Z% [ Assembly 



farmers by those far more competent than I am, and they will ever 

 continue among the practical questions wl ich will engage the at- 

 tention of those who are anxious to elevate and advance agricul* 

 tural pursuits. We have every assurance that our country will 

 make great advances in these respects, and a beneficent provi- 

 dence which favors rural life, will compel a knowledge of the soil 

 and its constituents, and of many forms of animal life by making 

 its attainment necessary to prevent exhaustion of fertility and the 

 ravages of insects. I thiuk the advances which are made in these 

 respects are much greater than we suppose. Scientific knowledge, 

 when it comes forth from the laboratory or study, is clothed with 

 a nomenclature so stiff and forbidding that it is somewhat repul- 

 sive, but by the aid of popular discourses, agricultural societies, 

 and above all of the press, it is gradually popularized, expressed 

 in more familiar terms and becomes a part of that general intel- 

 ligence we ail possess. 



In the great struggle which is going on among -the nations of 

 the earth for commercial supremacy, the farmers of this country 

 are to bear an important part. They furnish the freights which 

 send our vessels into every quarter of the globe. Their pursuit is 

 of the highest and first necessity to all other departments of busi- 

 ness ; if it languishes, they sutler, and if it prospers they are suc- 

 cessful. 



The increased intercourse among nations, the modification of 

 revenue law^s, and improvement of ships, and the introduction of 

 steam upon the ocean, have brought us into close competition with 

 Europe. Interest, pride and patriotism make us view^ the result 

 with deep solicitude. How are we prepared for the contest ? 



In estimating ourselves we must not fall into the common error 

 of comparing ourselves with what we were. We are apt to think 

 lightly of the work of the hardy pioneer, without reflecting upon 

 the difficulties he encountered, and we grow self-satisfied as we 

 dwell upon our improved condition. The world wall not permit 

 us to be judged by such standards. We have arrived at that con- 

 dition when we cannot with self-respect ask any allowance in our 

 favor ; the stern question to be met is, not what we are or shall 

 be in comparison with the past, but what we ought to be with our 

 present opportunities 1 what are the advantages we now enjoy, 



