l6 ANNUAL REPORT OF NEW- YORK 



forest or of prairie, are worthy of regard and respect. They are 

 men who enlarge and extend the boundaries of human effort, and 

 make homes for themselves and others, "where but for their labor 

 all would be unbroken wilderness. 



Thus we view agricultural labor in its individual character and 

 influence, as honorable and dignified; and without regard to the 

 personal condition of the laborer, claim for it the respect always 

 due to meritorious and successful enterprise. But there are other 

 considerations which still more tend to enhance our estimate of the 

 importance of agricultural labor. 



And first — The numbers engaged therein, their character, 

 standing and influence. 



By the census of 1850, of 880,000 males nearly one half are 

 farmers by their profession, or engaged in pursuits directly con- 

 nected with Agriculture. This State is a fair representative of 

 all the Free States, some having a larger and some a smaller 

 proportion of farmers. 



This great disproportion of the engagements of the male popu- 

 lation in favor of Agriculture, gives at once the true estimate 

 which is, and of right ought to be placed upon this species of 

 labor. Its interest is greatly enhanced by the consideration, also, 

 of its great value, surpassing all others in incalculable ratios, 

 lying at the foundation of all other enterprises, and being the 

 basis of all the w^ealth of the world. 



To serve its interests we have drawn from the millions of 

 Europe, and filled our land with canals and railroads — these 

 monuments of the real greatness of the first half of the nine- 

 teenth century. We have covered our rivers, seas and oceans 

 with ships, and in a word, every enterprise of man rests upon 

 Agriculture as its sure basis. 



I only repeat wliat is universally conceded, and in the con- 

 cession of which no invidious comparison is intended — that the 

 farmers of the country, as a body, greatly excel any other class, 

 in the exercise of all those virtues which adorn and elevate man. 

 No more pleasant picture can be presented to the mind, than is 

 every day to be seen in our rural districts. 



I have in mind such a view upon one of the slopes which 

 bounds a beautiful lake in your State — farms of about one hun- 



