On motion of Mr. KELLER, the reading of the minutes was dispensed with. On behalf of the Advisory Committee, Dr. Roland reported that they have agreed to propose Washington, Pa., as the place for the fall meeting of the Board, on October 18, at nine, A. M., as the time. The committee further recommended that the invitations of the Columbia County Agricultural Society to hold a meeting of the Board at Bloomsburg, and of the Eastern Experimental Farm, to hold a meeting at the Eastern Experimental Farm, be placed in the charge of the Secretary, subject to a future call of the Board.

In compliance with the instruction of annual meeting, the Secretary reported that he has prepared a draft of a blank form of a certificate of membership for the use of future members of the Board. After discussion by Messrs. Wallace, Beebe, Moore, Keller, Musselman, and the Secretary, the following blank form was adopted:

188 was this day elected to represent

this Society in the Pennsylvania Board of Agriculture, for the term of three years, commencing from and on the fourth Wednesday of January, 188 and that the said Society was organized under, and has complied with, the provisions of the act of March 28, 1851.

On behalf of the Committee on Forests and Forestry, Dr. Roland read a full and complete report, which was adopted, and the Secretary was directed to incorporate it in the next quarterly report of the Board.

Mr. PERRIN, on behalf of Committee on Freight Discrimination on Agricultural Products, presented a full report, which was accepted, and ordered printed in the proceedings of the Board.

On motion, Col. WALLACE, of Lawrence, read an essay on "Weeds and their Eradication," the subject matter of which was discussed by Messrs. Beebe, Wallace, Meehan, Keller, Garretson, Reeder, Leffmann, Musselman, Smith, Stitzel, Herr, McDowell, Eves, and Underwood.

On motion of Mr. MOORE, seconded by Mr. KELLER, adjourned until two, P. M.

At an adjourned session held Wednesday, May 24, 1882.

Board called to order at two, P. M., Vice President Hood in the chair. Present-Messrs. Perrin, McKee, Sterling, Reeder, Dindinger, Herr, Eves, Hiester, Hood, McKnight, Wallace, Barnes, Smith, Foresman, Yeakle, Sechler, Shimer, Musselman, Keller, Vaughn, Tyler, Beebe, McDowell, Underwood, Roland, and Secretary.

On motion of Mr. KELLER, Mr. GARRETSON, of Adams, read an essay on "The Advantages and Disadvantages of Deep Plowing," which was discussed by Messrs. Eves, Barnes, Keller, Garretson, and Musselman.

On motion of Mr. MOORE, Mr. MUSSELMAN, of Somerset, read an essay on "Maple Sugar, its Cost and Profit," which was discussed by Messrs. Meehan, Musselman, Roland, Eves, Keller, Garretson, Barnes, Biery, Perrin, Beebe, and Secretary.

Mr. BARNES presented the following communication from the Lehigh County Agricultural Society:

Resolved, That the thanks of the Lehigh County Agricultural Society be and are hereby tendered to the State Board of Agriculture for the honor

they have done us in selecting our county for the meeting of the Board, and that they are hereby cordially invited to visit places of interest in the neighborhood, in charge of the following committee of the agricultural society.

ENOS ERDMAN, President.
L. P. HECKER, Secretary.
E. P. Gram, Treasurer.

Committee: V. L. Schrieber, R. A. Thayer, H. J. Schantz, R. E. Wright, L. A. Bridges, and W. F. Yeager.

On motion, the invitation was accepted, to take effect at a time most convenient to the committee.

On behalf of Mr. Soleliac, superintendent, Mr. BARNES invited the Board to visit the Adelaide silk-mill.

On motion of Mr. BEEBE, the invitation was accepted, and Mr. Barnes instructed to inform Mr. Soleliac that the Board would visit the mill in a body at the close of the present session.

On motion of Mr. UNDERWOOD, Mr. BARNES then read an essay on "Silk Culture," which was discussed by Meehan, Foresman, Barnes, and Roland.

Adjourned to meet at half past seven, P. M., Wednesday.

At an adjourned session held Wednesday evening, May 24, 1882. Board called to order at eight, P. M., by Vice President FORESMAN, in the chair.

On motion of Dr. ROLAND, the reading of the minutes and calling of the roll were dispensed with.

By request, Dr. H. LEFFMANN, the Microscopist of the Board, then addressed the meeting on the "Modern Theories of Fermentation and Decay." On motion, Prof. Thomas MEEHAN addressed the meeting on the subject of Bark of Trees and its Functions."

After a full discussion of the subject-matter of both addresses, on motion, adjourned until eight o'clock, A. M., Thursday.

At an adjourned session of the Board, held Thursday morning, May 25, 1882.

Board called to order at eight forty-five, A. M., by Vice President FORESMAN, in the chair.

