20 



.common sense, whereby to turn to practical use the results of 

 educational training. 



Estimated then by the above criterion, what pursuit can 

 ^•ompare with agriculture? and what nobler end can be at- 

 tained by any calling than the preservation and advancement 

 of the human race ! For that such ia the true significance of 

 this uniform development, a glance at our city families will 

 prove beyond a doubt. It will show that ease and luxury 

 weaken the bodily powers, and leave each generation fewer 

 in number, and less vigorous than its predecessor. 



But whence the constant tide of life that bears all before it, 

 and admits no apprehension lest it should recede, and leave 

 the city stranded? .It comes from the great families of our 

 sturdy farming community. 



In closing, I Avould revert once more to the poverty of New 

 Enf^land farms situated far from commercial centers. I have 

 said this state of things is no real drawback to investment, 

 and that it is rather a matter of surprise that such small 

 iimounts of capital as they represent, can be made to support 

 so many people as are found among our hills. 



The one way to change all this is to raise up other indus- 

 tries in our midst, that shall bring markets nearer, and thus 

 afford increased facilities, both for the production and dis- 

 posal of crops. 



But, my friends, the wealth and pomp of circumstance tliat 

 would thus become ours, we should dearly purchase. To 

 Mhat, think you, is the noble character New England's sons 

 have ever borne, chiefly owing? — their strong principles, their 

 thrift, their industry, and the unflincliing determination that 

 overcomes all obstacles and places them in the first rank of 

 every industrial or professional department, — to Avhat is all 

 this chiefly owing but to the early training which a life upon 

 those hills alone can furnish. 



AVhat better preparation for the hard onward struggle of 

 manhood, than the diflSculties Avhich the youth is there taught 

 ^o surmount? Far from the luxuries which enervate, re- 



