ject be at once illustrated and investigated. — 
 This study need not encroach on other studies 
 — the boys would soon be delighted with it, 
 and instead of spending their out-of-school 
 hours in hunting bird's nests, and killing birds 
 and toads, (both natural enemies of insects, 
 and designed to hold thena in check) — they 
 would be found catching bugs and butterflies 
 to fill the eabinets. By this course, so good 
 a knowledge of the habits of insects would be 
 obtained, that the best means of destroying 
 ihem would be obvious. 
 
 In relation to Botany, I intended my sug- 
 gestion to refer principally to such plants as 
 would be generally useful to the farmer in 
 this section of country. These might be rea- 
 dily collected, preserved, and botanically ar- 
 ranged, and the peculiar habits and qualities 
 of each explained. Let the natural location 
 of each plant be pointed out, and its history 
 since first cultivated, be briefly given, togeth- 
 er with appropriate remarks on such characte- 
 ristic changes as the plant may have undergone 
 in the progress of its culture, &c. This, also, 
 would soon become a very interesting study — 
 its importance would be readily seen, and it 
 would be pursued with avidity. 
 Yours, &c. 
 
 SANFORD HOWARD. 
 
 [From M. B. Bateham, one of the committee on the 
 part of the State Coavention of Common-School Su- 
 perintendents.] 
 
 N. G. Farmer Office, Rochester, July 9. 
 Hon, JoHK Greio, Chairman of Committee, &c : 
 
 Dear Sir — I take great pleasure in com- 
 plying with the request of the Recording Secre- 
 tary of the State Agricultural Society, to ofTer 
 a few brief suggestions on the very important 
 subject of introducing the study of Agricul- 
 ture as a branch of popular instruction in our 
 Common Schools. Being one of the com- 
 mittee on this subject, appointed by the State 
 Convention of superintendents and teachers in 
 this city, and having acted with the Committee 
 on Agriculture in that Convention ("in writing 
 their report, &c.,) I will first take the liberty 
 to offer a few words in explanation of one or 
 two points on which it seems to me the State 
 Society (or its Secretary) labors under some 
 little misapprehension. 
 
 The resolutions adopted by the Convention, 
 it will be seen, recommend three different 
 modes of aiding the cause of Agriculture by 
 means of Common Schools. First: By lec- 
 tures, dialogues, &c. from teachers. Second: 
 By increasing the number of books on Agri- 
 culture in the libraries; and, Third: By in- 
 troducing the study of the elements of the 
 science and practice of Agriculture as a re- 
 gular branch of instruction for the older male 
 pupils, by means of suitable text-books, &c. 
 Now, thej^rsf of these modes can at once 
 be put into practice by the superintendents 
 and teachers. With this, I presume, the Com- 
 
 mittee have nothing to do. The second mode 
 requires the action of the Committee only so 
 far as furnishing suitable works on Agri- 
 culture for the libraries is concerned, and this 
 duty we were happy to know was entrusted to 
 able hands by the State Society — from whose 
 labors we had no doubt a full supply would 
 soon be forthcoming. It was therefore in re- 
 lation only to the third mode that the Conven- 
 tion felt the want of assistance and advice — 
 and it was particularly with reference to this 
 point that the Committee of which I am a 
 member was appointed. The Convention had 
 not considered the subject sufficiently to be 
 prepared for any definite action thereon at 
 present : and some of the delegates seemed to 
 apprehend much difficulty in the way of at- 
 taining the object. The principal difficulty 
 however was thought to be the want of a 
 suitable Text-Book for the Schools. It was 
 found that the State Society had not made 
 provision for such a tvork,*AnA therefore they 
 were invited to appoint a committee to act 
 with us in the matter. We did not suppose it 
 was included in the duties of the Committee 
 on Essays, &c., but I think it is well that the 
 Executive Committee have seen fit thus to in- 
 clude it; and I have no doubt that the gentle- 
 men whose names are associated with mine 
 in this cause, will be most happy to meet with 
 and consult that Committee whenever it shall 
 be in their power so to do. 
 
