▼idual to a mere partisan level, bat to elevate him to the 

 position of a trae patriot and citizen. From this time forth 

 it is to be hoped that our assemblies, instead of having at- 

 tached to them political * significance, will be recognized in 

 their proper light, indicating upon the part of the agricul- 

 turists of the country an enhanced appreciation of the ad- 

 vantages of a higher culture and an intelligent desire for 

 that perfection in their calling that will enable them to 

 successfully compete for that inestimable boon of earthly 

 existence — human happiness. The causes which necessitated 

 the Order of Patrons of Husbandry still exist and demand 

 its perpetuity. The good we have alieady accomplished 

 through organised effort is an earnest of the grand achiev- 

 ments of the future made possible by an intelligent will and 

 well directed effort. 



The noise and excitement incident to and connected with 

 the first introduction of the Order among the people has 

 subsided. To the casual observer, this is indicative of de- 

 cline. But this does not necessarily follow as a result of thi3 

 teeming want of interest. It is true there is not so much en- 

 thusiasm apparent among our members as at first. This has 

 been succeeded by sober thought. Nor is the falling off in 

 membership which has occurred during the past two years 

 an evidence of a loss of strength. For the fact is evident to 

 my mind that we still retain all the real strength we ever 

 had. No true friend of his class or of the Order has gone 

 away from us. Every Brother and Sister who has a true 

 comprehension of the magnitude and importance ot the worK 

 before them are found in the ranks of our Order to-day, with 

 them there is no abatement of interest, no intention of giviag 

 up the strife or of quietly submitting to further encroach- 

 ments of the evils which have afBicted them for years. 



Asking no exclusive privileges for themselves, but de- 

 manding equal and exact justice for all. With a firm reli- 

 ance in the justness of their cause, laboring in hope of and 

 in patience waiting for the good time coming when they 

 shall be freed from the tyranny 'and oppression of wrong. 

 The words of encouragement which, from year to year, has* 



