No. 105.] 15 



audience, than when, under rather unusual circumstances, I now rise 

 to address you. The exhibitions of agricultural skill and agricultural 

 success, which we have witnessed on this occasion, have impressed the 

 truth most deeply upon my mind that it was hardly worth while for 

 the New- York State Agricultural Society to send all the way to Boston, 

 to get me to instruct the New-York farmers in the management of 

 their farms. If I indulged any hopes that the agricultural knowledge 

 conveyed in this address would cause two blades of grass to grow 

 where but one grew before, those hopes are dissipated. And to 

 prevent any disappointment, I would assure the audience, that as to 

 fiocks and dairies, the raising of cattle and the cultivation of corn, 

 they must go on in the old fashioned way for anything I have to say to 

 the contrary. But there are other subjects of interest connected with 

 agriculture, and no one can look around upon this assembly without 

 feeling that the farmer is of more importance than his farm ; and the 

 results of the occupation on his character, than any of its more material 

 products. 



The relative position of the American farmer possesses a deep interest 

 to individuals and the community. To individuals, as it may decide 

 the wavering as to the course they should pursue, or render them 

 contented with the one they have adopted ; to the public, for every- 

 thing that tends to elevate the agricultural class, is of the first 

 importance to the State. 



What then is the position of the American farmer when compared 

 with that of the merchant, the politician, the lawyer? Should he be 

 content with his lot for himself and his children? Or should he leave 

 his occupation and adopt some other? Like every other position, that 

 of the farmer has its dark side as well as its bright one. And to decide 

 on its comparative advantages, we must inquire what is the object of 

 man's existence, and how shall he attain the end of his being? 



To these questions, history and revelation, the world around and the 

 spirit within us, answer, that the object of man's existence is happiness. 

 Happiness here, and happiness forever. And the condition of that 

 happiness is the diligent and proper exercise of his affections and his 

 faculties. If this be the case, does the situation of the American farmer 

 offer a fair opportunity of insuring this happiness? 



To be happy is the object of life, and all that the world can give 

 towards it, is health and competence. " Health of body is above all 

 riches, and a strong body above infinite wealth." And where is health 



