1883.] farmers' convention. 13 



in these valleys, with the church and with the public school, 

 to develop character and human welfare, to found institutions 

 of civil and religious liberty, and to promote education and 

 the means of general culture throughout the commonwealth. 



We recognize, Lord, this great interest as the under- 

 lying interest of all others, as the basis of all others, and we 

 do beseech thee, grant to all who are here present, and to all 

 who are represented by those here present, to have a higher 

 estimate of this great interest, and to apply all the new 

 knowledge that we have through the advance of science to 

 the development of these home farms, and especially of the 

 home sentiment, so that wherever our people go in this broad 

 land, the home virtues may go, and make this a prosperous 

 and a happy people. 



Lord, we ask thy blessing upon all those who shall make 

 addresses upon particular topics connected with this great 

 interest. Do thou lead their thoughts and their hearts, and 

 do thou prepare the hearts of all who hear to receive solid 

 benefit. And, thou God of our fathers ! thou God of our 

 commonwealth, and of all our new country, we pray that 

 thou wilt grant that our people may forever be a sober, an 

 industrious, a frugal, a benevolent, large-hearted, generous, 

 and happy people, accomplishing for the world what the world 

 waits to see accomplished in this western land. 



Our Father, let thy blessing rest upon the officers of this 

 Board, and guide them in their moments of doubt and of 

 difficulty, if they have such, and let these meetings be felt as 

 an impulse for good throughout our commonwealth for the 

 year and the years that are to come. We ask it for Jesus' 

 sake. Amen. 



INTRODUCTORY A.DDRESS. 

 By J. P. Barstow, Vice-President. 



Ladies and Gentlemen of the Connecticut Farmers' Convention : 



We have come to this enterprising manufacturing town for the 

 winter meeting of the Connecticut State Board of Agriculture. 

 Our secretary lias provided a good bill of fare in that he has a 

 lady and several gentlemen who have made the subjects on which 

 they are to address us their special study, and they will bring us 



