40 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



publics — agriculture has not beeu regarded with popular favor. 

 The world has alwaj^s been more captivated by the splendid, than 

 by the useful. The triumphal processions, emperors and kings are 

 emblazoned on the page of history, while the sturdy labors of 

 those who gave them strength to achieve their conquests, is lost 

 sight of in the glitter of the pageant. 



Nor has our art, until quite recently, been the recipient of 

 political favor. The farmer who has supplied the resources of the 

 rulers, has rarely been selected to sit in the councils of State, in 

 consequence of the strangest of all fallacies, that one part of man- 

 kind must do the thinking, and the other part the working opera- 

 tions of life. But the works of ancient authors, as well as modern, 

 including many persons of distinction of our own period, all 

 refute the error, that denies to agriculture the exercise of thought, 

 the abilities of statesmen, or the emotions of the patriot. 



Now, however, the causes which once denied the popular favor, 

 have been swept away. The elements of education are within the 

 reach of all in the common schools. Books and newspapers 

 record the discovery of all progress in the arts and sciences, 

 report the doings of men in scientific conventions, and bring the 

 prominent transactions of the moving world into the midst of the 

 family, around its cheerful fireside. 



There, in the freedom and protection which a fostering govern- 

 ment affords, with the mind at liberty to direct its own courses 

 and establish its own opinions, is the best school-room ever de- 

 vised by man. There, the readings and conversation, the illus- 

 trations growing out of daily practice in factory or field, will 

 prepare the mind for the keenest observation in the outer world, 

 which, after all, will supply a large portion of the knowledge we 

 ever possess. These are peculiarly our opportunities. They are 

 common to every age and condition of citizens, and such as were 

 never conferred on any people before. 



If, then, we do not make progress in our art, and reach positions 

 mostly occupied by men in what are called learned professions, it 

 will no longer be the fault of government. That, thank God, 

 recognizes no distinction in man but in moral worth, ability, and 

 the will to execute. It cherishes our art as the key-stone of the 

 arch ; as the source of power and grandeur of the nation. It will 

 not be justly chargeable to men of wealth and education. They 

 extol the art at our annual gatherings, and when in the halls 

 of Congress, cheerfully supply whatever seems to promote its 



