12 



Solomon, the wisest man of his time, awarded to the 

 sex of that day — " They will do good and not evil all 

 the days of their lives. They seek the wool and the 

 flax, and work willingly with their hands. They make 

 themselves coverings of tapestry. Their clothing is 

 silk and purple. Their husbands are known in the 

 gates, when they sit among the elders of the land. — • 

 Strength and honor are their clothing'^ — " they shall 

 rejoice in time to come." 



I have now, my respected auditory, rapidly review- 

 ed the chief events and transactions in relation to the 

 agriculture and manufactures of the county. Having 

 observed these local occurrences, we cannot dismiss 

 the subject, without considering what has been doing 

 elsewhere. The example of this association, its nov- 

 el manner, its practical usefulness, have given an im- 

 pulse to public speculations which are fast maturing 

 to a state of systematic usefulness. In this Common- 

 wealth, public attention is awaking to a knowledge of 

 their condition and their future prospects ; and we are 

 encouraged to hope the legislature will zealously and 

 sincerely resume the enquiry, what ought to be done, 

 and what is practicable, for the greater encouragement 

 of our agriculture and manufactures ? 



Among the important institutions for advancing 

 the general happiness, none is more conspicuous than 

 the Massachusetts Society for the promotion of Ag^ 

 riculture. This institution has long maintained a dis- 

 tinguished reputation for its researches, essays and 

 valuable collections on rural affairs. They have man- 

 ifested an exemplary liberality in offering rewards and 

 encouragements for useful improvements, and this 

 year, they are attempting a ntw and more effectual ex- 

 citement, by directing a show of animals at Brighton, 

 near Boston. This is well, so far as it goes. It is 

 far short of utility. The worthy and learned Presi- 

 dent of that institution has expressed his approbation 

 of your measures, and his admiration of their success ; 

 and he has requested me, gentlemen, to offer you the 

 testimony of respect and best wishes of that institu- 



