532 State Board of Agriculture, &c. 



meu lia^e been so trained as to do it witli ease and grace. 

 The young farmer of to-day, if he will quality himself for 

 this work, and will then, by diligent application, inform 

 himself upon the vital subjects of the times, and, especially, 

 as relating to improved farming, will not have to wait 

 long for invitations to hold forth at picnics, festivals, fairs, 

 and other popular assemblies of his peers, where " feast of 

 reason and flow of soul " nuike up a part of the entertain- 

 ment, I speak of this, not to magnify it beyond its worth, 

 for I know that to be able to speak fluently is not always 

 proof of wisdom, and that many of our most useful men in 

 deliberative and popular assemblies are among those who 

 " can't talk," as they say ; but how much greater would be 

 their influence ofttimes, if, together with their knowing of a 

 thing, they were able to enforce it with choice language, 

 like " apples of gold in pictures of silver." 



I have thus indicated a few of the many opportunities 

 that now are in waiting for the enterprising coming farmer. 

 The theme is a fruitful one, and its fields inviting ; but I 

 will close by saying that the farmer needs more than all 

 things else, to be actuated by a lofty moral purpose. 

 " Whatever he attempts to do he should strive to do well," 

 ever realizing the fact that while occupied with the varied 

 industry of his farm, and in close fellowship with 'nature, 

 the lessons of his calling will not be well heeded if he is not 

 brought into sweet sympathy and harmony with nature's 

 God. Let his query be in search of duty: " What is right?" 

 not what men will say. Let his ambition be, that the world 

 shall be the better for his having lived in it, and, although 

 sometimes moving in a humble sphere while living, dying he 

 shall be remembered among those who have not lived in vain. 



