4 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Jan. 



you give us gold. We have no fancy farms, we originate no 

 new methods of tillage, we raise very little long-pedigree 

 stock. This, however, means no disparagement to our 

 farmers. In all those noble qualities which give dignity and 

 worth to manhood, they stand in the front rank. They are 

 intelligent, industrious, upright, loyal, true men — true as 

 steel. In spite of the thin, leachy soil, whose craving for fer- 

 tilizers can never be appeased, these farmers are forehanded, 

 live in good homes, and give a good education to their 

 children ; and this is a sufficient proof of their perseverance 

 and skill. But in all agricultural matters we can teach you 

 nothing — we can only sit at your feet. Is there nothing, 

 then, that we can do for you? In this valley of the Con- 

 necticut we could show you many a scene of beauty, which 

 it would immortalize an artist to portray upon the canvas. 

 From the summit of Tom or Holyoke you could look down 

 upon a landscape which for quiet, enchanting loveliness is 

 without a rival. It does not, however, satisfy us merely to 

 show you this natural scenery, beautiful and charming as it 

 is ; for we have something better, and we wish to give you 

 the very best. Here in Easthampton we can give you the 

 clearest possible proof of the mighty and beneficent power 

 of an earnest, unselfish life ; for here we can see what it 

 has wrought, and we can feel its constant and blessed in- 

 fluence upon ourselves. These fine churches, these great 

 factories, this richly endowed seminary, this memorial hall 

 and the public library, are the visible achievements of such 

 a life ; while the generous impulse which makes the heart 

 warm with sympathy and opens the hand to help the needy, 

 and the spirit which makes us loyal to town and State and 

 country, are the unseen proofs of its abiding presence. To 

 make this perfectly clear, let me give you the briefest possi- 

 ble sketch of the character and work of two men who have 

 blessed this town beyond measure, by living not for them- 

 selves but for the world. 



Samuel Williston showed what was to be the purpose of 

 his life, when in early youth he devoted himself to the work 

 of the ministry. Though he was turned aside from his 

 chosen profession, that purpose to use all his powers for the 

 trood of the world was never chansfed. Nature was to him 



