Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1883-09-07
Dr. Lorings Address sc the New Eng
land Fair.

nr. Lurimgn Auurena at the New Eng
land Fair.
The New England fair opened at Manches-
ter, N H., on Tuesday. The exhibition was
formally opened by Dr. George b. Loring of
Massachusetts, president Of the society, in an
address on the subject Of Agricultural In
vestigation, " the main points Of which are
presented below
Gentlemen The 2Oth exhibition Of the
New England agricultural society gathered
on these grounds presents an interesting and
instructive view Of the condition of that in
dustry which we represent in a state whose
progress in agricultural work is met by unus-
ual obstacles New Hampshire cannot be
considered as one OF the most genial of agri.
cultural states either in soil or climate. Its
lands are hard, its winds are harsh, its vege.
tation is by no means luxuriant. And yet
under the influence of constant endeavor
and with the advantages TO be derived from
increasing local markets. she sets an example
which might well be followed by many states
whose circumstances are in every way more
favorable In 80 years her progress has been
highly creditable, not only in the amount Of
land under cultivation, but in the manage
ment of her tillage, the condition of her ami
mails, and the general appearance of the farms
aud farmsteads whenever the business Of
farming has been conducted with due regard
to the economic laws by which it is surround
ed. The decline Of certain branches OF farm
ing especially of those staples which can be
more cheaply produced elsewhere, is attend
ed by an increase of all those products which
enter into the immediate home consumption
aud hence it is that the number of farms has
increased, the production of butter has been
enlarged, the sale of milk has become an inn
portaut branch of the dairy, and the aggre-
la yolup pf Tho animal 90 Ill
is greatly enhanced. Tho increased number
of horses and the remarkable reduction of
working oxen indicate a radical change in
the farm management, which | trust is but
temporary The value of oxen should never
be lost sight of /; and anticipate n return to
this economical and, when properly managed
profitable ally of the farmer in the toll re-
qured on the farm. The condition of farm
ing in this state, and, in fact in all the states
included in tho organization of this society,
indicates the Importance of adopting the
best possible system Of cultivation which iu-
dicious practice, guided by sound science, has
established. In these communities that farm.
ing is alone profitable which is conducted in
accordance with the most thoroughly organ
lied economy. Misapplied labor, wasteful
or inappropriate use of fertilizers, an unwise
selection of animals an iniudicious choice of
crops unskilful manipulation of the land,
all stand in the way of farming as a pro ita.
BILE and satisfactory business. Mismanage-
ment, even when industriously conducted is
as fatal to success as Incidence and idleness.
Misdirected zeal and enthusiasm are more un
profitable than Indifference, because more ex.
travagant and expensive To him who cult
Yates the soil, therefore, sound investigation
and well directed science are of the utmost
Importance Leaving the farm and the valu
able information to be gained from success
full experiments, the next step should be
toward those institutions which have been EN-.
dowed for scientific teaching and exploration.
We cannot well stop half way between the
club and the school-between the farm and
well-organized experiment station. In those
countries whore schools and stations are well
managed this law has been discovered and
followed, and to the patient and well educat-
ed scientist alone is the work of teaching
and of experimenting alike submitted In
this country we are supplied already with the
means of following this example. In many
of the states an agricultural college, with an
ample surrounding farm and a corps of eff.
cient scientific teachers, furnishes the oppor.
tunity for agricultural investigations in ex-
pertinent stations, which would naturally fol.
low wise course and reach reliable conclu-
sions. There is no necessity for trivial work
there is every necessity for substantial and
reliable work. And when, for the develop.
ment and protection of our forests, for the
cultivation of our crops, for the economical
use of fertilizers for improving our breeds
of cattle, for investigating animal diseases,
for ascertaining the exact facts regarding the
existence of contagious disease, experiment
stations are to be established, the colleges
may, with great propriety and advantage, be
made the centres of such work, and the as
sociate stations should be guided by them.
have called special attention to this subject at
this time, because the value of our ngricul.
tural colleges is becoming better understood
and their influence is becoming more and
more manifest They are recognized now as
among the most useful institutions of learn
ing in this country, and they have called into
their service some of the most accomplished,
faithful and reliable scientists among us.
Aided by experiment stations, established un-
der their immediate control they can bring
to the farmer the most valuable information,
and confirm it to his mind by authority which
he would not be inclined to question.