STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY 213 



importance, and I commend it to your earnest consideration. The sub- 

 ject of useful inventions is one of so much interest and about which so 

 much is daily written and spoken, that it would be supererogatory to 

 attempt to impart anj^thing new to this intelligent audience; afid even 

 if I could do so, I should fail for want of time. I will only say that 

 steam threshers, steam ploughs, spading machines, wdth perhaps hun- 

 dreds of other inventions, are worthy the consideration of every agricul- 

 turist. If there is any one art progressing more than another by the 

 aid of science and invention, that art is agriculture. No other calling is 

 capable or is susceptible of greater improvements, no other profession is 

 more respectable. Labor, it is admitted, is the true source of wealth, 

 and must be free in order to be intelligent and honorable. Of all things 

 necessary to promote the progress of the Pacific coast, none will com- 

 pare with the completion of a railway across the continent. The 

 Atlantic and Pacific railroad is the sine qua non of our destiny. Our 

 hopes and prayers should be centred upon its earliest possible comple- 

 tion. With this great enterprise accomplished, our destiny, in spite of 

 wicked men, would be inseparably connected with the Union. 



Finally, Mr. President, I return to you and the officers and members 

 of this societ}^, and to the ladies who have honored the occasion with 

 their lovel}^ presence, and to all others who have to worship at this noble 

 shrine of industry, \wy grateful thanks. 



