Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1857-01-10
1915.
$685. 1O,t8l 236,8lO STA, 7a5,264 l43,6

PA'O3oN"''oA NO",o4O SIAt,toO, Got 14oiOiz
These tables exhibit an increase in the an
nual productions of the industry Of the State
since 1916, of $17l, OS5 All, or one hundred
and thirty eight per cent, while the increase
of population during the same period has been
but thirty-f four per cent. Such results are the
highest evidences of universal. intelligent,
and well-remunerated labor, of social pro-
gress, happiness, and thrift.
Our agricultural interests take the lead in
the aggregate of their products and the mum.
Der of persons engaged in them, over either of
the other classes in these tables. They con-
stitute in every community the prime source
Of happiness and prosperity. Recognizing
this broad truth, our Commonwealth has Just
ly legisated to protect and foster her agrieul-
tural interests. The County Agricultural So
cieties have been made the almoners of her
bounty, amounting now to about $ll 900 per
year in premiums offered for superior excel
lence in the various departments of husband
ry. These anniversaries of these societies.
without exception, have been peculiarly sue.
cesstul and interesting during the year past,
and they are pursuing their appropriate labors
with diligence and faithfulness uuder the
scrutinizing supervision of the Central Board
Two new County Societies were incorporated
at the last session of the Legislature, and a
limit in their number has now been reached,
which your good judgment will probably con-
slider ought not to be exceeded. Aside from the
additional expense entailed upon the treasury
by their farther multiplication, it may be
questioned if subdivision into smaller bodies
will not diminish that opportunity for com
pairing products and contrasting results, which
now exists.
Under the direction of the Board of Agri-
culture the permanent improvements at the
State Farm have advanced, and interesting
experiments have been carefully made on &C.
reals and root crops, as well as regarding neat
stock, which in the results of a series of years
will prove invaluable. About one hundred
and fifty Of the boys from the Reform School
have been employed during the season on the
Farm, averaging SIX hours labor each per
day, thus not only contributing to their pres.
ent happiness and health, but practically edu.
eating them in pursuit which will probably
become the business of their future lives.
The Commonwealth now owns nearly three
thousand meteorological and geological speci-
mems, collected from all portions of the State,
and forming a cabinet OF great practical value.
These specimens are now distributed for safe
keeping among the collections of individuals
and societies. She possesses also over one
hundred specimens OF the soil OF different 10.
calities, with the analyses attached, and sew
eral hundred varieties Of grasses and plants
grown within her limits. 1t is proposed to
add specimens Of all other species OF grains,
grasses and plants, indigenous or domesticated
here, collection Of our birds, insects, aud
fishes, and models Of all our fruits properly
labelled, thus forming a collection of our nat.
ural products Of direct practical interest to
the agriculturists Of our State. To this end, a
trihing sum is wanted to furnish the room OF
the Secretary OF the Board Of Agriculture
with cases aud other suitable fixtures, which
appropriation | recommend.
At the last session Of our Legislature an
Act was passed. in conformity with the legis.
lation Of Maine, extending the time Tor the
payment OF sums due for lands sold in that
State. Our Land Agent has collected during
duo, and, in his Judgment, not only is Massa.