56 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Oh, sbame for him who sneers at toil, 



And shuns his share of labor ; 

 The knave but robs his native soil. 



While leaning on his neighbor. 



Here may this truth be- brought on earth. 



Grow more and more in favor ; 

 There is no wealth but owes its birth 



To handicraft and labor. 



Then pledge the founders of our wealth — 



The builders of our Nation ; 

 We know their worth, and now their health 



We sing with acclamation." 



And now, my patient hearers, let me turn in closing, to a sing-le 

 point intimately connected with your prosperity, and transcending 

 in importance any single topic yet considered — the women of New 

 England. 



It is said by careful observers and teachers of experience, that 

 the largest portion of the education of our people is acquired be- 

 fore they arrive at the age of twelve years. If this be so, women 

 are not only co-laborers with men in sustaining life and and its 

 amenities, but they are the prime educators of the children who 

 are to make the future laws of the nation, fight its battles, con- 

 tinue its homes, and keep untarnished its renown. 



In order to afford such opportunities as is required for this great 



work, some essential changes ought to take place in the custon:^^ 



of society. Women must have more leisure hours ; better oppor- 



.tunities for travel and observation, and more time for reading 



and reflection. 



On the farm the wearisome details of household duties cannot 

 be averted, but many things may be introduced to modify them, 

 if not to illume and render them agreeable. Most women are of a 

 ■ hopeful temperament ; so long as there is progress, they press oaf 

 with wonderful resolution and faith. They can do anything and 

 everything well. Perceptive and executive, of quick sight and 

 steady hand, they know what is wanting, and supply the de- 

 ficiency with a tact and cleverness peculiar to themselves. They 

 quickly comprehend the capabilities of persons as well as of things. 

 They are patient, energetic, and seldom disappointed into inac- 

 tion. Though obliged to teach the same thing over and over 

 again, they never weary of their vocation of arranging and order- 

 ing, and never less than hopeful of favorable results. These traits 

 are common in every home where progress is the talismanic word. 



