For one, I do not see any evidence which justifies su)h alarming 

 predictions. That agriculture of late years and at present has 

 failed to bring the pecuniary returns which it might, all must 

 admit, but, that the prospects for the future of agriculture in this 

 state and in this country are forbidding, I do not believe. In fact, 

 at the risk of being thought optimistic, I wish to be placed on 

 record as predicting that to the best of my knowledge and belief 

 we are about entering upon an era of agricultural prosperity, the 

 like of which, as a people, we have never known, and which pros- 

 perity is to be permanent. 



I feel sure I cannot p reseat anything which is of greater prac- 

 tical value to you to-day than to briefly give you the reasons for 

 the faith which is in me, and I hope that I may succeed in con- 

 vincing you that what Washington declared to be l ' the most noble, 

 the most healthful and the most useful occupation of man " is 

 likely soon also to become, all things considered, thp most profit- 

 able. 



First then let us seek to learn the cause or causes of the present 

 agricultural depression, since obviously if it or they can be removed 

 the depression must cease. 



Now we find upon investigation that in this state of New York, 

 at least, such depression is not due to a diminution in the fertility 

 of our lands. This is so important a factor in the prosperity 

 which I predict for the future, that I know you will be willing to 

 listen to the evidence in its support. 



AVERAGE YIELD OF PftlSOIPAL FARM CROPS IN NEW YORK 

 SPACE SISO.fi 1S81 BY B [J3 tt FS h $, POUNDS A\D PRJR CKST. 