Present-Messrs. Perrin, Musselman, Roland, Leffmann, Dindinger, Eves, Beebe, Hiester, Barnes, Herr, Keller, Wallace, Foresman, Garretson, Meehan, Sterling, Sechler, Vaughn, McKnight, Underwood, Shimer, and Secretary.

On motion, an essay on "Ensilage," by Prof. W. H. JORDAN, Agricultural Chemist of the Board. was read by Col. DEMMING, and followed by a short essay on the same topic, by J. O. SCHIMMELL, of Philadelphia, both of which were discussed by Messrs. Beebe, Musselman, Underwood, Barnes, Wallace, and Secretary.

On motion, Mr. HIESTER read an essay on "Fruit Culture," which was discussed by Messrs. Roland, Hiester, Herr, Keller, Beebe, Musselman, Meehan, Barnes, Leffmann, Foresman, and Secretary.

An essay by Dr. J. P. EDGE, on "Commercial Fertilizers," was then read

by Mr. DEMMING, and discussed by Messrs. Herr, Barnes, Sechler, Beebe, Garretson, Keller, Musselman, McAllister, and Secretary.

By request, Dr. Roland, of York, read an essay on "Agriculture and the Duties of County Agricultural Societies," which was discussed by Messrs. Herr, Barnes, and the Secretary.

On motion of Mr. MUSSELMAN, seconded by Mr. GARRETSON, a committee on "The Preservation of Useful Birds," was added to the list of standing committees, and the Chair named Messrs. Musselman, Jaekel, Barnes, Keller, Hiester, Engle, Shimer, and Oliver, as said committee, with power to add to their number as their chairman may elect.

Dr. ROLAND, of York, then presented the following from the committee in care of business, which was adopted by a standing vote:

Resolved, That the thanks of this Board are eminently due, and are hereby tendered, to the commissioners of Lehigh county for the use of the courthouse in which the meetings of the Board have been held, and especially to the honorable court for relinquishing its right to the court-room, which had already been previously arranged for holding court sessions; to the honorable the mayor of the city of Allentown for the kind and expressive words of welcome extended in behalf of the citizens to the members of the board; to Mr. Soleliac for the invitation to visit the Adelaide silk-mill and the opportunity to witness the various operations through with silk passes before it is a finished fabric; to Dr. Barnes, our fellow member of the Board, for his energy and many acts of kindness in rendering our visit and meetings comfortable and convenient, and to the officers of the Lehigh County Agricultural Society for their friendly notice, as evidenced in their kind invitation to the members to enjoy their hospitality, visit the fair grounds, and other objects attractive and interesting, around the city.

On motion, adjourned to meet at Washington, Pa., October 18, 1882, at nine, A. M.

AUTUMN MEETING.

Held at Washington, Washington county, Pa., commencing Wednesday, October 18, 1882.

Board called to order at nine, A. M., by Vice President Dr. John P. Edge in the chair.

Present-Messrs. Atherton of Centre, Edge of Chester, Garrettson of Adams, Patterson of Armstrong, Moore of Berks, Reeder of Bucks, Hale of Centre, Herr of Clinton, Eves of Columbia, Barnes of Lehigh, Foresman of Lycoming, Smith of Luzerne, McKee of Mercer, Sechler of Montour, Shimer of Northampton, Musselman of Somerset, Keller of Schuylkill, Vaughan of Sullivan, Tyler of Susquehanna, Miller of Warren, Underwood of Wayne, Beebe of Venango, Roland of York, and Secretary.

Minutes of previous meeting read, and on motion of Mr. KELLER adopted. On motion of Dr. ROLAND, Mr. McDowell, resident member from Washington, was made chairman of a committee to prepare a programme of work for the Board, and he was given full power to name his associates.

The SECRETARY announced the resignation of Mr. Hood, member from Indiana, and the election of Mr. Sutton as his successor, and that owing to Mr. Hood's resignation, there was a vacancy in the list of Vice Presidents of the Board.

On motion of Mr. MUSSELMAN, the Board proceeded to an election to fil

the vacancy, and the Chair having named Messrs. Patterson and Barnes as tellers, Mr. Barnes nominated Dr. Roland. When on motion the nominations were closed, and Dr. Roland elected by acclamation.

The SECRETARY announced the receipt of a communication from Mr. Kemp, of Blair county, relating to timber and rainfall, which was, on motion, referred to the committee on Forests and Forestry, with directions to report it as early in the present sessions of the Board as possible.

The chairman of the committee to whom was referred the resolution relating to the establishment of an experimental station and the sale of the State experimental farms, announced that they were prepared to report, when at the suggestion of Mr. McDOWELL, chairman of Committee on Programme, Wednesday afternoon was fixed for its discussion.

Dr. EDGE offered a resolution relating to changes in the act forming the Board, which after discussion by Messrs. Keller, Roland, Reeder, Herr, Musselman, Underwood, Jordan, Atherton, Tyler, Barnes, and Secretary, was withdrawn.

