39B MISSOURI AGRICULTURAL REPORT. 



that scientific farming is now an accomplished fact throughout the length 

 and breadth of this commonwealth. Inquiries are daily being made 

 through the Secretary of Agriculture for bulletins and other information 

 of value to the farmer. I fully realize that the struggle will not be an 

 easy one, and the State Board of Agriculture, through its executive of- 

 ficers and the State Dairy Commission, are lending every energy to the 

 farmers in the encouragement of this line of activity. There is no rose 

 bush without its thorns ; no day without the approach of evening shades ; • 

 no life without the menace of death ; no compensation without great 

 labor, and it will require assiduous effort, intelligent direction and un- 

 flagging zeal to bring about the most beneficent results. 



I have been a close student of conditions for the past two decades, 

 at least, having read the current newspapers and magazines, and the best 

 thought of the age, and I want to say to you that I have never witnessed 

 anything that equals the Missourian when once aroused; he is patient, 

 yet intelligent and aggressive. We have passed through a long period 

 of darkness, but the Venus-like god of peace beckons on the morning of 

 our glorious dehverance into a new empire of industrial activity, with 

 its accompanying reward. 



At this epoch in our history, when every fiber of our commercial be- 

 ing, as well as agricultural life, is thrilling with vivifying force, it is 

 fortunate that the affairs of State are in such excellent hands. At the 

 other end of the capitol, we have as our chief executive a modest, unas- 

 suming gentleman, who is actuated by the spirit of the highest patriotism, 

 and whose love for Missouri partakes of an almost idolatrous nature. In 

 the selection of his appointees, he has been actuated solely for the better- 

 ment of conditions, and no man whose private character is not above re- 

 proach, is called to fill any responsible position. It has been my pleasure, 

 and I consider it a distinguished privilege, to have discussed with him, 

 at various times, the possibilities of dairying in this State, and he has 

 assured me on every ocasion that he will lend every energy within his 

 power to help us in bringing about the most successful results. 



As the paling tinges of age accumulate, we observe a tendency to re- 

 call the memory of flowers that bloom from the stem of youthful incident 

 and association, and those of the most brilliant hue and fragrant perfume 

 were culled along the path that many of the persons present trod to- 

 gether. Later years lack the vitalizing power oi unselfish sympathy and 

 fellow feeling, and we unconsciously turn to the bubbling springs that 

 trickled with the gems of by-gone days. 



I have listened with unabated interest to the tales related by the 

 early pioneers, telling of the stirring episodes of the past, and I was 

 filled with interest to see the fires of enthusiasm burn as brightly now 



