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which was energetically carried out ; and although but an experiment, 

 the result of that exhibition abundantly demonstrated the capacity and 

 disposition of the farmers of New-York to exercise the important 

 trust which had been committed to their hands. 



Encouraged by that beneficent law, Agricultural Societies were 

 coustituted in a large majority, of the counties of the State during that 

 year, which have since been maintained with increasing zeal and be- 

 nefit. The law making appropriations for this object has been re- 

 newed to the present time ; and he must be a hardy legislator who 

 can now raise a voice of potency against its continuance, so deeply 

 grounded are its healthful influences in the affections of our people. 

 An act pregnant with greater good to the prosperity of the State, 

 next to establishing the foundations of social order, and domestic se- 

 curity, never has emanated from your Legislature ; and long, long, 

 and with increasing bounty, may it continue ! 



In viewing the progress of this great measure through its first fee- 

 ble efforts at existence, until its final consummation by law, and its 

 rapid advancement since, an acknowledgment of deep gratitude is due 

 to the liberality which has pervaded the ranks of those professions and 

 occupations in our community not agricultural. The most formidable 

 obstacles which the promoters of this institution have met in all their 

 efforts, were either the determined inaction, or direct opposition of 

 the mass of the farmers themselves. I speak this more in sorrow than 

 in anger, that they who were to be most benefitted by its results, 

 should be the slowest in yielding it their support ; while those of the 

 learned professions, the mechanics, artizans, and merchants generally, 

 both in and out of the Legislature, and throughout the State, gave to 

 our efforts a general and hearty concurrence. The comparatively 

 few practical farmers whose zeal and co-operation would take no de- 

 nial until success had crowned their efforts, represented, with but 



