THE FARMER AND THE COMMONWEALTH. 71 



to promote the material wealth of the people by encouraging 

 such societies and organizations of farmers ; and for the last 

 quarter of a century it has been the liberal patron of all socie- 

 ties and associations the object of which has been to promote 

 the interests of the farmer. 



During the last five years, the State has appropriated and 

 paid in promoting the cause of agriculture, the following sums : 



In 1858, the sum of $82,796 72 



In 1859, " " 33,446 56 



In 1860, " " 29,494 08 



In 1861, " " 34,265 18 



In 1862, " " 33,612 45 



Amounting in all to $163,614 99 



which has been paid by our State government to promote the 

 interests of the farmer directly, and indirectly the whole 

 people. Who shall say that Massachusetts has been remiss in 

 her duty to tiie farmer ? Who cannot say that she has done 

 her whole duty ? 



We have now very briefly looked at some of the efforts of tlie 

 government to encourage the farmer and promote his interests. 

 Let us for a few moments turn to the duty of the farmer to tiie 

 government. To the farmer it may be said, in your hand to a 

 greater extent than in that of any other man, is placed the des- 

 tiny, the character, the history of our country. The foundation 

 of our government rests upon tlie interests which are intrusted 

 to your peculiar care and keeping. You are the dispenser of 

 the staff of life to your fellow-man. " If the earth and the 

 fulness thereof," if " the cattle upon a thousand hills " belong 

 to the King of kings, tlien it is your duty, as his faithful stew- 

 ard, into whose hand the elements are placed and made to 

 become a part of the general treasure, to know your duty and 

 faithfully to perform it. Every snow-flake, every rain drop, 

 brings with it a little fertility, and adds a little to your 

 resources. The morning dews which are so quietly absorbed, 

 add to the fertilizing power of your soil. The very breezes 

 which so gently kiss the newly-turned furrow, have something 

 in them which is food and strength to the growing plant. 

 Nature's economy is so perfect that the soil purifies the air, and 

 makes it fitter for respiration, while at the the same time tlie 



