The Merits of our State. 547 



on in this State equal to that in Massachusetts, it would add 

 enormously to the wealth of the State. If only half as 

 much, the annual product would more than equal in value 

 all the real and personal property of the State. If, then, 

 cur fertile soil furnishes a too limited opportunity to the 

 people of the State so that they must needs emigrate, here 

 is another vast field for enterprise within the State, awaiting 

 occupation. We need immigrants instead of sending emi- 

 grants away. 



We have our full share, here in Yermont, of that which 

 is desirable, and which should bind our people to their 

 homes. Attachment to a permanent place of abode deserves 

 to be classed among the virtues. When a person is fixed 

 in the locality where he means to live and die, the influence 

 of that intent can hardly fail to make him a better citizen. 

 He has motives for well doing that are not felt by another 

 who means to sell out at the first opportunity, and remove 

 to a distant State. He feels more the need of mutual assist- 

 ance and good will among the people with whom he intends 

 permanently to abide. He feels a greater interest in the 

 improvement of the soil, in the culture of fruit, and in aU 

 the surroundings of his home where he intends to remain to 

 reap the benefits of his improvements ; and thus, while seek- 

 ing his own interests, he promotes that of his neighborhood 

 and the State. 



I am not alone in the opinion that Vermont is a desirable 

 State, not to emigrate from, but for a home. We frequently 

 see words commendatory of our State, from people of intel- 

 ligence and culture, who have seen much of the world. The 

 familiar words of Horace Greeley : " Go West, young man," 



