REMARKS OF HON. WILLIAM KELLY. 



Mr. Chairman : — After the interesting and eloquent addresses 

 to which we have listened this evenino;, I shall not venture to 

 make any extended remarks, but briefly mingle my congratula- 

 tions with those of every farmer present, on the event which we 

 are here to celebrate. I regard the gift of this commodious and 

 beautiful Hall to the State Agricultural Society, as one of the 

 most cheering events in its history. This outspoken acknow- 

 ledgment of the importance of agriculture to the prosperity of 

 the State, and this manifest disposition to encourage all well 

 directed efforts for its advancement, are calculated to cheer the 

 farmer, and stimulate him to renewed and increased effort. 



The most important pursuit in every civilized country is agri- 

 culture; it is the corner stone of prosperity to the body politic 

 and to every branch of industry, whether of commerce, manufac- 

 tures, or the arts. Where agriculture languishes, or fails to make 

 a fair return, every other department of labor must suffer with 

 it. Where, on the other hand, the cultivator of the soil prospers, 

 all other pursuits and callings prosper likewise. 



In this view of the subject how necessary it is that every 

 encouragement should be given to those associations which seek 

 to render agricultural labor more productive, by bringing to its 

 aid the wonders of mechanism and the mysteries of science. 

 How gratifying to know that the art is advancing year by year, 

 that the relations of science to it are now the subject of study to 

 many of the ablest minds, and that interestincr and valuable truths 

 are constantly developed; truths which at times astonish, and 

 always interest the man who has at heart the welfare and pros- 

 perity of his country. 



Such an act of encouragement was the liberal and graceful gift 

 of this noble building, which we this night dedicate to agricul- 

 ture. Here, at the seat of government, is a resting place — a 



