Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-01-12
PRE- SIS. FRID A


| EIGHTH WINTER MEETING. AT DuRLISGro On,
JAN. II, lS AND ~, 1877.
The constitution of the Association defines
It's object to be to promote the dairy inter
ests OF Vermont and all subsidiary interests.
This has ever been construed by the Associ-
alton as including the whole agricultural
| system of the State.
Tho methods of the Association have from
the first been purely educational. \ pioneer
institution in the State. without means or
resources, contcnding agains. many OBJ
stacles and much opposition and unjust
criticism in all its struggles, it has never
deviated from its purposes, but has per
sistently kept in full view the one object
defined in its constitution and has bent
every energy to its accomplishment, en-
ploying in its aid tho very best talent and
means at its command.
Those questions in which tho greater
number OF the people of the State have the
more immediate and urgent interest have
ever received the first consideration. We
have often, during moro than six years,
been urged to depart from our inyariable
practice of discussing only the purely prac-
tie / topics adapted to the necessities
of he present generation of farmers, and
take up the more abstract and theoretical
question of " agricultural education" and
the matter has often received the consider
alton of our executive board. We have
taken not little pains and incurred much
personal expense, attending various conven-
tions and other gatherings in which this
subject was discussed at length, to reach no
other conclusion than that no substantial
progress has been made in reconciling the
ideas of those who, in their Ignorance Of all |
educational methods, are continually and |
Professionally finding fault with any system |
which those who have lent to the investiga |
ton of tho subject the best energies of |
trained minds have been able to devise; and |!
We have felt compelled to decline opening
the doors OF the Association to the discussion |
of a subject upon which only the cynical
and hypercritical desired an audience, until
our relations to the question and our mo-
tiyes in the premises have become subjects
of the soverest animadversion and misrep-
resentation. Believing that tho time has
now come when every true friend of the As
ISOLATION will fully justify that course, We
have arranged for giving up the first day
OF tho meeting, or so much OF 1t as may
be necessary to this topic and have made
every effort practicable to secure for speak
ers tho best qualified men in our reach. We
would have been glad to secure a larger
number of those, if practicable. but we
trust the very able gentlemen engaged will
do the subject most eminent justice consid-
ering the time at their disposal. We sin
cerely hope it will not be lost effort in its
effects upon Vermont education and YER
mont agriculture.
In arranging for the moro Immediately
practical portion of the meeting, We have
taken fully into account the effect Of devot-
ing part of the time to tho educational
topic, and have provided for brief and
pointed discussion of every question of
prominent interest to Vermont dairymen
BY the best informed men in their special
departments. Abundant opportunity will
be afforded for the investigation of any new
questions OF public interest which may
come before the meeting.
We have not the space for list of tho
gentlemen who will attend. suffice it
to say that larger number of the
more prominent men identified with
the cause of agricultural progress and
true agricultural education than will be
present on this occasion, has not assembled
iince the National Agricultural Conven
ion held in Washington five years ago.
md it is hoped that o large number of the
armers of Vermont will avail themselves Of
his opportunity to enlarge their circle OF
and to investigate for them
elves the questions of most vital interest TO
hem. The expense of attendance will DO
cry light compared with the benefits which
nay be derived.
o. s. Bliss. Secretary.
ieorgia, Jan. 8, 1877.