12 MR. perry's address. 



change need not be described, nor would it be easy to estimate 

 the advantages which would arise from it could it produce that 

 feeling of filial respect and piety exhibited in the following quo- 

 tation. " The Lord forbid it me that I should give the inheri- 

 tance of my fathers to them." This sentiment may be allowed 

 to operate too powerfully. 



Another hindrance in the way of agricultural improvement is 

 an impression entertained by many that farming is not so genteel 

 and honorable as some other employment. How this feeling 

 grew up, (a feeling in the extent to which it exists among us 

 almost peculiar to New England,) I shall not attempt to decide : 

 sure I am of its existence and of its baleful influence, though like 

 the one just before mentioned operating with somewhat diminish- 

 ed force. It has dried up the spii'it and held the mind of many 

 a noble and virtuous youth in bondage, suffiised many an inno- 

 cent cheek with a blush, prevented many ingenious and stirring 

 spirits from going into that employment, whose taste and interest 

 would otherwise lead them to it, and induced those who were 

 engaged in it to work with less vigor, to seek for improvement 

 with less interest, and frequently to turn all their originating and 

 inventive powers into other channels, even when farming was 

 still their real occupation. 



Who can look for a moment to the nature and operations of 

 this Society and the men who compose it, and not perceive how 

 powerfully its influence must tend to remove an impresson so un- 

 founded in principle, so hurtful in its tendency. The example 

 of the rich, the learned and distinguished men who give life and 

 interest to this Society, comes in upon the soul of many a labor- 

 ing youth like a refreshing and gladdening shower upon the 

 thirsty land and withering herb. 



The story that Pickering, the founder, and for many years 

 the worthy and efficient President of this Society, held the 

 plough, handled the spade, and looked well to the stall, has a 

 thousand times been told, and whenever told has poured fresh 

 courage and joy into the mind of many a toiling youth, who 

 humbled under the impression of which I am speaking, was 

 tempted to blame his fate which in his apprehension had cruelly 

 chained him to a farmer's life. 