 As it is not expected that any definite ac- 
 tion will be had before next spring,* it is not 
 necessary at this time to enter upon any de- 
 tails of a plan for a work. In order that my 
 views may be better understood, however, I 
 simply say, that the general plan of "Gray's 
 Elements of Scientific and Practical Agri- 
 culture," published in Boston in 1842, strikes 
 me very forcibly — only, it is entirely too brief, 
 especially on practical subjects. The work 
 should be as full and comprehensive as possi- 
 ble, without making a book too large and ex- 
 pensive for the purpose mentioned. Another 
 important point should be to have it written 
 in as sprightly and pleasing style as possible — 
 such for instance as " Dana's Prize Essay on 
 Manures," or the " Familiar Letters" of 
 Liebig, &c. Questions for the pupils should, 
 I think, be appended to each chapter or sec- 
 tion. 
 
 The next duty of the Committee I conceive 
 will be to consult with teachers, and agree on 
 the best mode to recommend to the Conven- 
 tion for the introduction and prosecution of 
 the study of Agriculture with the Text-Book 
 that maybe recommended, so that there may 
 be system and uniformity of teaching, &c. 
 
 I regret that I have not had time to give 
 this subject more consideration before writing, 
 and to consult the other members of the Com- 
 
 * fit will be seen by these proceedings, however, that 
 ' action,' satisfactory action, action ptomisiug the best 
 results, has already occurred in reference to Text-boolcs 
 as well as other matters— the Committee of Publication 
 having offered a Premium of ^lOO for the best book of 
 that kind, and some works being now in prepulation.J 
 
ARRANGEMENTS FOR PReMOTING AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION. 
 
 21 
 
 mitlee. My suggestions are crude and hastily ' 
 penned, and are submitted with much defer- 
 ence, in hopes that some hint may prove of 
 value: My only object is lo do good, and aid 
 in any way in my power the orent cause of 
 improvement in Agriculture — the foundation 
 of all other improvements. 
 
 Most respectfully, your obi. servt. 
 
 M. B. BATEHAM. 
 
 [From Gerrit Smith, dated Peterborough, July 9.] 
 " Could such books as you propose to have 
 published (under the resolutions adopted at 
 the Annual Meeting, as printed in the third 
 volume of Transactions of the State Agricul- 
 tural Society) get into all our School Libra- 
 ries, the Mind of this State would thereby be 
 lifted up not a few degrees." 
 
 OPINIONS IN NEW-ENGLAND. 
 
 [From the late Secretary of the Board of Education in 
 
 Connecticut.] 
 
 Hartford, July 6, 1844. 
 Henry O'Reillt, Esq., Recording Secretary, &.C, &c. 
 
 Dear Sir — In reply to your note and Cir- 
 cular, relative to the introduction of agricul- 
 tural and horticultural studies into the schools, 
 and of agricultural books into the libraries, 
 school and social, of every state, I can at this 
 time only express myself briefly and hurried- 
 ly. The object strikes me as at once noble and 
 useful, and perfectly practicable. The most ef- 
 fectual way of reaching the heart of the matter, 
 as far as the schools are concerned, is through 
 an industrial and agricultural school, having 
 for one of its objects the training of young 
 men to become at once practical farmers and 
 teachers — farmers in summer and teachers in 
 winter — or teachers through the year. Our 
 common schools at this time, and will for a 
 long lime to come, in New England and New- 
 York, depend on this class of teachers. And 
 if the sons and daughters of our farmers were 
 in the first place better educated than they now 
 are, and could at the same time receive a 
 practical knowledge of agriculture and horti- 
 culture, as well as a theoretical and practical 
 knowledge of teaching, while paying the ex- 
 penses of instruction and board by a few 
 hours labor each day, they would be the very 
 best teachers which a large class of our dis- 
 trict schools could or would be likely to em- 
 ploy, as at present organized. Such teachers 
 would sympathize with the habits and feelings 
 of the children and their parents: their supe- 
 rior education would impart a higher charac- 
 ter and more liberal s|)irit to their own avoca 
 tions.both as teachers and farmers; and by their 
 daily conversation and incidental remarks, as 
 weli in the school-room as out of it, they 
 would communicate a large amount of practi- 
 cal knowledge. Constant employment in one 
 or the other capacity would yield a fair annual 
 compensation, as compared with any other 
 pursuit around them. 
 
