36 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



I have great confidence, gentlemen, in New England agricul- 

 ture. I know it has given us a race of men whose firmness and 

 virtue and love of country have made our nation what it is. I 

 know that in their keeping have rested the sacred rights which 

 our fathers brought to this continent, and established with their 

 blood. I know they are good citizens, and that they have sent 

 abroad over this Union, the energy and wisdom which have 

 added State after State to our confederation, inspired with 

 loyalty to a free constitution. I find their sons exploring the 

 dark passages of our western mountains, opening new paths for 

 civilization. I find them navigating our rivers and lakes, con- 

 ducting our railroads, teaching our schools, filling our pulpits, 

 building new cities, and carrying New England habits to the far 

 off shdres of the Pacific. I find them tossed on the stormy sea 

 of fortune, sharing its reverses and successes with courage, 

 hope, and energy undismayed, turning their eyes amidst all the 

 vicissitudes to the " home of their fathers," which stands ever 

 ready to " welcome them back." 



And more than all, I know that these high qualities of energy, 

 prudence and courage, when applied to their native soil, may 

 make our own land richer far than any hidden wealth in virgin 

 valleys. For it is for themselves that these farms furnish an 

 industrious, hardy and intelligent population, in whose hands 

 rests the great interest which has called us together to-day, 

 and which we should never neglect. I would have our young 

 men remember that while the glittering prize would tempt them 

 away, there remain behind the sure rewards of patient industry. 

 I would remind them of the comforts and refinements of New 

 England, of the lands lying here waiting for cultivation, of the 

 wealth which will flow in upon us when we devote ourselves 

 to our own soil, and of the peaceful and happy lives to be led 

 in a moral, religious and well educated community. I say I 

 have confidence in New England farming ; for I see what our 

 people have already done, and 1 know what they may do, when, 

 guided by a well-ordered agricultural education, they apply 

 their industry to the cultivation of these fields, and teach their 

 children that a New England farmer may be more than con- 

 tented with his lot, and that intelligent New England labor is 

 sure of its reward. 



