15 



and commerce, which the world ever witnessed.—^ 

 There agricultural employments hold the most eleva- 

 ted rank in public opinion. The most noble and 

 distinguished men are its patrons. The nobles of the 

 land take the lead in their numerous and highly es- 

 teemed associations, for the promotion of these great- 

 est national interests. Do we, gendemen, possess less 

 public spirit ? Have we less sensibility to the best 

 interests of this county ? 



The time allowed me will not permit the pursuit 

 of this subject through all its relations ; especially in 

 what concerns the grasses proper for this soil and cli- 

 mate, and the most approved implements of cultiva- 

 tion. These subjects I recommend to your faithful 

 consideration, and to experiments that may test their 

 utility. 



There yet remains a subject of the greatest possible 

 interest to this county, about which much delusion 

 and error have commenced their destructive career. 

 You will perceive I allude to our sheep. This animal 

 has always occupied the first consideration, in the e- 

 numeration of articles of convenience or necessity. — 

 If we consider the subject, as it relates to domestic e- 

 conomy, or agricultural prosperity, or the source of 

 commercial supplies, or the basis of individual and 

 national opulence and independence, it acquires the 

 greatest interest, and merits the most decided and 

 persevering support. On this occasion, it cannot be 

 expected, that I should occupy your attention with 

 details of their comparative profit, their peculiar fit- 

 ness to our country and course of husbandry, and of 

 the superior advantages derived to our hill country, 

 from multiplying this esteemed animal. 



These details I recommend to your sober and care- 

 ful examination. Treat the subject dispassionately, 

 and the result will correct error, and dissipate all delu- 

 sion. In every country where man has existed and 

 multiplied since the days of the shepherds of Juden, 

 to this time; sheep have been considered as neccssary 



|r 



