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aim high. Agricultural experiments, imperfectly conducted, 

 and partially detailed, are not wanted. Enough of them have 

 been already made; and they have served only to fill up the 

 records of husbandry with contradictory and perplexing results. 

 And where can a Society be pointed out more favorably situated 

 than this, for setting a better example ; for bringing to this work 

 minds versed in the principles, as well as hands skilled in the 

 art, of husbandry ? Think of the extent of territory and 

 amount of population embraced by this society. Consider too, 

 that here is almost every variety of soil and situation on which to 

 operate. Neither forget how widely industry and intelligence 

 are diffused in this centre of New England. With such materials, 

 ought this society to content itself with feeble aud immethodical 

 efforts? How easy for it to take a high stand among kindred in- 

 stitutions, and to make its light go out over the land, and de- 

 scend upon unborn generations ? 



And permit me here to say, gentlemen, that the objects you 

 have in view are worthy of all the zeal, and effort, and persever- 

 ance, you may embark in the enterprise. These labours are not 

 calculated to build up the fortunes of a few, upon the degrada- 

 tion and poverty of the many. They are not undermining the 

 foundations of our free institutions, and paving the way for anar- 

 chy or despotism. On the other hand, they tend directly to ele- 

 vate the character, and increase the happiness, of the great mass 

 of the citizens : If pursued successfully, they will spread over 

 these hills and vallies, an air of comfort, and independence, and 

 intelligence, far superior to that they now exhibit, with all their 

 lovelines. By the blessing of Providence, this society has it in 

 its power to double and to treble the present population of these 

 counties without diminishing their enjoyment ; so that the future 

 traveller shall see our roughest mountains and glens smiling with 

 cultivation and fertility. By giving a spur to industry, and fixing 

 a stigma upon indolence, it will take away one of the grand sour- 

 ces of vice, ignorance and misery : so that an increase of num- 

 bers shall not be an increase of corruption. And while that in- 

 crease will strengthen the arm of a virtuous ruler against foreign 



