50 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



And, gentlemen, it may become desirable, nay, necessary, 

 for the public welfare that the preservation and increase of 

 the forests of this comitry be made a subject of national legis- 

 lation, as it is in France to-day. 



Farmers can greatly advance their own interests, and the 

 interests of the State, by becoming still better acquainted with 

 the real nature of our government, and the means by which it 

 may be maintained in strength and in purity. 



Farmers, you hold the balance of power in this country 

 to-day, and you will ever hold it. What responsibilities, 

 therefore, rest upon you ! According as you vote, so, mainly, 

 will our government be weak or strong, corrupt or pure. 



Inform yourselves perfectly in regard to the nature of our 

 government, and to all that pertains to its highest interests ; 

 train yourselves to independent thought and intelligent action, 

 cutting loose from party leaders whenever the interests of the 

 State require it ; and educate your sons and your daughters 

 iu the same spirit, and our government will be maintained in 

 theory and in purity. 



And finally, if the farmer would secure the highest benefits 

 which it is possible for man to attain, he must labor to become 

 all that it is possible for him to become, not only physically, 

 but also intellectually and spiritually. He must cultivate, not 

 the land only, but he must also cultivate his social nature, his 

 mind, and his heart. 



