ADDRESS 



I APPEAR here, gentlemen, by invitation, to address you 

 on the cultivation of the soil, in which it is the object of 

 the associations here convened to promote improvement. 

 I have been prompted, in the undertaking, rather by a 

 desire to render a service, than from a confidence in my 

 ahility to perform one ; and in the few remarks I have to 

 offer, shall need much of your indulgence, for defect in 

 style, and deficiency in matter. 



Agriculture and Horticulture are intimately related to 

 each other. They both depend upon the soil, and the 

 animals and plants which it nurtures, for support, for profit, 

 and for pleasure. They both administer, and are indis- 

 pensable, to our wants and comforts. They are governed 

 in their operations by the same natural laws. Agricul- 

 ture has cognizance of the farm, which supphes our prin- 

 cipal wants ; Horticulture, of the garden, which adminis- 

 ters to our more refined appetites, to our health, and to 

 the rational pleasures of mind. The one gives us bread 

 and meat, and the materials for our clothing ; the other 

 gives us the choice dehcacies for the table, and multiplies 

 around us the charms of floral beauty, and rural scenery. 

 Both tend to beget habits of useful industry and sober re- 

 flection, and to improve us in all the social relations of life. 

 It is befitting, therefore, that institutions designed to foster 

 and promote improvements in these primary and associate 

 branches of labor, should unite in their anniversary cele- 

 bration, and in returning thanks to the Supreme Being, 

 for the bounties of a fruitful season. 



Of the utility of these celebrations, and exhibition of 

 the products of the farm and garden which are made at 

 them, I have no kind of doubt. They bring to public 



