kins, the navigation of Nathaniel Bowditch, the skillful han- 

 dicraft of Joseph Jenks and John Adam Dagyr ? For even 

 where such names are somewhat less emblazoned of fame, 

 history, with impartial pen, omits not the pregnant facts, that 

 here in Essex were made the first dies for mint-coinage, and 

 the first engine for extinguishing fire ; that here was obtained 

 the first American patent, and that for the first and only scythe 

 ever brought to successful use by the haymaker. 



But why do I thus, with reiterative memory, array these 

 things afresh before you, familiar as most of them must be 

 already? Because, m an account of so rich and abundant 

 honor, I seek for that which underlies and animates the 

 whole. In all this reckoning of eminence and leadership, I 

 look after that calling which may stand as foundation, or as 

 fountain-head, for all this worthiness. And where shall I hit 

 upon it — where shall I reach that craft that feeds others, but 

 is unfed of them, that clothes others, but is not clad by them, 

 that teaches what nature alone has taught it, and preaches on- 

 ly the gospel of God — where shall I find such a vocation ex- 

 cept among the tillers of the ground and the keepers of 

 flocks, among those whose most ancient ways were even 

 learned of old within sight of the flaming brand above the 

 gate of Eden? 



You will understand me. I assume the point, and will 

 prove it if I may, that as our well-esteemed community of 

 Essex stands high in the scale of talent and enterprise, so the 

 welfare of that talent, the good fortune of all that enterprise, 

 have always found, and do to-day find, themselves basing 

 down upon her agriculture, resting back confidently and se- 

 curely against that class of men and of minds that in the in- 

 difierent manner of common speech we call her farmers. 



