STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 77 



training his sons, by special instruction, for the business of far- 

 ming. And this sentiment thus called into action, has received 

 from the State her further countenance and support by a liberal 

 appropriation to establish the New- York State Agricultural 

 College. 



It is not necessary that I should speak to this audience of the 

 necessity that such education should be provided; and it is per- 

 haps unnecessary that I should say aught of the origin of this 

 enterprise; but veneration for the memory of one whom we all 

 honored and loved, prompts me to remind you that John Dela- 

 FiELD was the head and front of the movement. It was he who 

 obtained a charter from the State, and warmed up with some of 

 his own zeal and enthusiasm those whom he associated with liim. 

 He, alas ! is dead, and the establishment of the College has in 

 consequence been long delayed; but the subject has once more 

 been revived with vigor, and there is good reason to hope that 

 before another year passes we can report the institution as being 

 in operation. Who are the men most deeply interested in the 

 enterprise ? Let me tell you that of the trustees who manage its 

 affairs, five are ex-Presidents, and nearly all are graduates of 

 your Society. 



Sir, when this College shall be in full and successful operation, 

 the benefits which will flow from her to the farmers of the State 

 can scarcely be overrated. The lessons there taught will not ])e 

 confined to the students who enter her walls; each of them will 

 in turn become an instructor, an example to all who live near 

 him, and will thus scatter again some of that good seecl, 

 which, having ripened in his own mind, has brought forth 

 good fruit. 



I venture to say that there is no pursuit in which education, as 

 bearing on the art, is more essential to great success. It is a 

 mortifying fact that this is not realized in our country, but that 

 our occupation is held here in less respect than anywhere else. 

 Has a farmer a family of sons? How often is it that youths uf 

 brightest promise are sent from home, one to study a profession, 

 and thus obtain perhaps a scanty and uncertain support; another 

 seeks enii>loyment in commercial life, finds his way to the city, 

 takes there vn humble position, leading a treadniijl sort of exis- 

 tence, which, however tiresome as it is, he still prefers to the 



