156 WISCONSIN AGRICULTUEE. 



Our people are from nearly all of the old states, and not a few 

 of them good citizens, good farmers and mechanics from Eng- 

 land, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, the German States, and other 

 countries of the Old World, with their peculiar knowledge of 

 farming and mechanic arts ; and here, under our own vine and 

 fig tree, where none can molest or make us afraid, we meet as 

 brethren upon one common level. Though we do not hear them 

 all speak in their own native tongue, all are well understood. 

 We meet together to exhibit the products of our industry and 

 skill ; to celebrate our annual festival ; to make each others ac- 

 quaintance, and to benefit from each other's experience. 



No county in the State or Northwest, or anywhere else, pre- 

 sents greater attractions to emigrants of affluence or in moderate 

 circumstances, than our own. Land is held at reasonable prices ; 

 it is rich and fertile. Her resources only in part developed and 

 yet her trade is immense. It is said that in the three months 

 ending February 1, 1855, the city of Janesville alone, payed to 

 the farmers for their produce, eighty thousand dollars per week, 

 on an average. Add to this what was paid at Beloit, Afton, 

 Footville, Milton and Fulton, perhaps as much more, and we 

 have the snug sum of one hundred and sixty thousand dollars 

 per week, paid to the inhabitants of Eock county and vicinity, 

 for the products of the soil. 



Two years ago, upon this ground, we were told by our much 

 esteemed late President, Hon. J. F. Willard, that a good time 

 was coming, and that we must prepare ourselves for it. To me, 

 and I have no doubt to all of you, it is a matter of serious con- 

 gratulation — a matter of gratitude to the Great Giver of every 

 good and perfect gift, and from whom all blessings flow, that we 

 can look that gentleman in the face to-day, and from the same 

 spot where he then stood, announce to our people, that that 

 good time has already come. We are enjojang it to-day, whether 

 prepared or unprepared. But I trust that we all feel grateful, 

 as in duty bound, to that Divine Providence who has lavished his 

 blessings so abundantly upon this favored portion of our country. 



That we have the climate, the soil, the location, the market 

 facilities, and almost every conceivable advantage, to become a 



