234 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



the less does this require thought, because from the early 

 days of man this has been one of his chief employments. 



Our ancestors could not, from the nature of their sur- 

 roundings, have lived as wo live ; to have undertaken it 

 would have been wrong. In our day and with our advan- 

 tages, it would be wrong for this generation to live as did 

 those who preceded us. " New times demand new 

 measures." 



Some things long held in doubt are already settled, while 

 some important matters are still in dispute ; and possibly 

 others which may 3^et prove of great interest have not re- 

 ceived a passing thought. 



Progressive agriculture means, not necessarily a growing 

 bank account or heavy assets for executors and adnunistra- 

 tors, but more comforts to the world, because of more 

 knowledge and an awakened desire for other possibilities. 



An ethnologist of ability, Mr. Charles Pickering, has main- 

 tained that " the history of the progress of mankind can be 

 distinctly traced to the extension of the areas of cultivated 

 plants." 



Proofressive agriculture means a love for, and a faith and 

 a delisrht in, the work which will make the farmer in his 

 employment the most contented and therefore the happiest of 

 men. 



He of all men is most likely to be blessed with an answer 

 to that wonderful prayer of old, " Give me neither poverty 

 nor riches," — a condition which will enable him to look 

 soberly and candidly upon the realities of life, while he re- 

 members that " as for the earth, out of it cometh bread." 



The quantity, the quality, the variety and the cost of 

 bread are dependent under certain laws of nature upon the 

 energy, the skill and the wisdom of the agriculturist. 



" Seize upon truth where'er 'tis found, 

 On Christian or on heathen ground ; 

 The flower 's divine where'er it grows ; 

 Neglect the prickle and assume the rose." 



The Chairman. We have all been pleased with this lect- 

 ure to which we have listened, and it abounds in suggestions 

 for discussion, which I hope will follow. There are many 

 gentlemen here who are able to speak on the subject. 



