MICHIGAN STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 69 



foreign elements, a wide departure from the republican sym- 

 plicity of our forefathers is clearly perceptible. 



In the earlier history of our country, and down to a recent 

 period, it has been an acknowledged fact that our people have 

 Btood foremost in the leading qualities and essential elements 

 of a well-developed manhood. The reason is obvious. In the 

 rapid opening and settlement of the country; in the activity, 

 thrift, and economy necessary with many to keep want from 

 the fireside ; in the surging tide of advancing trade and com- 

 merce, and the bustle and activity at business centers ; and in 

 the ceaseless struggle to furnish marketable products, amply 

 eupplyiug the demand; the constant strain on body, brain, 

 and muscle was calculated to round out and ripen up in full 

 development our American manhood. 



But now, in the widening and shifting fields of human 

 efibrt, and the changing aspect of business affairs, new 

 motives operate, and new incentives are brought to bear. In 

 the ambitious yearnings for power and place, and the selfish 

 cupidity for pecuniary accumulation and family aggrandize- 

 ment ; in the ostentatious and fashionable displays of opulent 

 parve7ius, and the graspings and revelings of those below to 

 attain some higher grade or more exclusive circle, the tax and 

 strain upon the brain and muscle, with the forced and unna- 

 tural direction of these new competing efforts, have become 

 intense and exhaustive, whilst the average moral nature of 

 society is being warped and coerced by design, or dwarfed by 

 neglect. 



Who, then, shall longer maintain the doctrines of our 

 ancient republican simplicity, or practice the stern virtues of 

 our forefathers, if the agricultural classes fail us ? Where 

 shall we look for mature judgment, for enlarged views, and 

 integrity of heart and life, if not to them ? In the hour of 

 the nation's peril where shall we search for the man, with 

 head to plan, with heart to brave and hand to execute, if not 

 to them ? How immensely important, then, that the youth, 



