THE FARMER'S LIFE. 53 



rounded with blossoms in endless variety of form and hue, 

 whose fragrance he is constantly inhaling ; and if not with 

 blossoms, with fruit, rich and luxuriant, when bright autumn 

 pours forth her stores; he must be obtuse indeed, if to his 

 intellect is imparted no expansion and vigor. 



I do not say that every agriculturist is furnished, by his 

 employment with a cultivated intellect, or that the great body 

 of farmers in New England, have derived from this employment 

 this high advantage. Be this as it may, I speak of its happy 

 tendency, and I fully believe that an advantage might be 

 experienced in this direction, with proper attention to the 

 subject, that would place our agricultural men in the front 

 rank, in point of intelligence, as well as in taste and refinement. 

 I hail the day when this branch of business is to hold a more 

 important place in securing a finished education. Much atten- 

 tion is now being awakened to this subject, but the work has 

 but begun. We greatly need men of intelligence who shall 

 devote, not only their time, but their fortunes for the advance- 

 ment of agricultural science ; men, who will rely on posterity 

 to appreciate their discoveries and improvements and do honor 

 to their memories. Here the aspirant for fame has a fairer 

 prospect for distinction than he can find in any kindred art or 

 science, and for this most obvious reason, that agriculture lies, 

 as we have seen, at the foundation of every other branch of 

 lucrative or honorable business. 



It was my purpose, to have noticed in addition to what I 

 have said, the moral influence of agricultural pursuits, but I 

 most fully see, that I can do no sort of justice to this topic, 

 without trespassing upon your patience, I must therefore pass 

 this over, while I proceed in a word, to express my gratification 

 in meeting to-day such a respectable company of agricultural 

 men, together with their wives and daughters, than whom, no 

 other class in the community share so largely in my respect 

 and confidence. 



That minister may consider himself fortunate indeed, who 

 has an intelligent farming population for his parishioners. If 

 he has their confidence, he may be sure, if he has any thing to 

 appreciate, he will be appreciated. And moreover, he may be 

 sure of a good bit now and then, if not of shining metal, of 



