AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION. 59 



agriculture than for a number of years past. I am afraid, my 

 friends, that we are not appreciating our opportunities. I wish 

 we might appreciate them more. I believe in the old adage that 

 "Knowledge is power," and it is just as true when applied to 

 agriculture as to running a store, or following a profession, and 

 we shall appreciate it before many years in this State. It has 

 been hinted that there may be a feeling on the part of some 

 farmers against the Institution. I do not know why that has 

 arisen or how. My friends, it does not make any difference; 

 I say, "Let the dead past bury its dead." Let us always face 

 towards the future; let us not be guided by our jealousies, our 

 envies, and our prejudices. If this agricultural college, sup- 

 ported by the taxation of the national government and the State 

 of Maine, is capable of doing any good for the farmers of this 

 State, let us take advantage of the privilege; if we do not, we 

 are at fault. If you have any boys who prefer to live on the 

 farm, send them down to Orono. If you cannot afford to send 

 them for one or two years, send them for the shorter courses. 

 It will pay them; they will start in life on a higher vantage 

 ground ; their future will surely be brighter. 