 An industrial and normal school, it seems 
 to me, might be most advantageously estab- 
 
 lished under the auspices of your society and 
 the supervision (in part at least) of the Su- 
 perintendent of Common Schools. A combi- 
 nation of the plan and practices of the Batter- 
 sea Training School, near London, and of the 
 Agricultural School at Templemoyle, in Ire- 
 land, and the Institute of Agriculture at Ho- 
 henheim, in Wirtemburg, and the Normal 
 School at Kruitzbingen, near Constance, in 
 Switzerland, as well as some of our schools, 
 such as that of the Female Seminary in Had- 
 ley, Mass., and of the Van Rensselaer School 
 in Troy, N. Y. — a combination of the plans 
 and practices of these schools, with such al- 
 terations as the somewhat peculiar character 
 of the school would call for and suggest to a 
 principal of good strong common sense, 
 would meet my views of such an institution. 
 
 I have no faith in the ultimate success and 
 extensive usefulness of any Normal School 
 which does not include within its arrangements 
 the ways and means of enabling the young 
 men and young women (the sonsind daugh- 
 ters of our farmers, who resort to it for practi- 
 cal instruction as teachers) to pay a large 
 part of the expenses by their own labor. 
 
 I should deprecate the introduction of either 
 agriculture or horticulture as a new and dis- 
 tinct branch in our common schools as at pre- 
 sent organized. Too many studies are crowd- 
 ed into them now. But a reading book might 
 be prepared for the older classes in our district 
 schools, which would serve at the same time 
 for a text-book for oral instruction and expla- 
 nation on the part of a teacher who understood 
 the subject. 
 
 When our common schools are re-organized, 
 «o as to make what is now our district school 
 a primary school, under female teachers — and 
 bring the older and more advanced pupils of 
 two or more districts into a secondary school, 
 under a male teacher trained at an Agricul- 
 tural Normal school, and especially when the 
 older and more advanced pupils of a whole 
 town are brought together into a Central 
 High School, under teachers of superior at- 
 tainments and thorough training in a well or- 
 ganized Normal School — then we shall see 
 Agriculture, as well as the first principles and 
 leading processes of the various industrial 
 pursuits of the community, advantageously in- 
 troduced into our common schools. 
 
 As for the introduction of Agricultural and 
 Horticultural books into our school and social 
 libraries, it seems to me that the first step is 
 the formation of a library of this character, 
 out of books now before the public, and of 
 others which should be prepared by competent 
 hands. It would not be difficult to get legis- 
 latures in any of our northern states, composed 
 as they generally are of a large proportion of 
 farmers, orof persons fiee ling (or afTecting to 
 feel) a deep interest in the farmers, to make 
 a small ap])ropriation (or sending such a libra- 
 rv into every town, if not to every district. 
 At any rate, if the books are prepared and 
 brought before the public eye, very many 
 
22 
 
 STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
 
 copies will find their way into them. * * * 
 Excuse the haste and the imperfect manner 
 in which I have noticed your communication, 
 and believe me truly yours, &c. 
 
 HENRY BARNARD. 
 
 [Opinion of the Editor of the Boston Courier, J. T. 
 Buckingham.] 
 
