MR. gage's address. 15 



and mellow harvest, — these are, admirably fitted to 

 stamp rehgious impressions upon the mind, in a 

 good degree, removed from the sources of luxury and 

 excess, you partake of those simple and frugal pleas- 

 ures best adapted to the health of the body and the 

 soul. While multitudes, eager to traverse a shorter 

 road to wealth, press on in a more exciting career — 

 while 



" Tliey mount, they shine, evaporate and fall," 



you pursue the path of steady application, free from 

 their temptations and perplexities. Embued with the 

 right spirit, surrounded by such obvious proofs of the 

 Divine Agency" and Benificence, how warm should 

 be your hearts with gratitude, as you consider ; 



" How good the God of Harvest is to you, 

 Who pours abundance o'er your flowing fields." 



Agriculture should ever stand high in the estima- 

 tion of true patriots. I would not speak disparagingly 

 of other pursuits. I look with admiration upon the 

 progress made in the mechanic arts. I hail, as signs 

 of good, the great advances effected in manufactur- 

 ing skill. I delight to see commerce opening broad 

 pathways from nation to nation ; but still, as the 

 foundation of national prosperity ; as the great source 

 whence other branches of industry must draw their 

 materials ; as the nurse of simple habits, manly vir- 

 tues, and an independent spirit, we must look to ag- 

 riculture. And I know not in what better way you 

 can shew your patriotic spirit, than in your exertions, 

 as a Society, to encourage this important branch of 

 industry. You not only thus enlarge the means of 



