REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. 121 



tion to lure from the paths of virtue, and a constantly enno- 

 bling influence that lifts the soul through nature, up to nature's 

 God. That God is daguerreotyped, as it were, before us all ; 

 that we see His wisdom and love in the bending grass, the 

 trembling leaf, the sparkling dew, and in a thousand wonderful 

 operations constantly carried on by His superintending care, 

 and which are ever present to him who cultivates the soil. 

 That there are lessons of trust, of confidence, of submission, to 

 be found in the garden and field in many different forms ; that 

 wisdom may be found in every flower that blooms, or insect 

 tliat lives ; that there are 



" books in the running brooks, 



Sermons in stones, and good in every thing." 



Such sentiments are gaining ground, and as they are received, 

 the farm-house will become embellished with books, with shade 

 trees, with climbing plants and flowers, and contented hearts, 

 and the home of the farmer become the happiest and the most 

 independent of all in our land. 



At the dinner table an unusual number of professional and 

 literary men were present. His Excellency the Governor spoke, 

 and his earnest and hearty expressions gave evidence of the 

 deep interest he felt in the important and ennobling occupa- 

 tion of the farmer. Dr. Stearns, President of Amherst College, 

 Professor Clark, the ]\ev. Dr. Woodbridge, and your delegate, 

 and several other gentlemen, addressed the multitude which 

 filled the large hall to its utmost capacity, and where all were 

 heartily received and cordially welcomed in a brief and perti- 

 nent address by Mr. Dickinson, the President of the Society. 



But one among the leading men in the noble art. Prof. J. A. 

 Nash, of Amherst, did not mingle his voice with others, on this 

 festive occasion, being called away by the death of an aged 

 relative. 



The social influences of such a gathering, aside from all 

 questions of a pecuniary character, must have an important 

 bearing upon the homes of our people. They unite us more 

 closely in the common interests of all, and beget an acquaint- 

 ance among many, which often results in the happiest associa- 

 tions for life. These institutions, then, are not the mere mer- 



