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to hope J that the good sense of our fellow-cit'tzens^ in full 

 ^ew of this Canaan of rest and glory ^ will select from a- 

 mong them men of acknowledged talents, sound heads and 

 courageous hearts — 7ne7i who calculate on 720 popidarity 

 that does not repose 07i the broad basis of the public good, and 

 elevate them to posts of hoiior and of usefuhiess. Let uSy 

 fellow -citize7is, take refuge in such coimsels. Let such be 

 the 77ien who7n the people shall delight to ho7ior. 



Gentlemen of the Society, 

 AND Fellow-Citizens — 



The history of rural pursuits is full of instruction, and 

 the richest source of rational employment. It is the most 

 ancient and dignified occupation of man. The hopes of 

 the world rest on its basis. The felicity of our race ; the 

 liberties ; the arts and sciences ; commerce and naviga- 

 tion, are indebted to the resources of agriculture for their 

 existence. It is the parent of all the manly virtues, and 

 the safe-guard of correct morals. It is this pursuit which 

 contrasts the civilized and the savage man. It is from 

 this source countless blessings are distributed over a world, 

 chequered with suffering, want and wretchedness. At 

 one period, its benefits rendered the eastern continer.t the 

 abode of plenty, and the dwelling-place of every felicity. 

 At another epoch, these grand and pleasing prospects 

 were clouded and comfortless. The ravages of wars, and 

 the devastations of revolutions, overwhelmed and desoh:- 

 ted those cultivated regions. They were obscured in a 

 long night of vandalism and wretci^icdness. To modern 

 men has Providence assigned the benevolent task of re- 

 deeming from their ruins the knowledge and the improve- 

 ments of the Augustan age, and restoring man to his le- 

 gitimate enjoyments. 



It v/uS not until the year 1793, that even Great-Britairi 

 was excited to make proper efforts to improve her agri^ 

 cultural condition. At tlKit eventful period, a mind, iai- 



