ADDRESS. 



Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Society: 



In addressing you to-day, I propose to notice briefly 

 some of the leading topics of interest connected with 

 the business of Farming. My remarks will be based 

 mainly upon personal observation, made during my ex- 

 perience as a practical farmer. Within my remembrance, 

 it was indeed a laborious task for a man to conduct the 

 business of the farm successfully. He was expected 

 to turn the double swath in the mowing field, to lead 

 the hired men as they were desired to follow, to pitch 

 on the hay, to hoe the hardest row — in short, to bear the 

 brunt of the work. Great physical strength, and en- 

 durance, as well as good judgment, were indispensable. 

 But now what a change ! To lead the labor of the farm 

 does not require great strength and power of muscle, 

 but brains are called into requisition, and skill in the 

 management of machinery. 



The farmer while riding around his field on the mow- 

 ing machine, hay tedder, or horse rake, may overlook 



