348 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



needs of that mighty host from its cultivated acres, and had 

 ' a surplus of the products of the farm, factory, forest, shop 

 and mine, in 1900, valued at nearly a billion and a half of 

 dollars, which it shipped to other countries to supply their 

 deficiencies. Though drought and other causes may have 

 reduced somewhat the yield of certain crops in the year 

 1901, there can be no fear of a shortage in the food prod- 

 ucts of our land, which, with its great extent, diversity of 

 climate, soil and products, render it sure that "seed time 

 and harvest shall not fail." 



The general prosperity of our country is a matter of 

 congratulation, and its rapid strides in the past decade in 

 population, wealth and things that make for a nation's great-' 

 ness is a surprise to us, and a wonder to the other nations 

 of the world. 



But it is not for me to do more than to call your attention 

 to certain matters, any of which could be elaborated into a 

 paper to be placed on the programme, but simply to sug- 

 gest leaving argument and discussion to the members of 

 this Congress, to deal with them according to their pleasure. 

 Nor can it be attempted to even suggest, in an address of 

 this nature, all the subjects that pertain to agriculture or 

 that are linked therewith. The order of procedure for this 

 Congress has been arranged in accordance with a printed 

 programme, to which your attention is directed ; and it is 

 to be hoped that it will not only be acceptable, but enjoy- 

 able and instructive. 



One of the chief influences that the Farmers' National 

 Congress exerts emanates from the resolutions it passes. It 

 is the privilege of any delegate to offer a resolution and 

 have it referred to the regular committee for its approval 

 or disapproval, and then be reported back to this body for 

 final action. Such resolutions should be national in their 

 scope, bearing and application, and not local or sectional, 

 and should be characterized by principle embodied with 

 wisdom. 



The time allotted to this Congress in which to hold its 

 meetings for the performance of its duties of deliberation, 



