FARMS. 97 



great service to the community. We have in mind one farmer, 

 who, from about nine acres of ground, of only fair quality, has 

 produced fruits, vegetables, grain, hay, &c, to the amount of 

 about five hundred dollars, this last year, and kept a horse, 

 cow and swine. A near and favorable market enabled him to 

 dispose readily of his vegetables and fruits. 



Turning again to the farm already alluded to, — that upon 

 which the greatest improvement has been made by drainage 

 and the removal of needless stone walls, and where an example 

 of hard, unflinching labor, persevering industry and good 

 judgment may be pointed to, with satisfaction, — we award to 

 its owner, Mr. Otis G. Cheever, of West Wrentham, the society's 

 first premium of twenty dollars. 



In conclusion, we would remind the farmers of the county, 

 of the dignity, usefulness and happiness of their vocation ; 

 of the importance of good tillage, and of thoroughness in all 

 their work ; of the necessity of education to those who are 

 to pursue the same calling ; of the probability that success 

 will be proportioned to the skill and science employed in it ;. 

 and of their absolute dependence upon a Divine Providence 

 for the ability to labor, and the privilege to enjoy in peace the 

 fruits of their labor. 



" My idea of a happy, good and great man," says one whose 

 words we quote as a fitting conclusion of this report, "is a 

 thoroughly educated and accomplished farmer. He lives true 

 to nature ; he is constantly in her midst. With ceaseless 

 vigilance, he observes her beautiful developments and ever 

 changing forms, — her infinite variety and never-failing uni- 

 formity. He watches the clouds and the seasons, he surveys 

 the earth, and contemplates the glory of the heavens. He 

 breathes the air fresh from heaven, eats the uncorrupted food 

 of healthful industry, and drinks the water pure from its 

 fountain. Thus living with nature and in nature, he is led to 

 contemplate the great source of all her manifestations. Like 

 Moses, he sees, and like Enoch, he may be said literally ' to 

 walk with God.' " 



For the committee, 



Charles C. Sewall. 



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