172 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



that of the State. What the primary assemblage — the " Town 

 meeting" has done for us as a nation, — educating all in the funda- 

 mental principles and practices of free government — true Republi- 

 canism — genuine Democracy — elevating each to a consciousness 

 of being one of the sovereign people, and to a sense of responsi- 

 bility as the source from which power flows and laws arise, such 

 may the farmers' club be in regard to that most important industry 

 which feeds all the industries of the world — and without which 

 society must retrograde into barbarism and go hungry, or starve 

 at that. 



Among the points most clearly shown by the statements of the 

 delegates were the following : That it is expedient to have the 

 meetings partake of a social character, thus insuring the attend- 

 ance of wives and daughters, young men and maidens. That it 

 is best to have the discussions opened by the reading of a paper 

 previously prepared by some member, to be followed by extempo- 

 raneous discussion ; that it is well occasionally to obtain a speaker 

 from abroad, but that the main dependence should be on home 

 resources ; that a good library is a great help ; that the benefits 

 are not confined to the members alone, nor shown only in increased 

 activity of thought, greater facility in expressing ideas and views, 

 ease in presiding gracefully and effectively, &c, but that many 

 who do not attend the meetings get much good at second hand, 

 they hear something of the discussions, and see something of the 

 improvements as put into practice, which were mooted at the 

 club, and are led to better practice on their own farms. It was 

 also stated that substantial improvements thus originated had 

 effected so material an increase of value in farms and farm property 

 that it was visible in the valuation made by the town assessors. 



The reports of delegates being concluded, on motion of Mr. 

 Lang, the following resolution was adopted unanimously. 



Resolved, That the thanks of the Maine Board of Agriculture be 

 and are hereby tendered to the citizens of Paris, for the ample and 

 convenient accommodation provided for its deliberations ; for the 

 cordiality with which it members have*been received, and for the 

 uniform kindness and courtesy extended to them. 



Mr. Shaw of Paris, responded to the resolution in highly appro- 

 priate terms ; and the Board finally adjourned. 



