278 FARMERS' INSTITUTES. 



That this can be done I do not question, but the exact method is to be 

 studied. We do not fairly appreciate the real nobility of our calling. If we 

 walk in the footsteps of nature we become ennobled. The daily necessities 

 of our lives may force us into artificial relations, but were nature our con- 

 stant guide the heart would be uplifted and brain and body be developed to 

 its best possibilities. 



The life and home of the farmer is often despised, but if they are what 

 they should be they may have every attribute necessary for the highest 

 happiness. It is in the man more than in his surroundings to make that 

 home and that life what it should be. 



The words of a great poet and scholar are as applicable to these temporal 

 as to spiritual things when he says : 



•' It was, we own, subject of much debate. 

 And worthy men stood on opposing sides. 

 Whether the cup of mortal Ufe had more of sour or of sweet. 

 Vain question this when asked in general terms 

 And worthy to be left unsolved. 

 If most was sour the drinker not the cup we blame, 

 For each within himself the means possessed 

 To turn the bitter sweet, the sweet to bitter. 

 Hence from the selfsame corner of the sky 

 One beauty saw, another hideous sights ; 

 One discord heard where harmony inclined another's ear ; 

 One nectar drank, another bitter draughts. 

 The sweet was in the taste, the beauty in the eye, 

 And in the ear the melody ; and in the man, — 

 For God necessity of sinning laid on none, — 

 To form the taste, to purify the eye and tune the ear. 

 That all he tasted, saw or heard 

 Might be harmonious, sweet and fair : 

 Who would might grow in pain, 

 Who would might sing for joy." 



There is little difference in the dispositions of men whether in town or 

 country. We build the houses wherein we live. How few of us make 

 homes for the daily life of ourselves and our families ! While we discuss 

 to-night particularly the great practical questions that will be presented to 

 us, I trust we shall not forget entirely the lawn and the flower garden. Let 

 us remember the beautiful as well as the useful. I will not take more of 

 your time, but avail myself of the opportunity to thank you for your pres- 

 ence with us. I see before me representatives from every township in this 

 county, from several townships in the adjoining counties, and representa- 

 tives of distant counties who are interested in the subject which we are to 

 discuss, — Plains Farming. 



Music by Glee Club — '* A Summer Shower." 



The speaker for the evening was then introduced and delivered the follow- 

 ing lecture on 



