188G.] TRANSACTIONS. 9 



tireless watch of the acute student of Nature, who takes nothing for 

 granted ; but, having discovered the origin and source of disease, is 

 not content until he has also found a perfect remedy. He alone can 

 'prove ail things, holding fast that wiiich is good.'" 



The appropriation for the purposes of the Agricultural De- 

 partment has been somewhat meagre, in years past. Nor, during 

 that period, was the sum given always expended with the best 

 discretion and due economy. Commissioner Coleman appears to 

 be totus teres atque rotimdus ; fitted by nature as well as adjust- 

 ing himself to his place. He wastes neither resources, nor time; 

 and is watchful of his opportunities. Your Secretary must be 

 permitted to differ from some of his friends in the Grange ; be- 

 ing Hrm in tlie faith that the Agriculture of the Republic, prop- 

 erly considered, affords a field wide enough for the exercise of 

 any man's talents. And that a position in the Cabinet must 

 inevitably divert his attention to questions wherewith he need 

 not, and cannot profitably, concern himself. Magnify his office, 

 styling him Minister of Terrseculture, if you like ! multiply his 

 functions, when you must ! but do not neutralize his efforts for 

 the United States by dissipating them throughout the earth. The 

 Department cannot always be directed by statesmen ! with am- 

 bition exceeding their capacity ; even the contingent from Essex 

 being limited in number and the duration of their existence fall- 

 ing wofully short of immortality. 



The Worcester Grange nobly achieved what it well and wisely 

 undertook. It proposed to itself a certain aim : an accomplished 

 superiority in Massachusetts, within well defined limitations. 

 But yet is it pretended that the Grange thereby attained the 

 earth and the fulness thereof ? It is not so understood in their 

 case ; as neither was it left for speculation by a late Grand In- 

 coherence who, speaking for his constituents, owned frankly 

 that they do want the earth and — mean to have it ! But to all 

 Grangers, or Incohonees, — alike ; as to the horticulturists, in 

 jpartibus infidelium ; are repeated in their ever sad refrain, the 



" Words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem : 

 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be ; and that which 



is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under 



the sun. 



