502 ' MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



It would be impertinent to enlarge upon the subject and 

 merits of universal education while I stand upon the soil of 

 Massachusetts, and amid a people whose high fame it is to be 

 foremost, as well for liberality as for wisdom, in scholastic insti- 

 tutions. The paths to honor and fortune are so multiplied 

 that a wide bird's-eye view of literature and science is the best 

 preparation for active life ; yet it might be possible to ingraft 

 upon such a course of study the actual operation of agriculture. 

 A farm and school were first associated in Switzerland. The 

 idea has been adopted in many instances in America. And 

 among the innumerable endowments which confer lustre upon 

 your citizens, why are there none for the education of farmers, 

 where young men can be taught, not only to work, but to know 

 when, how, and why to work ? 



