PROF. J. L. RUSSELL'S ADDRESS. 241 



an imitation of such a spirit, and a more general cultivation of 

 such a taste among our wealthy men, to render Massachusetts 

 the gem of the Union in the riches of its vege-eulture, as it is 

 already the key-state in its moral and intellectual. Its most 

 barren soils need only the application of science and enlightened 

 labor to convert them into useful tracts ; and its rugged hills may 

 be clothed with the perpetual verdure of the pine, or with the 

 valuable growth of other trees. 



There is too much of the notion prevalent yet, that learning 

 is injurious to labor, and therefore, to secure what will bare- 

 ly enable one "to get along in the world," is all that is neces- 

 sary. But, beside the elements of common instruction, what a 

 multitude of subjects every day renders it necessary for the 

 child to learn. How much better would it be, were chil- 

 dren, and those especially whose lives are to be spent in the 

 country, made acquainted with the wonders and beauties of 

 nature, which lie all around them unnoticed ! How much 

 happier would their lives become, had they been early trained 

 to see Divine Wisdom in the natural world ; how every flower, 

 insect, bird, animal, were wisely and wonderfully made and ad- 

 apted to some purpose and end; how intimately connected with 

 their best emotions and capacities, and to the development of 

 their affections, were the contemplations of God's works ! 



I can hardly imagine that any of you will ask me what this 

 has to do with a farmer's life. If you do, let me answer 

 that it has much ; much in every way. If it have no other 

 effect, it will have this, to elevate your occupation to the rank 

 it ought to hold. On the farm, as well as in the study or work- 

 shop, intelligence will suggest skill and facility of execution. 

 Indebted as agriculture is to the application of art and knowl- 

 edge to its pursuits, it must needs be that the field is not ex- 

 hausted, but only opened and expanded for further results. 

 How can it be expected that agriculture will assume her stand 

 among the professions, unless her votaries be rendered efficient 

 in promoting the work? The intrinsic importance of any thing 

 is slowly seen, unless there is something striking to attract no- 

 tice. If you, who dwell among the grandest or else the most 

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