272 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES. 



acquainted with the means of controlling it, its name would 

 quickly rank by the side of the proudest universities ; and if the 

 great discovery should proceed from a single individual, his 

 name would live, when those of the greatest generals and con- 

 querors have become as uncouth and strange to human utter- 

 ance, as their deeds were unfriendly and opposed to human 

 happiness. 



It is indeed a pleasing task, to anticipate the glories of the 

 new day of improvement and success, which is dawning upon 

 the cultivators of the soil. Already has the era of melioration 

 arrived. The number and the zeal of associations like yours 

 are significant omens. The results before and around us, are 

 most encouraging ; and the high standard of improvement, every 

 where visible, is a sure presage of ultimate triumph. A new 

 vigor has been infused into the farmer's life ; and though an old 

 and venerable occupation, it has, in some sort, taken on a new 

 youth ; and this youth seems inspired with insatiable desires, and 

 the most exulting hope. Be encouraged, then, with the old Ger- 

 man proverb, that what we strive after in youth, we shall attain 

 to fulness in old age ; and concerning which, Goethe, the poet 

 and the naturalist, has given this fine commentary, "that our 

 wishes are presentiments of the faculties which lie within us, 

 and harbingers of that which we shall be in a condition to per- 

 form." Thus, I easily persuade myself, it will prove in your 

 case, in the distinguished zeal you are exhibiting for the im- 

 provement of your profession. 



When your example shall be adopted throughout the coun- 

 ties of New England, a new order of thrift and intelligence will 

 be discerned among the rural population. The more certain 

 success, which will then wait upon the husbandman, shall su- 

 persede the further necessity for his emigration towards the 

 setting sun ; and the higher intelligence and refinement, which 

 shall then prevail, will cease to urge, with such undesirable force, 

 such troops of our most promising country youth to seek their 

 fortunes in city life ; where, alas, the temptations to vice, and the 

 rush of competition, so often frustrate all their hopes. Then 

 will it be seen, that the most infertile of our districts will be 

 competent to sustain 3 in comfort and wealth even, a vastly aug- 



