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But the chief use of Agricultural Fairs is to aid in improving the 

 great calling of Agriculture , in all its departments, and minute 

 divisions; to make mutual exchange of agricultural discovery, informa- 

 tion and knov/ledge; so that, at the end, all may know everything, which 

 may have been known to but one , or to but few , at the beginning; to 

 bring together, especially, all which is supposed to not be generally 

 known, because of recent discovery or invention. 



And not only to bring together, and to impart all which has been 

 accidentally discovered or invented upon ordinary motive; but, by 

 exciting emulation, for premiums, and for the pride and honor of 

 success — of triumph, in some sort — to stimulate that discovery and 

 invention into extraordinary activity. In this, these Fairs are 

 kindred to the patent clause in the Constitution of the United States; 

 and to the department, and practical system, based upon that clause. 



One feature, I believe, of every Fair, is a regular Address . The 

 Agricultural Society of the young, prosperous, and soon to be, great 

 State of Wisconsin, has done me the high honor of selecting me to make 

 that address upon this occasion — an honor for which I make my profound 

 and grateful acknowledgement. 



I presume I am not expected to employ the time assigned me in the 

 mere flattery of the farmers, as a class. My opinion of them is that, 

 in proportion to numbers, they are neither better nor worse than other 

 people. In the nature of things they are more numerous than any other 

 class; and I believe there really are more attempts at flattering 

 them than any other; the reason of which I cannot perceive, unless it 

 be that they can cast more votes than any other. On reflection, I 

 am not quite sure that there is not cause of suspicion against you, 

 in selecting me, in some sort a politician, and in no sort a farmer, 

 to address you. 



But farmers, being the most numerous class, it follows that their 

 interest is the largest interest. It also follows that that interest 

 is most worthy of all to be cherished and cultivated — that if there 

 be inevitable conflict between that interest and any other, that other 

 should yield. 



Again, I suppose it is not expected of me to impart to you much 

 specific information on Agriculture. You have no reason to believe, 

 and do not believe, that I possess it — if that were what you seek in 

 this address, any one of your own number, or class, would be more able 

 to furnish it. 



You, perhaps, do expect me to give some general interest to the 

 occasion; and t- make some general suggestions, on practical matters. 