 Agricultural Instruction. The 
 
 New-York Agricultural Society — as we learn 
 from a circular, issued by their Secretary, 
 Henry O'Reilly, Esq., — is now making vigo- 
 rous efforts for the promotion of Agriculture 
 and Horticulture, through the instrumentality 
 of the public schools and libraries, by urging 
 the introduction of those subjects as branches 
 of common education, and by furnishing the 
 district libraries with books, illustrating cause 
 and effect, in showing the connexion between 
 science and farming, &c. Resolutions, to 
 promote these objects, were adopted at the 
 last annual meeting of the State Society; and 
 premiums are offered to the amount of two 
 hundred dollars, (aside from copy- right) for a 
 series of essays, in one or more volumes, suit- 
 able for text-books in the common school li- 
 braries, and for use in the exercises of the 
 schools. 
 
 The State Convention of Common School 
 Superintendents, after hearing a report of one 
 of its committees on the subject, has manifest 
 ed its approbation of the plan, and appointed 
 a committee to co-operate with the State Agri- 
 cultural Society in furtherance of the general 
 object., The committees of these two bodies 
 are to meet at Poughkeepsie, on Thursday 
 next, the 11th, to make arrangements for 
 carrying the proposition into effect. Gen- 
 tlemen, to whom the Circulars are address- 
 ed, are requested to communicate their views 
 respecting the introduction of agricultural 
 books and studies in the common schools, 
 to the Hon. John Greig, Canandaigua, and 
 such communications may be addressed to 
 Henry O'Reilly, recording secretary of the 
 State Agricultural Society, at Albany. 
 
 This movement appears to us to be one of 
 great importance, and one, that, if pursued to 
 its legitimate results, will produce immense 
 benefit. There is hardly any science, of 
 which children not educated in a farming com- 
 munity, are so entirely ignorant as that of 
 agriculture. Almost every child of a dozen 
 years of age, has learned something of me- 
 chanical sciences, and can tell how houses 
 and ships and mills and manufactories are con- 
 structed — can describe the earth, geographi- 
 cally considered — and knows the elementary 
 principles of most of the physical sciences; 
 but comparatively few of them, especially 
 those who live in cities and thickly populated 
 towns, can distinguish the different kinds of 
 grains and grasses, or can tell why turnips are 
 not planted in hills like potatoes, — what vege- 
 table is most likely to grow on dry and sandy 
 soil, and what on the more heavy and clayey 
 ground — what is the appropriate food of differ- 
 ent animals, or what are the properties and 
 
 uses of the various kinds of trees and shrubs 
 which embellish or enrich the face of the 
 earth. 
 
 We hope the attempt of the New-York Agri- 
 cultural Society will prove eminently success- 
 ful, and recommend a similar movement to 
 our own agricultural and horticultural socie- 
 ties, as one which promises utility, pleasure, 
 and improvement. 
 
 We take this occasion to call the attention 
 of our readers to the advertisement of the New- 
 York State Society, giving a programme of 
 their " Agricultural Fair and Cattle Show," 
 which is to be held at Poughkeepsie, in Sep- 
 tember next. The Fair will probably be one 
 of the most attractive that has been held in the 
 United States. 
 
 [From Mr. Buckminster, editor of the Massachusetts 
 Plowman.] 
 
 After publishing the Circular from the Sec- 
 retary of the N. Y. State Agricultural Society, 
 Mr. Buckminster says: 
 
 " We have long thought that the reading' 
 books of our common schools ought to contain 
 more matter relating to agriculture. For fifty 
 years past, our reading books in the common 
 schools in New England have contained less 
 relating to the cultivation of the earth than to 
 almost any subject of general interest. In 
 them much more is found on the science of 
 government than on that of agriculture. Con- 
 sequently, most of our grown boys of forty 
 prefer a political paper to one that treats of 
 matters relating directly to their own occupa- 
 tion and means of supporting themselves and 
 families. 
 
 We hope to see a belter course of reading 
 introduced into our common schools. We 
 hope the time will come when our lads of six- 
 teen shall become so familiar with writings on 
 farming, that they will not dread to put a pen 
 on paper to communicate their own thoughts 
 and practices. 
 
