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ants of the early New England Puritans, and the ancient Dutch settlers of 

 this State, who have, with a pious regard to the memories of their 

 ancestors, and a wise attachment to the spots of their birth r retained, 

 and, through the influences of a correct education, and well settled 

 principle, bid fair to retain, the paternal acres which they have inhe- 

 rited homes of plenty, contentment, and genuine hospitality ; where 

 retired virtues, like those practised by their fathers, have long hallow- 

 ed them with a local habitation and a name. Such, stand out as 

 strong landmarks in the fitful changes of place, and name throughout 

 our country, and redeem, to some extent, the caustic remark of the 

 late John Randolph, of Roanoke, who- once declared, on the floor of 

 Congress, that he scarce knew an American but would sell his very 

 dog for money!. 



We are not slow in finding out when we are well off, although all 

 are not satisfied under such condition ; but with these advantages 

 around and among us, of which we feel the daily benefit, and of 

 which, by removal, we should forever be deprived, their tendency- 

 would be to fix us more firmly to our homes, and lead us to examine 

 the resources within our reach, which otherwise might never have 

 been developed. Associations of an elevated character are among the 

 most powerful in thus keeping us content ; and institutions in which the 

 farmer has a direct interest, would, more than almost any other, allay 

 this tendency to change. Our resources, and our productive power, 

 are thus retained, far beyond what can be acquired by the continued 

 restlessness common to us. Such influences wonld certainly be most 

 wholesome. 



Another, and the last valuable aid derived from a dissemination of 

 Agricultural Science, which I shall mention, would be the establish- 

 ment of correct standards of judgment to govern awards at you r 

 various cattle-shows. We now congregate together from all parts of 

 the State, and invite our brethren from other States to exhibit their 



