15 



tare and the mechanical arts will be branches of learning to be 



taught in our common schools. The time is not far distant when 

 the living language of nature, as interpreted by geology, botany 

 and vegetable physiology will be like " household words" with 

 the farmer, who will then go forth and see how the silent chem- 

 istry of nature, like a mighty architect, builds up the gorgeous 

 fabric of the vegetable creation, alike stately, delicate and beau- 

 tiful, so will the farmer's calling be ennobled and invested with the 

 fascinations of intellectual grace and beauty. 



And now in conclusion, I congratulate you again upon the 

 success of your labors for the past season. In the few words I 

 have spoken, 1 am conscious of having said little that is not 

 already familiar to you all. Butif I have succeeded in impressing 

 upon you nothing of my own conviction of the dignity, impor- 

 tance and usefulness of New England agriculture and mechanical 

 arts, I shall be more than content. 



Although we New Englanders are not known as an agricultural 

 people, still to my mind there is nothing that adds more to her 

 culture, comfort and happiness, than her agricultural and horti- 

 cultural interests. They are essential elements in her domestic 

 economy, without which the grand harmony of New England 

 industries would be incomplete. Eorever may the mower's scythe 

 and the harvester's Hail ring in unison with the weaver's shuttle 

 and forgeman's anvil. Whatever adds to the glory and character 

 of New England, it behooves us to sacredly foster and transmit. 

 We love thee, New England, land of peace, prosperity and plenty ! 

 We hail thee, leader in the world's grand progress ! Strangers 

 and wanderers seek refuge in thine open arms with benedictions. 

 Thou hast enough and to spare. 



From the hills of Berkshire to the blue waters of Massachusetts 

 Bay, by every valley, stream and hillside, are seen the homes of 

 thy people, abounding in strong hearts and ready hands, an as- 

 surance alike of peace and joy to thyself, and of patriotism, loyal- 

 ty and freedom to the nation. 



" Here brothers, secure from all turmoil and danger, 

 We reap what we .sow, for the .soil is our own ; 

 We spread hospitality's board for the stranger, 

 And care not a fig for the king on his throne, 

 We never know want, tor we live by our labor, 

 And in it contentment and happiness find." 



