of Pennsylvania, 3 19 



The advantages which might flow to Pennsylvania from the ex- 

 tension of agriculture, are too vast to be described. 



With no higher degree of cultivation than that of England, 

 she would be capable of sustaining a population of several mil- 

 lions of inhabitants, and of yielding an annual product of several 

 hundred millions of dollars. 



No certain data can be obtained for ascertaining the annual 

 product of Pennsylvania ; but the present population has been 

 considered as capable by the fair improvement of the land now 

 in cultivation, and the use of labour-saving machines in Agricul- 

 ture, of doubling the product. 



It may appear almost chimerical to calculate such an effect 

 from agricultural improvements within our reach ; but when we 

 reflect on the powerful effects produced by them in other parts 

 of the world, and in some in a short time, the calculation will 

 appear more rational. 



Shall Pennsylvania, rich in her soil, strong in the industry of 

 her citizens, already in the first rank of agriculture, hesitate to 

 commence a work, which has for its object to teach every farmer 

 the path to wealth, and to stimulate him to tread it ? 



The patriotic ardour with which the citizens of Pennsylvania 

 have hitherto supported public improvements, forbid us to doubt 

 their hearty co-operation in promoting the greatest of all im- 

 provements, and that which is the basis of all. 



It is particularly true of Pennsylvania, as it is said in the 

 message alluded to, that Agriculture is the basis of manufac- 

 tures ; it is also the basis of commerce and of all internal im- 

 provements. 



In vain are roads and canals constructed, if not for the trans- 

 portation of preduce. Increase the agricultural products, and 

 the revenue of them will be increased accordingly : turnpike 

 roads, which now yield but a trifling revenue to their stockhold= 

 ers, might in the end compensate them for their meritorious en- 

 terprise in making them, and canals would yield a revenue com- 

 mensurate with the great expense of constructing them. 



Let the State of Pennsylvania set the example of charging her 

 political institutions with the protection and encouragement of 

 Agriculture, and availing herself of the combined skill and la= 



3 A 



