50 TRANSACTIONS OP THE 



markets that will constantly increase, a soil that is generous, and a cli- 

 mate for farming purposes unsurpassed, he finds himself engaged in an 

 occupation which, independent of its pecuniary results, is one of never- 

 failing delight. Every vine, and shrub, and tree planted by his hands at 

 once becomes an object of interest, and forms an association which 

 attaches him to the soil and makes him a patriot. If he turns his atten- 

 tion to the raising of stock, he finds there, also, something beyond the 

 mere calculations of gain. He experiences a pleasure in watching the 

 growth and improvement of his animals, and in noting their good qual- 

 ities; and the daily interest he takes in their well-being begets on their 

 part an affectionate attachment, which of itself is a lasting reward. 



Agriculture to the active intellect is fruitful in subjects of thought 

 and contemplation, and when intelligently pursued the whole being is 

 enriched by the vast field of knowledge it unfolds. It is an occupa- 

 tion that elevates the mind to a genial communion with surrounding 

 nature ; it is closely connected with the material wants of the whole 

 human family; it developes, adorns, and beautifies the earth; it pro- 

 duces a healthy, thrifty, and virtuous population ; and, more than any 

 other known to man, adds to the pride, prosperity, and strength of a 

 State. That it is intimately connected with the education and intelli- 

 gence of a country, is clearly proved in the history of our country, as 

 well as the history of the world. With us it is well known that those 

 States where the education of the masses is most cared for, there the 

 science of agriculture reaches its highest perfection ; while the inhabi- 

 tants of those States where ignorance and misery reign supreme are con- 

 tented to live year after year in a condition closely allied to barbarism. 



Viewed in this connection, the subject upon which we treat to-night 

 is one which commends itself to every thoughtful citizen and to every 

 well wisher of the land in which we live; and had I time I should be 

 glad to make some suggestions that would lead to a discussion through- 

 out our State as to the most feasible means of connecting the science 

 and practice of agriculture with our Common Schools. The question, 

 however, is one of vast importance — too vast to be enlarged upon at the 

 close of a general address. 



I have already exceeded the limits set apart by myself for the task 

 which your kind invitation made it necessary for me to perform. To 

 keep pace with the gigantic strides made year by year in the science of 

 agriculture, and to publish the results of each year's experience, would 

 involve the necessity of vast columns of statistics. I have avoided, as 

 far as might be, the monotony of details, and have attempted to show, 

 in as brief a manner as possible, the pleasure, the dignity, and the profit 

 that attends the cultivation of the soil. 



The Scriptures have given prominence to the subject through the 

 writings of Moses and the experience of the prophets ; the ancient 

 classic authors have given it their meed of praise; historians have dwelt 

 upon its importance; and poets, from time immemorial, have invested it 

 with a charm peculiarly its own — 



" Happy the man whose wish and care, 

 A few paternal acres bound ; 

 Content to breathe his native air, 



On his own ground. 



"Whose herds with milk, whose fields with bread, 

 Whose flocks supply him with attire; 

 Whose trees in summer yield him shade, 

 In winter, fire. 



