ADDRESS OF WELCOME. 17 



Then, gentlemen, we welcome you all to a part in these 

 discussions ; to tliis fraternal gathering ; to this rare oppor- 

 nity for a more extensive acquaintance with the agriculturists 

 of the State. Be free with each other ; make yourselves at 

 home ; gather Avhat facts you can for yonr intelligent action 

 in the future, and scatter them from Franklin to ^Middlesex, 

 from Berkshire to Essex ; from the Iloosac Mountains to the 

 islands on the coast. 



But I must not extend these remarks ; the impoiiance of 

 the subject which is soon to come before you, aud the brief 

 time for its discussion forbid it. But, lest these brief words 

 of mine, — appointed as I have been, as one of your number 

 to hold out the hand of welcome greeting, — lest these should 

 be inadequate to convey to you the feelings of this whole 

 community, I am happy to be able to invite your attention to 

 a member of the committee of arrangements on the part of 

 the citizens of Barre, — Dr. Allen, — a pli^'sician by profession, 

 a farmer by choice. In the hour of our country's greatest 

 need, he emulated his profession in the camp and hospital, 

 aud now he labors with ardent enthusiasm in his country's 

 greatest industry. 



ADDRESS OF DR. CHARLES G. ALLEN. 



Gentlemen of the Board of Agriculture : — ^I hope you will 

 not infer from the very formal manner in which my friend 

 has introduced me, that I am to detain you with any set 

 speech. INIy associates, members of the committee appoint- 

 ed by the town of Barre,* to .co-operate with my friend, ]Mr. 

 Root, in making arrangements for your comfort and pleasure 

 during the sessions of the Board, have delegated to me the 

 very pleasant duty of welcoming you in behalf of the citi- 

 zens of Barre. AVe are glad to meet you here to-day, and I 

 assure you that as citizens and farmers, we appreciate the 

 efforts you have made to come into our midst, and we hope 

 that we may make your stay here so pleasant, that at some fu- 

 ture time, when the rails shall have been laid and the iron 

 horse can bring you, we may meet you here again. 



But my duty is to say to our friends from the adjoining 

 towns, and to any strangers who may have come among us 

 3 