 In most of our schools where scholars are 
 ever put to composition, they are directed to 
 write on some metaphysical question — some 
 abstruse subject of which the teacher has no 
 clear ideas, and in which the scholar feels but 
 little interest. 
 
 Why not let him put on paper, words that 
 convey ideas of sensible objects, instead of 
 discussing abstruse subjects in which he can 
 take no great interest, and which our wisest 
 teachers but imperfectly understand.'' 
 
 Our own opinion is that if proper school 
 books, with reading lessons on the subject of 
 farming interspersed, were introduced into 
 our schools, it would be productive of many 
 advantages. Parents would occasionally see 
 such books, and they would learn not to stand 
 in greater fear of them than they now do of an 
 old almanac that contains a column on agricul- 
 ture; and children, if not grown people, would 
 stand a good chance to catch a new idea from 
 them. 
 
 True, if any farmer or mechanic is well sa- 
 tisfied that he already knows more than all the 
 
ARRANGEMENTS FOR PROMOTING AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION- 
 
 23 
 
 vest of the world, jointly and severally, he 
 may bring up his oflspring- in private, and not 
 suffer them to know the crooked patlis in mo- 
 rals or in agriculture; though our most emi- 
 nent men are in the practice of sending their 
 children away from home for instruction. 
 
 But while any parent is conscious that all 
 knowledge is not confined to his own brain, 
 that something may be added to his stock by 
 an interchange of thought with his neighbor, 
 he should not hesitate to make use of means 
 to circulate knowledge. And it is as absurd 
 for him to resolve he will not look at a book 
 thit treats on husbandry as to determine not to 
 read on any other subject. 
 
 We are therefore pleased to see that the 
 New-York State Society has offered such li- 
 beral premi-ums to introduce school books and 
 libraries relating to agriculture and horticul- 
 ture. We need books for schools written by 
 men of talent and general information; and 
 those relating to agriculture and horticulture 
 should by all means be composed by men prac- 
 tically acquainted with the subject. 
 
 The prejudices in the minds of most farmers 
 against reading on the art of farming have 
 arisen in no small degree from the wild theo- 
 ries of writers who have not a competent ac- 
 quaintance with farming operations. 
 
 [From the Editor of the Boston Cultivator. J 
 
 Cultivator Office, Boston, July 9th. 
 Henry O'Reilly, Esq. 
 
 Dear Sir — Your communications in 
 regard to introducing Agricidture and Horti- 
 culture into Public Schools and Libraries, 
 were dtdy received, but owing to my absence 
 they have been neglected; and now I have 
 many things on my mind, and but a few 
 minutes to devote to the subject. 
 
 I think that we Avant in our schools short 
 and comprehensive text books on Geology, 
 Chemistry, Botany and Entomology — parti- 
 cularly on those branches of these sciences 
 that relate to Agriculture and Horticulture; 
 and then we should have on these professions 
 plain practical treatises, written in a pleasing 
 and interesting manner, with appropriate re- 
 marks on their paramount importance and uti- 
 lity ; and some arrangements should be made in 
 every town to give lectures with specimens, 
 and also illustrations of these arts and sciences 
 by practical operations in the fields and nur- 
 series, &c. &c., in order that the scholar may 
 learn underslandingly, and become intelligent 
 and zealous in the good cause. 
 
 Let us have good school-books; and then, 
 instead of the scholar reading over and over 
 about some famous cavern, noted river, or 
 wonderful curiosity in some foreign land, or 
 some famous general of ancient or modern 
 times, let him learn the natural sciences; let 
 him learn of the minerals and metals, the in- 
 sects and animals, the plants and trees, around 
 him; among which he lives and moves, and 
 by which he has a being — a knowledge of 
 which sciences are essential lo success in the 
 
 prosecution of those pursuits which open a 
 wide field, and give employment to almost all 
 the human race, anl by which the whole are 
 fed. 
 
