MR. gage's address. 13 



merce, important as it is, were agriculture, generally, 

 in a depressed condition ; did no nation produce more 

 of any article than was requisite for its own consump- 

 tion ? What would be the condition of the numerous 

 manufacturers, who have exhibited such commenda- 

 ble ingenuity — multiphed, so much, the comforts of 

 life — had not agriculture afforded them the means of 

 subsistence, while exerting their skill in their various 

 departments ? Indeed, suffer this pursuit to languish, 

 and the wheel of national industry must cease to re- 

 volve. 



If he, who causes two blades of grass to grow 

 where but one grew before, is a public benefactor ; 

 he, surely, who improves the quality of agricultural 

 products ; the form and value of stock ; the appear- 

 ance and fertility of farms, is one of the most merito- 

 rious of citizens. He not only adds to the means of 

 human support, he also contributes to the comforts 

 and embellishments of life. Whoever is a friend to 

 industry and the countless blessings of which it is the 

 parent, should encourage agriculture ; for its products 

 not only furnish many of the materials, upon which 

 skill and labor are apphed in other departments, but 

 give strength to the sinews and muscles of the right 

 arm of industry itself. The higher the degree of cul- 

 tivation, the more abundant the means of subsistence, 

 whence provision is afforded for the greater number 

 of laborers in other branches of enterprise. In im- 

 proving agriculture, you are nerving the arm of hu- 

 man industry with new strength ; you are thus promo- 

 ting results of the utmost importance to the general 



