200 [Assembly 



In conclusion, permit me to return to you all my heartfelt 

 thanks, for your kindness in aiding me to fulfil the arduous du- 

 ties of President. The year, with its labors and pleasures, has 

 passed away, but not without leaving me many pleasing and de- 

 lightful reminiscences, which I shall retain among the happiest 

 of my life. 



I would express my personal obligations to the indefatigable 

 efforts of the officers associated with me, and I cannot forget the 

 kind and most valued advice I have recived from my predecessors 

 in office. 



To the officers of the Society, and the citizens of Utica, I re- 

 turn my thanks for their untiring efforts, in preparing for and 

 assisting at the annual exhibition. It is a pleasant task to act as 

 your presiding officer, when all things herald success. The time 

 of doubt, of despondency and fear, has passed away. It is the 

 hour of hope, of confidence, the sure forerunner of our triumph. 

 To-day the farmer, thanks to his noble efforts, stands firm in his 

 position ; his vocation among the foremost, his prospects not less 

 cheering than the most successful. Let him ever bear in mind 

 that there is dignity in labor, toil bringeth reward, toil looketh 

 upward, toil shall crown all with success. 



The fairs of 1852, the agricultural and mechanical, have ex- 

 hibited in a most gratifying manner, the progress which has been 

 made in our country, and which would have excited envy in the 

 bosom of kings. The man of fifty years ago, suddenly placed in 

 their midst, would have fancied himself in a fairy land. What 

 may not be seen in a World's Fair in our metropolis 1 we may, 

 and ought to rejoice together for having witnessed the day, which 

 our fathers desired to see and saw it not. 



Gentlemen, I close with my best thanks to you all, and with 

 my warmest wishes for your health, happiness, and prosperity. 



.-?-> 



