178 Gov. Wright's Address. [Oct., 



like this, without attempting to explore the depths, or to define 

 the principles of a science so profound, and, to the uninitiated, so 

 difficult as that of agriculture. 



Agricultural production is the sub-stratum of the whole super- 

 structure; the great element which spreads the sail and impels the 

 car of commerce, and moves the hands and turns the machinery 

 of manufacture. The earth is the common mother of all, in what- 

 ever employment engaged, and the fruits gathered from its bosom, 

 are alike the indispensable nutriment and support of all. The 

 productions of its surface and the treasures of its mines, are the 

 material upon which the labor of the agriculturist, the merchant, 

 and the manufacturer, are alike bestowed, and are the prize for 

 which all alike toil. 



The active stimulus which urges all forward, excites industry, 

 awakens ingenuity, and brings out invention, is the prospect or 

 the hope of a market for the productions of their labor. The far- 

 mer produces to sell; the merchant purchases to sell; and the 

 manufacturer fabricates to sell. Self-consumption of their respect- 

 ive goods, although an indispensable necessity of life, is a mere 

 incident in the mind impelled to acquisition. To gain that which 

 is not produced or acquired, by the sale of that which is possessed, 

 is the great struggle of laboring man. 



Agricultural production is the first in order, the strongest in 

 necessity, and the highest in usefulness, in this whole system of 

 acquisition. The other branches stand upon it, are sustained by 

 it, and without it could not exist. Still it has been almost uni- 

 formly, as the whole history of our state and country will show, 

 the most neglected. Apprenticeship, education, a specific course 

 of systematic instruction, has been, time out mind, considered an 

 indispensable pre-requisite to a creditable or successful engage- 

 ment in commercial or mechanical pursuits; while to know how- 

 to wield the axe, to hold the plow, and to swing the scythe, has 

 been deemed sufficient to entitle the possessor of that knowledge 

 to the first place, and the highest place in agricultural employ- 

 ment. 



A simple principle of production and of trade, always practi- 

 cally applied to manufactures and commerce, that the best and 

 cheapest article will command the market, and prove the most 

 profitable to the producer and the seller, because most beneficial 

 to the buyer and consumer, is but beginning to receive its appli- 

 cation to agriculture. The merchant, who, from a more exten- 

 sive acquaintance with his occupation, a more attentive observa- 

 tion of the markets, better adapted means, and a more careful 

 application of sound judgment, untiring energy, and prudent in- 

 dustry, can buy the best and sell the cheapest, has always been 

 seen to be the earliest and surest to accomplish the great object 



