RESPONSE TO WELCOME. 219 



one topic, from the fact that other subjects have been so ably 

 covered. 



The Chairman responded as follows : 



Ladies and Gentlemen of the Valley of the Piscataquis : — I did 

 not anticipate being called upon to respond to the very flattering 

 and cordial words of welcome with which we have been greeted 

 by the eloquent gentlemen who have addressed us in your behalf. 

 We have been both interested and instructed by the facts, both 

 local and general, set forth by the first speaker, and for one I feel 

 flattered by his kindly words of welcome and commendation ; for 

 I know, from an acquaintance extending over more than a quarter 

 of a century, that he is not in the habit of saying what he does not 

 mean. Let me say to him, and to the honorable gentleman who 

 succeeded him, that for your kind words and cordial greeting I 

 tender you, and through you to the people of this quiet and beau- 

 tiful valley, the cordial thanks of this Board, and assure you that 

 it will be our most earnest effort while we sojourn with you to so 

 conduct ourselves as to deserve the compliments you have be- 

 stowed upon us ; and I trust that not only the members of the 

 Board of Agriculture, but each and every one of us, will do our 

 best to make this a mutually profitably season, so that it may be 

 looked back upon in all our future life as one of the sunniest in 

 the many green spots in our existence. 



Probably there are other members of the Board who will farther 

 respond to the very hearty welcome we have received. I will 

 call upon Prof. Fernald of the State College at Orono. 



Prof. Fernald. I am unexpectedly called upon on this occasion. 

 Yet will say, so far as relates to the institution with which I am 

 connected, (the greater part of which is here with you — we came 

 up thirty strong last evening,) that we feel very desirous to ex- 

 tend to the citizens of Dover and Foxcroffc our sincere thanks for 

 the interest which they have manifested in our behalf, and 

 especially do I tender thanks in behalf of the students of the col- 

 lege. Under a law passed by the Legislature two years since, 

 one session of the Board of Agriculture is to be holden in the 

 vicinity of the college — at least, within such distance that the 

 faculty and students can attend ; and in order that the Board 

 might meet in Dover, it was necessary that the citizens should 

 guarantee free transit and entertainment to the students during 

 the session, which they have very heartily done. Certainly we 



