Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1869-02-19
horticultural. &r.
h, asx finland .rr!sal:ural society

ihr ses LHsisHi agricultural sOtiefy.
The New England Agricultural Society
owes its origin to the action of the Massachu-
setts State Board Of Agriculture at the an
nual meeting in 1861. There were, at thai
time, twenty-five incorporated societie.
technically called 20 County SOCIETIES under
the direction of the Board, and the benefit,
accruing from them were so apparent that il
was thought desirable to extend the influence
to the farthest practicable extent. There
were in the Board many of the clearest head.
and warmest hearts of that grand old com
monwealth, and they were not content to en-
joy by themselves all the advantages Of the
system that they had nurtured and developed
until its benefcent influence was felt and ac-
knowledged in every farm house in the State,
but desired to extend them throughout the
length and breadth of the land.
The attempt to establish National Soci-
ETY. had proven. practically at least failure
for want CT identity of interests between the
more remote sections Of the country; but it
was thought that New England Society
might be made practicable
Although the New England Society was
thus conceived and inspired with life by the
Massachusetts Board, in order that the citi-
1ens of every state might enjoy its benefits
alike, 1t was made an entirely independent
association, in no manner or form connected
with any Massachusetts, institution.
Its first exhibition was held at Springfield,
Mass. in the fall of 1864, and was perfect
success. Its second, third, fourth, and fifth
have been held at Concord n. H., Brattleboro
Vt, Providence r. l., and New Haven Conn,
and each has been an improvement on all
predecessors.
Without any legal or corporate existence
and with no funds OF Its own, il has hereto
fore by the simple tact Of its officers been en-
abled to do what many an institution backed
by funds and venerable with age has failed
to do. 1t has, however, entered upon a new
stage of existence, and it is believed Of useful
ness, by adopting, at ifs last annual meeting
held in Boston last week, liberal charter
granted by the Legislature of Massachusetts
and a new constitution.
The PloHglman, the official organ Of the
Society says 81 \ new era now opens for the
New England Society with a special chart
er granted by the Legislature Of Massachu-
sets; with new constitution and bylaws; .
and with the old officers still leading the col
umn, and the old members all engraited into
the new corporation, we may look for a fu-
ture health and yigor which shall in no wise
cast discredit upon the old Society. The old
is numbered among the things
of the past The new Society, with greater
rights and privileges and larger field of
takes Its place. Nothing could
have been added to make more fayora-
BE the circumstances under which the new
Society had its origin. The day itself was
was one Of the most beautiful Of all winter
lays; the gathering was Of the bestmen known
in the agricultural world, and IN whom the
people have unlimited confidence; the good
ceiling and the general harmony everywhere
among the members, was an omen
IF a most promising character and all in all
he annual meeting Of Tuesday last was the
argcst, the most spirited and the best, which
be New England Society has ever held"
The Secretary was directed to prepare and
publish report of the exhibitions in Yer
mont, Rhode Island and Connecticut and the
um of $500 was appropriated to meet the
Expense.
The fee for life membership was raised
rom three dollars to FIVE, and provision made
1r annual membership on paying a fee Of
wo dollars.
1t is to be regretted that so little interest
) felt in the affairs of this Society among the
Members residing in this State that but two ,
we're present at the annual meeting, and one t
f them did not arrive till most Of the bust D
ess had been transacted y
1t is probable that the next exhibition n
i'll be held in Maine and it is understood h
nat Negotiations to that end are already in +
-ogress. n