PRESIDENT HITCHCOCK'S ADDRESS. 177 



Then the proper development of the physical system, which is 

 the result of systematic labor in the open air, and of plain food, 

 prevents that precocious manifestation of the appetites and pas- 

 sions, and their unnatural excitement, which are the curse of 

 sedentary life, and break down so early so many constitutions, 

 and plunge in infamy so many bright intellects. Besides, the 

 farmer, in a great measure, escapes the contaminations that 

 spread, as if contagious, among a crowded population. In com- 

 parative retirement, fully occupied with healthy and innocent, 

 or rather, useful occupations, and out of the way of unhealthy 

 excitements, he can pursue an even course of life which a phi- 

 losopher might envy, and which is most favorable to all the 

 manly virtues. 



One other consideration shows how naturally we connect ag- 

 ricultural occupations with correct morality. When we learn 

 that any other class of the community have become degenerate 

 and corrupt, we do not despair of the country, if the farmers 

 still retain their integrity. But, when it is said that these have 

 become loose in their morals, we give over the nation as hope- 

 lessly depraved ; never doubting that the contagion must first 

 have pervaded and spread moral ruin among all other classes. 



No less decidedly can we speak of the reflex influence of 

 sound morality upon agriculture. Indeed, most of the moral 

 virtues are indispensable to the success of the farmer. Let him, 

 for instance, become indolent, a tavern haunter, a bar-room 

 politician, a news monger, a speculator, and especially an 

 intemperate man, and the effect upon his farm will be as fatal 

 as if burnt over every three mouths. On the other hand, inquire 

 of our merchants and artisans what has been the effect of the 

 modern reformation in temperance upon the farmers of our 

 land, and they will tell you that the result has been wonderful 

 in multiplying among them the comforts and luxuries of life. 

 Their enlarged and improved barns, their more tasteful and 

 elegant houses, their carpeted rooms, their elegant mirrors 

 and sofas, and stoves, their enlarged libraries, and many other 

 luxuries and elegancies, found now in three times as many 

 families as fifteen years ago, testify to the mighty influence of 

 the cardinal virtue of temperance upon our agricultural popula- 

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