234 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



But one day he said to his iudustrions wife, 'let r.s now move down 

 to the village, and make the residue of our sojourn holidays.' The 

 beautiful farm, which from its excellence was quick in the market, 

 was sold. And the happ}' family moved to the village. Says the 

 man, 'here our lot is easy, and what years of delight are before us !' 

 liut, more time elapsed. The village into which he had moved 

 began to lose its power of animation. The new had worn off". 

 When he walked in the street every man whom he met seemed to 

 have something to do. All were busy but himself. AVhen he 

 entered the stores the merchants in their haste seemed to sweep b3'' 

 him with indifference. It was rarely that a man of business had 

 moi'e than a moment to spend with him. The grocer, the merchant, 

 the mechanic, the lawyer, all seemed to him to be in good spirits, 

 pushing their work. By degrees he became dispirited. He almost 

 envied the lot of the poor men around him whose daily bread was 

 the more sweet because they had paid drops of sweat for it. From 

 morning till night his face showed no pleasant smile. The old 

 brightness went out from his eyes. Health forsook his blood, and 

 disease made its nest in his brain." 



And finalh' in all departments of life we are to seek for higher 

 and higher attainments. The voice of revelation and the voice of 

 nature are calling ns up higher. Higher, says the sprouting corn 

 and grain and vegetables, as they burst open the soil and begin to 

 come out in the light. And so let us seek elevation, for we have a 

 high calling. As the poet says : 



"Of all pursuits by man invented, 



The farmer is the best contented; 

 His profits good, his calling high. 



And on his labors all relj. 



By him are all mechanics fed; 



Of him the merchant seeks his bread. 

 His hands give meat to every thing; 



Even from the beggar to the king. 



Then we by vote may justly state 



That farmers rank among the great; 

 More independent they than all 



That dwell upon this earthly ball. 



All hail ye farmers, young and old, — 

 Push on your plough with courage bold! 



Your wealth arises from your sod. 

 Your independence from your God." 