 To get books that seem familiar with the 
 field and do not smack too much of the closet, 
 is the great difficulty, both as to the facts them- 
 selves, and the manner of communicating 
 them; but first we must get the best we can, 
 and then make improvements, as in every 
 other science. These crude notions are thrown 
 out in a hasty manner for consideration. 
 
 I view with unspeakable pleasure the noble 
 and patriotic exertions now in operation in 
 the State of New-York to imi)rove Agricul- 
 ture and Horticulture; and with the intelli- 
 gence and energy in those that lead off in this 
 important cause, there must be success. Mil- 
 lions of the present and future generations 
 will " call them blessed.'^ 
 
 Respectfully, your humble servt. 
 
 S. W. COLE. 
 
 [From the Messrs. Harper, publishers, &c.] 
 
 Nkw-York, July 9th, 1844. 
 Hob. John Greig, Ch'n of Com. Stale Ag. Soc. &ci 
 
 Dear Sir — In reply to the communica- 
 tion of Henry O'Reilly, Esq. of yesterday, 
 we beg to say, that we highly approve of the 
 proposed plan for circulating agricultural in- 
 formation throughout our Slate; and that we 
 shall be happy to make an arrangement to pub- 
 lish in the School Library, or otherwise, such 
 volumes as may be prepared by the Society, 
 for that purpose; being of a generally useful 
 and popular character. 
 
 Hoping to hear farther from the Society on 
 the subject, we remain, with respect, 
 Your obt. servants, 
 
 HARPER & BROTHERS. 
 
 [Concluding Proceedings of the Committee.] 
 The foregoing and other letters having been 
 submitted, and some extracts read explanato- 
 ry of the sentiments of the various writers. 
 
 The President (Dr. Beekman) remarked 
 that the object had certainly been steadily and 
 industriously, and he would add, successfully 
 prosecuted; for success might be considered 
 as measurably attained, when })ublic attention 
 is aroused in the manner it is now aroused — 
 when the Agrictdtural and Educational or- 
 ganizations concur in advan(;ing the project; 
 when various competent authors are engaged 
 in preparing Agricultural and Horticultural 
 works for text-books in the schools and for 
 circulation from the thousands of district li- 
 braries; and when enterprising publishers, at 
 the head of the book-trade in America, are 
 ready to promote the designs of the Society 
 by incorporating into the School-District and 
 Family Libraries such works on Agriculture 
 and Horticulture, and the kindred arts and sci- 
 ences, as (lie N. Y. State Agricultural Socie- 
 ty may deem advantageous in promoting the 
 welfare of society generally by imiuoving the 
 
24 
 
 STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
 
 condition of American Farming'. With con- 
 gratulations to the Special Con:imi{tee on the 
 course which had been so beneficially pur- 
 sued, the President expressed his particular 
 satisfaction at witnessing the interest which 
 the chairman of that Committee (the Hon. 
 John Greig) had manifested in the whole sub- 
 ject, by attending this meeting, at a point re- 
 mote from his residence in the West. 
 
 The following resolutions were then, on mo- 
 tion of Mr. Walsh of Lansingburgh, unani- 
 mously adopted: 
 
 Resolved, That the members of the Execu- 
 tive Committee of the New-York State Agri- 
 cultural Society have witnessed with great 
 satisfaction the efforts made by the special 
 committee for introducing Agricultural and 
 Horticultural works into the Common Schools 
 and District Libraries throughout the State — 
 that the co-operation of the State Convention 
 of School Superintendents, and the individual 
 zeal of many of those Superintendents, are 
 particularly encouraging — that the Executive 
 Committee have also heard with great satis- 
 faction that several able authors are preparing 
 books for publication'; and that enterprizing 
 publishers are ready to issue such works as 
 may be recommended by the Special Com- 
 mittee in behalf of the Slate Society. 
 