On motion of Prof. ATHERTON, the question of" What constitutes a right to membership in the Board of Agriculture," was referred to the Committee on Legislation.

Mr. UNDERWOOD, on behalf of the Committee on Grass and Grasses of Pennsylvania, made a full and complete report of the work of the committee, which was ordered to be printed in the proceedings of the Board. Hon. M. R. WISE offered the following:

WHEREAS, The House of Representatives of the United States nearly unanimously passed a bill making the United States Commissioner of Agriculture an executive officer: And whereas, Such bill is awaiting the action of the Senate to become a law; therefore,

Resolved, That the Board of Agriculture does hereby urge upon the Senate of the United States the passage of said bill, believing that it will give prestige and encouragement to the greatest industry of the country. Which was, on motion, referred to a special committee, consisting of Messrs. Moore, Musselman, Tyler, Foresman, and Herr.

The Committee on Programme of Business made a partial report, as follows:

At two o'clock this afternoon, address of welcome by John Aiken, Esq., with reply on behalf of the Board by its presiding officer; report of the Committee on Establishment of Experimental Station and Sale of Experimental Farms; addresses by John M. Stockdale and John McDonald, with adjournment at six o'clock. Evening session to commence at half-past seven, and be occupied by addresses of Boyd Cumrine, Esq., Prof. W. H. Jordan, and Prof. H. Leffmann.

On motion adopted, and made the regular order of business for the day. An invitation to visit the Washington College was received, accepted, and the time for the visit referred to the Committee on Programme of Business.

Essay of Mr. McDowELL on "Sheep and their Habits," read, when after discussion of its subject-matter by Messrs. Oliver, Beebe, Herr, Jordan, Miller, Musselman, Foresman, Keller, and Archer, further discussion was postponed until the afternoon session.

On motion adjourned.

Board called to order at two, P. M., by Dr. J. P. EDGE in the chair.
On motion the reading of the minutes was dispensed with.

Mr. McDOWELL then introduced John Aiken, Esq., who addressed the Board as follows:

GENTLEMEN OF THE STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE: When a friend visits you, he will take it as a kindness if you will early tell him about your family, your house and farm, and all your surroundings, so that he may know how to adapt himself to the ways of your household, and to know how he may enjoy himself while there. I presume it was to meet some such feeling that a speaker was assigned to make an address of welcome, and if, in the discharge of the duty I should seem to go astray on matters of farming, you can take me as giving you the answer that Dr. Samuel Johnson gave to one of his lady friends. Shortly after his dictionary came out, she asked him, in great earnestness, how he came to define the word "pastern" as "the knee-joint of a horse." He replied promptly and brusquely, "Ignorance, madam-pure ignorance." And I assume that what the speaker may have to say should be short, but not too short. A minister once married a couple, and the man said: "Be short, be short," that is the way with the men here. The minister said: Yes, I can do it in three minutes, but it will last longer than that." He saw there was some little dissatisfaction on the part of the woman, and said: "You don't want to have it too short?" "No," she said, "a body don't want to get herself up so for nothing."

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But to start on the tack suggested a few moments ago, we can safely say we have a grand old county. The soil, in richness, is unsurpassed by that of any other county in the State, and unlike that in many other places, instead of losing strength as it ascends from valley to hill-top, it seems to gather strength as it goes up, and the crops on the crest are, if anything, better than those below. Under this soil is found a superior quality of limestone, and at many points building stone. Below this are three veins of coal, that are not surpassed in quality in the east or the west, and which now, though our mining interests are in their infancy, supply millions of bushels of fuel annually to the west and south. Beneath the coal is certainly an abundant supply of gas, and we trust time will show of oil, also. An incident of many years ago may not prove amiss in showing up the good points of our county. It is said when Hon. T. M. T. McKennan was the member of this congressional district, then composed of this county, he and a number of the members were discussing the good qualities of the people and the land within their respective regions of country. After they had finished, a senator who had joined the group during, but who had taken no part in, the discussion, said that he had traveled widely, but he would have to yield the palm to Mr. McKennan. He had been in Washington county only once, and then to drive from Wheeling to Pittsburgh, by way of Washington borough; but two matters were impressed on his mind as he rode along, and led him to believe it was a good country. He saw water in nearly field, and at almost every cross-roads a church or a school-house.

Of the people I need say little. They are somewhat reserved; but under the ice runs a warm current of feeling. I advise you to say nothing against the Scotch-Irish. While, if this people should ever fall into idolatry, there would be a goodly number who would fall down and worship their ScotchIrish lineage. While they have many good points they are given to being set in their ways, stubborn, if not, on some occasions, a little turbulent. They are disposed to not yield a position without a contest. It is said, a faithful minister, in the course of his pastoral visitation, tapped at the door of a house, where he could not be heard for the contention within, amounting almost to blows. After waiting a little, he opened the door,