78 ANNUAL REPORT OF NEW-YORK 



laborious and truly independent life of the farmer brother left 

 at home. Why is this ? It is because the farmer ranks infinitely 

 too low in popular estimation, as compared with those of other 

 callings. His is regarded as a life of unthinking toil, where 

 muscles alone, and not mind, are needed for success. When we 

 shall demand and obtain for it that rank among the pursuits of 

 life to which it is entitled, we shall enlist in its service more of 

 mind and learning, and as a necessary consequence shall make 

 more rapid advances. 



Again let me say, that our thanks are heartily due for the 

 countenance and aid of our State government, and in saying this 

 I am sure I give utterance to the sentiments of every farmer 

 present. 



To a grateful heart what can render more pleasure than the 

 opportunity to return a favor or kindness shown. We have this 

 gratification. We have returned an hundredfold to the State by 

 increasing her agricultural w^ealth — all that she has ever bestowed 

 upon us. But we have placed her under obligations to us in 

 another manner. Do you inquire how ? Have we not given her 

 one of our number for Governor? — lent, I should have said; for 

 we cannot give up our claims on him, the statesman, the gentle- 

 man, the farmer, John A. King. 