 Resolved also, That a portion of the cor- 
 respondence and other proceedings on these 
 subjects be published, and that copies be sent 
 to the Agricultural Societies and literary in- 
 stitutinns in this and other States, to the mem- 
 bers and correspondents of this Society, and 
 to the Superintendents of Schools throughout 
 this State, in the hope of procuring a still 
 wider co-operation in furthering the policy 
 shadowed forth by the resolutions of the N. 
 Y. State Agricultural Society at its last An- 
 nual Meeting in January, 1844. 
 
 The Executive Committee then, on motion 
 of Mr. B. P. Johnson of Oneida, adjourned 
 till the regular monthly meeting in August 
 at Albany — the proceedings to be published 
 
 as usual in the State Paper, in the Agricul- 
 tural Journals, in the District School Journal, 
 and in such other papers as will allow an in- 
 sertion. HENRY O'RIELLY, R. Sec. 
 
 NOTICE. 
 
 The Committee of Publication, in accor- 
 dance with the sentiments expressed by many 
 friends of the cause, hereby suggest a fur- 
 ther Premium of One Hundred Dollars to the', 
 author of the best Text-Book on Agriculture,,^ 
 for the use of Schools. This premityD, added 
 to those already specified, will be awarded at 
 the Annual Meeting of the State Society in 
 January, 1845 ; and manuscripts should be sent 
 to the Recording Secretary before the first of 
 that month — at which time also, other manu-^ 
 scripts designed for competition,should be sent 
 in. These hundred-dollar premiums are ex- 
 clusive of copy-right; and the Committee will 
 afford all practicable assistance to the authors 
 in procuring the publication of their respec- 
 tive works. 
 
 It would afford the Committee satisfaction 
 to hear the views of any friends of the cause; 
 and such expressions of opinion are respect- 
 fully invited from individuals and societies to 
 whom copies of this pamphlet are directed. 
 
 The Committee, before concluding this note, 
 must express the gratification excited by the 
 promptness with which they have been fur- 
 nished with the views of many intelligent 
 friends on the points embraced in the Circu- 
 lar, concerning 'text Books for Schools and 
 Libraries. And attention is now invoked to 
 the propriety of rendering Agriculture and 
 Horticulture subjects of study and exercise in 
 the State Normal School which is now going 
 into operation at Albany. The training of 
 teachers in this great model school may be 
 made largely serviceable in diffusing Agricul- 
 tural knowledge through the whole Common 
 School system, and the thousands of District 
 Libraries. JOHN GREIG, 
 
 Ch^n of Com. of Publication. 
 
 Henry O'Reilly, Secretary. 
 
 OPINION OF MR. WADSWORTH. 
 
 Extract from the valedictory communication of James S- Wadsworth, Ex-President of the State Societ/, referred 
 to on a former page introductory to Mr. Greig's Report. 
 
 " The Society has recently adopted a measure from which much good is anticipated. It is 
 proposed to prepare volumes of Selections from the Prize Essays of the Society, and that these 
 be offered to some enterprizing publishers, with the view of having them printed in form suit- 
 able for incorporation with the School District Libraries. Liberal premiums are also offered 
 for the best [Text- Books and] series of Essays on the Importance of Scientific Knowledge in 
 connexion with the Ordinary Pursuits of Agriculture ; with the design of having those works 
 also included in the proposed volumes on agricultural subjects for the District Libraries. It 
 is believed that those valuable fountains of popular knowledge will be greatly enriched by 
 the volumes embodying the best of the Prize Essays, and that the sanction and recommenda- 
 tion of this Society wiU lead to their general introduction throughout this State, if not in other 
 States. It is regarded as not only the duty of the Society to encourage and promote the dis- 
 coveries and developm'ents of science as connected with rural pursuits, but to spread the re- 
 sults thus attained among the mass of practical and laboring farmers. In the attainment of 
 this latter object, it is believed that no more effectual instrument can be employed, for reach- 
 in"- boih the rising generation and the adult population, than the School District Libraries. 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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