419 



pleasure in the gratification which they afford to others ? What 

 an affecting charm, associated as it is with some of the best 

 sentiments of our nature, do they give to the sad dwelling 

 places of the departed and beloved ? 



The moral influences of such embellishments deserve our 

 consideration. I do not mean simply the substitution of such 

 refined tastes and pursuits, in place of the gratification of the 

 lower appetites. This is no small matter. But another influ- 

 ence should not be overlooked. 



Every one familiar with human life must be sensible that 

 mere personal neatness and order are themselves securities of 

 virtue. As we cultivate these habits, and in respect to our 

 residences and the things and objects around us, make a study 

 of rendering them orderly and beautiful, and of adding to them 

 the highest embellishments of art, our own self-respect is 

 greatly increased. Next to religious principle nothing operates 

 more than self-respect, as a safeguard of virtue and a stimulant 

 to excellence. The direct tendency of all such embellishments 

 in our grounds and habitations is to multiply the attractions of 

 home, and to strengthen the domestic ties. It is the glory of 

 New England, that these precious ties are no where stronger or 

 more sacred. 



XX. Agricultural Society. — Middlesex county has, for 

 many years, had a respectable agricultural society, which, in 

 addition to its own funds, receives from the State six hundred 

 dollars per year for disbursement in premiums. The annual 

 meeting is holden at Concord in the autumn, when a ploughing 

 match is also appointed. The benefits of these shows and 

 competitions have been very great, though, in my opinion, they 

 fall far short of accomplishing all the good which they might. 

 It is from no assumption of any superior sagacity and in no 

 spirit of complaint ; but from a sense of official duty and an 

 anxious desire that the liberality of the State should not fail of 

 its excellent purposes, that I shall offer some suggestions res- 

 pecting the management of this and other agricultural societies 

 ^n the Commonwealth. 



