615 



The market of our farmers, for the future, will be cofitrolled by the 

 real value of their products. This fall, every agricultural product com- 

 oaands a higher price than heretofore. The present may be an ephem- 

 eral rise, but we think causes are at work to make a considerable ad- 

 vance permanent. Europe, more than ever before, depends upon u-s 

 for breadstuffs, and must continue to depend upon us. The prosperity 

 of trade, commerce, and manufactures, is drawing many from tilling the 

 soil, to these avocations, and all combine to produce this result. Aa a 

 State, there is one other advantage which we should not overlook, A 

 great mining interest, yearly increasing in value and importance, i» 

 springing up in Michigan, which will create a large demand for our 

 produce. This market will be constant and ever increasing. The pre.s- 

 ent, therefore, cheering as it is to agricultural pursuits, points to a future 

 still more auspicious. Labor taught by science, the strong arm guided 

 by the intelligent head, will certainly be abundantly rewarded. 



In what I have said, I have endeavored tx) enforce the necessity of 

 progressing in agriculture, and of bringing to its aid those powerful 

 auxiliaries, science and a diffused intelligence. As a people — as a State, 

 we have felt and are feeling the progress movement. Let no one sup- 

 pose we have reached the limit of advancement. When that accom- 

 plished philosopher, Galileo, proved to his and the world's satisfaction, 

 the diurnal revolutions of the earth, and published such proof, he 

 alarmed the ignorant priests of his day. He was thrown into prison, 

 And at length compelled to publicly renounce his theory. Indignant 

 that he had denied his firm conviction, he exclaimed in their very pres- 

 ence, stamping his foot, " And yet it moves ! " There is progress ail 

 about us. "It moves!" and agriculture should feel the forward move- 

 ment. To-day we separate, but it should be to cany the teachings of 

 this Fair, each his hint, into practice. He who causes " two blades of 

 grass or two ears of wheat to grow where but one grew before," is a 

 benefactor to his race. The soil of Michigan is worthy your best efforte, 

 and if intelligently bestowed, your rewards will be correspondent. Fru- 

 gality, temperance, and virtue, will ensure to all a competency-— happy- 

 homes for yourselves and your children after you. 



" To thine own self be true, and keep 



Thy hands from sloth, thy heart from sin ; 

 Push on, and thon shalt aurely reap 



A heavenly hftrveat for thy toU." 



