12 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



will find its ability equal to successful competition in a new 

 field. 



The lesson of prudence and frugality which the life of a 

 farmer always teaches, is the one which the panic has brought 

 home with great force to the American merchants and manu- 

 facturers. 



Well may the farmers gather at these annual festivals, and 

 look over the productions of nature which their intelligence 

 and skill have greatly improved and made useful. Well may 

 they rejoice that the products of their industries supply the 

 wants of millions at home, and give employment to commerce 

 in transporting surplus products to the hungry and needy on 

 a foreign shore. Well may they feel that while the soldiers 

 who so nobly and fearlessly fought for the old flag, saved the 

 political life of the nation in the time of the great Rebellion, 

 they have, by close attention to their business, and by the 

 frugality and prudence of their lives, in no small degree 

 inspired confidence in the government, and saved it from 

 financial ruin. 



