14 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



other, I need not dwell. That honesty, in the long run, is the 

 best policy, is a truism which has been established by the 

 experience of ages ; and amongst our farmers and in the rural 

 districts, this virtue is of natural growth. But care should be 

 taken that it does not become choked by vicious weeds. It is a 

 principle which applies alike to the farmer, the merchant, the 

 shoemaker, and the statesman. It applies alike in time of war 

 as well as in time of peace ; it applies alike to governments and 

 to individuals. That all is fair and honorable in war and 

 politics, is a maxim founded in barbarity and dishonesty, and 

 will never lead to permanent honor and success. Shoddy 

 contractors may practice it, and fill their pockets with ill-gotten 

 gains ; they may glitter in the tinsel which gold will purchase, 

 but the contempt of an honest people will cover them with 

 shame. Mere politicians may arise from obscurity for a while 

 to position and place by its secret machinations, but their policy 

 followed to the ejid will invariably lead to disaster not only to 

 themselves, but to a people controlled by their counsels. In- 

 tegrity is that wholeness of mind which contemplates the entire 

 extent of our obligations, as individuals, in our mutual relations 

 one to another ; and as citizens in our relations to society and 

 to our country. It does not simply require us to abstain from 

 over-reaching in trade, from taking advantage of the ignorance 

 or confidence of those with whom we contract, but it also 

 requires the performance of every duty which we owe to our 

 families, our neighbors, and the community at large. 



First as to the duties we owe to our families. Conjugal, 

 parental, and filial affection would seem to be a suflficient 

 incentive to the full performance of every duty at home. Home 

 happiness is the highest of all enjoyments, and he who fully 

 possesses that is truly a successful man. Yet how many there 

 are who have never realized the full enjoyment of this success 

 in life, from inattention alone, when little care and forethought 

 would have sown seed, the harvest of which would have been 

 abundant happiness. 



Our farmers rise early and toil late ; they look after the 

 comfort of their cattle ; they give them food and good shelter ; 

 their horses and oxen receive early training and education for 

 the labors they are to perform. How many are there who give 

 their families none. .Of affection there is no want ; of real, 



