2t3 MAINE STATE SOCIETY. 



greatly enriclicst it with the river of God, "which is full of water ; 

 thou preparest tliem corn when thou hast so provided for it. Tliou 

 waterest the ridges thereof abundantly; thou settlest the furrows 

 thereof; thou makest it soft with showers ; thou blessest the spring- 

 ings thereof Thou crownest the year with thy goodness ; and thy 

 paths drop fotness. They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness ; 

 and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed 

 with flocks ; the valleys also, are covered over with corn ; they 

 shout for joy, they also sing." 



In this realm of exhaustless wealth, of remarkable natural advan- 

 tages, of unexcelled topographical features, of marvellous and charm- 

 ing characteristics, presented in the boundless interchange of hill 

 and valley, and in the various windings of innumerable steams, in 

 this realm so wide, and so full of yet undeveloped wealth, and yet 

 unappropriated attractions, it is for you to set an example in agricul- 

 tural science, in practical agricultural science, so wise and benefi- 

 cent, for those who are growing up under your care and instruction, 

 that they will abide with you, and help you to realize in it the 

 noblest ideas, and the fondest anticipations — to make it a land of 

 thrift and productiveness, of populous towns, of countless rural homes, 

 surrounded with all the signs of intelligence and moral culture, and 

 occupied by families living in the exalted enjoyment of the wisest 

 and healthiest thought, the noblest toil, the finest accomplishments, 

 and the most rational amusements. 



With this purpose, you will manifest, in good works, your inter- 

 est and pleasure in every department of agricultural life, — in agri- 

 culture proper, in horticulture, in stock-raising, in every science, or 

 employment, or art, by which the home of the farmer -may be 

 improved, or adorned, or made an abode of plenty, truth, fiiith, love, 

 hope, joy and thankfulness. 



Nothing in your sphere is so important as an intelligent, diligent 

 and generous husbandry of your fields. In this day, you are 

 instructed with respect to the difterences in soil, and what is needed 

 here or there as a recuperative or fertilizing element. And for 

 every necessary outlay, you are sure of a satisfactory reward. So 

 the inducement for a course of method and wise expenditure in till- 

 ing your acres, is suflScient. It is more than sufficient, for you 

 always get more than you give ; for what you produce is not only a 



