472 WISCONSIN AGEICULTUEE. 



person, it seems to me, could be entirely unprepared with some- 

 thing to say in view of the splendid display which is now before 

 us — where so much that is interesting addresses itself to our 

 eyes, it would be strange, truly, if we were not prepared with 

 something profitable to address to your ears. But as the after- 

 noon is far spent, I will not tire you with a long speech ; and 

 shall not aim or expect to say anything pleasing to you, but 

 content myself with a few plain and practical remarks. And 

 first let me say, on such occasions as this, there should be no 

 jealousies or unkind feelings — a spirit of harmony and good 

 will should influence us all. And, above all, the farmer should 

 not envy his fellows, the town's people — he has no just cause to 

 be jealous of those who dwell in cities — we all have mutual in- 

 terests to be promoted in the general welfare — but if any one 

 avocation is superior to another, surely the farmer has no reason 

 to feel disparaged, for his calling is the most favored of all — his 

 sphere is the proudest — the most vitall}'' essential of all avoca- 

 tions — to him all must look for their bread, and upon his opera- 

 tions to a great degree depend for their prosperity and wealth. 

 The mechanic, the merchant, artist, and professions are all useful 

 and honorable in their places, and are allied with us in the great 

 family whose harmonious action promotes the well-being of all. 



But, what others of the industrial classes are aided by such 

 mighty co-workers as the farmer ? All the elements, — the air 

 above and the acids and alkalies in the earth beneath, are all 

 constant and efiective co-operators for our benefit — the whole 

 body of nature is a grand laboratory from which the products of 

 the farmer are derived — how magnificent are the chemical and 

 mechanical operations which are industriously, incessantly going 

 on in the earth and air, preparing the soil to stimulate the 

 germ and nourish the growth of vegetation, every thing working 

 harmoniously and seasonably to produce luxuriant harvests for 

 man's support and enjoyment. 



But, not to dwell upon or argue these matters, so obvious to 

 the observing mind, let me impress upon my fellow farmers the 

 great importance of ihinJcing — they must accustom themselves 

 to think, to study, and to read — they must learn to give promi- 



