The Merits of our State. 545 



mud of the deep, rich soil of the grain growing States, will 

 know how to ap])reciate these. 



4. Better Markets. — It is the value of the products, 

 not the quantity, that indicates the profits of agriculture. 

 There will continue to be the difference of fi'eight and com- 

 missions between the markets of the East and the West. 



5. Equal Distribution of Property. — In no other 

 State are there so very few poor as in Vermont. In no other 

 State is property so evenly distributed. I am happy to 

 say that we have few very rich, with power to create monop- 

 olies and corners in the markets. The accumulation of 

 vast estates in the hands of individuals or corporations is 

 against the interests of the people. 



6. A. Healthful Climate. Exemption from Mala- 

 rial Diseases. — Is not this worth taking into accouul? 

 Thousands of emigrants that might have enjoyed health 

 in Vermont, have had their lives made miserable by the 

 fever and ague, that prevails in large portions of the West. 



7 A Pleasant and Attractive Variety of Natural 

 Scenery. — This is one of the things that cannot well be 

 bought and sold, though some may deem it of no value. I 

 apprehend, however, that there are few with so blunt a per- 

 ception of what is beautiful in nature, as not to prefer our 

 hills, mountains and valleys, to the dead monotony of a 

 level land. 



8. An Extensive, and, as yet. Comparatively Unused 

 Water Power. — The value of manufactured products in 

 this State has increased nearly tenfold within the last twen- 

 ty-five years. But it is still very small when compared with 

 18 



