Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1882-07-14
Ille SIRE 4ress.
OUR AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.
A Professor of Agriculture, Agricultu-
raj societies, etc.

raj societies, etc.
1t is undoubtedly true that agricultural
colleges have everywhere failed to meet fully
the expectations of the farmers, partly be-
cause they expected too much, or expected
impossibilties, and partly, perhaps, because
the colleges, ii being new field, have made
mistakes in trying TO find their work l
have great faith still that they will win their
way to the confidence of the farmers, and
will come to be regarded by them, not only
as useful, but as necessity, and that the
far seeing forecast and wisdom of the honor
ed Vermont Senator, who IS the father of
these institutions will be vindicatcd. The
scholar is wanted now in agriculture as much
as in any business or profession, and the
most progressive, wide awake farmers, the
men who are watching and adopting every
practical improvement, and keeping abreast
of every advance, are the ones TO see and
feel that want the soonest.
The trustees of the University of Vermont
and State Agricultural College, DESTROYS OF
meeting that want and complying with every
reasonable requirement as far as in their
power, voted at their annual meeting on the
29th ult. to appoint a Professor of Agrcul-
ture as soon as suitable man can be found,
who shall give his whole time to scientific and
practical agriculture by instruction in the in
stitulion or throughout the State With the
right man in that chair, one who loves the
farm, and with the knowledge that the
schools and books can give him combines
the knowledge derived from q close study of
nature, and can, if need be- step outside the
tracks of other men and follow where science
and nature lead we may hope for cordial
cooperation of the farmers both in their in
dividual capacity and through their various
organizations.
There is great deal of enterprise and a
great deal being done in the way of improve
ment by the farmers of the State, each one
or each society on its or his ''own hook.
Could not much more be accomplished by
more concert and cooperation! Ii we could
see the agricultural college, the legislature,
the State agricultural societies. the dairy
mems association, and all the county and
local societies brought into close relations,
and as they are all working for a common
purpose, see them all working in harmonious
concert-a long team pulling all together
we should soon see Vermont, as she deserves
to be, leader in all agricultural improve.
ment.
And now, disclaiming any wish to assume
the least leadership in this matter, l venture
TO propose that conference OF representa-
tive farmers be held al Montpelier some
time during the next session of the Lcgsla-
ture as u first step toward more united work,
the conference to consist of one delegate
from each society in the State and one from
the college. The Committees on Agrcul-
ture of the two Houses would very likely
join il invited. The delegates could be
chosen by the several societies when they
meet to hold their fairs next Fall. The con.
ference could meet and end simply as con-
ference, or it could make a permanent or
ganzation and provide for future meetings
if they thought that would be profitable.
hope the farmers of the State will give
this suggestion such consideration as they
may think it merits, and if they think well
Of it, will take action accordingly. | think
| can answer for the College and the State
society and the Champlain Valley Associa-
ton, that they would he represented in such
conference if held.
CROSBY MILLER.
Pomfret. July /, 1882.