clierish a lively recollection of the pleasure enjoyed at his bountiful and brilliant festive 

 entertainment with vrbich he complimented the Society. 



Mr. Lines of Connecticut, said he was unwilling that this resolution should pass with 

 a silent vote. It was due to the gentleman who has presided over the discussions of 

 the Society with so much dignity and ability. He considered that the position in 

 pomology which the President had reached, conferred more honor upon him than the 

 rresidency of the United States could do. A gentleman who confers such immense 

 benefits upon the whole country — he might s-ay the Avorkl — as Hon. Mr. Wilder 

 does, is entitled to distinguished honors. He hoped this resolution would be passed by 

 a standing vote. Several other gentlemen offered remarks in the highest degree com- 

 plimentary. 



The resolution was unanimously adopted, every delegate rising in his seat. 



This Society has already accomplished much, and promises to do still more to 

 improve and perfect the fruits of the country. 



The prominent part which Mr. Wilder has been called to take, for many years, in 

 enterprises and associations for the promotion of horticulture, well qualified him for a 

 leader in efforts for the advancement of American agriculture. For years, with lively 

 interest, he watched the improvements made in the mechanic arts, in manufactures 

 and commerce, and his desire kindled to witness in Massachusetts, and throughout the 

 country, a corresponding progress in husbandry. 



In this noble cause, he commenced his efforts at home, where every reform should 

 begin. He signed a call for a convention of husbandmen in Dedham, which, resulted 

 in the organization of the Norfolk County Agricultural Society, and of which he was 

 elected President, an office which he still holds. At its first exhibition he delivered an 

 oration, characterized by elegance and force, on agricultural education, in which he 

 was nobly sustained by such men as Lincoln, Briggs, Winthrop, Quincy, Everett, 

 Webster, and others, who together constituted a galaxy of genius seldom witnessed. 

 Many thousands were present, and the county was carried in favor of the cause by 

 acclamation. 



This address was followed with speeches by the distinguished gentlemen above 

 named, whose thrilling appeals swayed the assembled thousands, and awoke a new 

 interest in agriculture. On this and subjects pertaining thereto, Mr. Wilder subse- 

 quently addressed similar associations in the counties of Bristol, Hampshire, and Berk- 

 shire, in Massachusetts, and also the State Society of New Hampshire. 



On the latter of these occasions he concluded in these patriotic words : 



""When I consider my country's vast extent of territory, her agricultural resources, her 

 thriving arts, and manufactures, her rapid growth in intelligence, wealth, and power, the 

 hundred millions of human beings who will inhabit her at the close of the present cen- 

 tury, I can but exclaim — my country, my country ! glorious prospects are before thee! 

 Union, wealth, and power; intelligence, virtue, and immortal renown!" 



These efforts were successful — they awoke a deeper and more general interest in 

 the cause of agriculture. This appears in the appeals made in its behalf the next 

 winter to the Agricultural Committee of the Legislature for govermental aid in its 

 behalf. Mr. Wilder was then President of the Senate. He presented the cause to 

 the Legislature; and a bill was passed authorizing the Governor, with the concurrence 



