11 



needs, if they can only be developed and allowed full and free exercise. There 

 were shown fine specimens of her skill in designing and executing a great vari- 

 ety of things for use and for ornament, adapted to kitchen, bed room and par- 

 lor. Let her have the freedom and experience which man has had in the cul- 

 ture of his genius, and she will even excel him planning a house and adapting 

 it in furnishing and arrangement to the needs and comfort of the entire house- 

 hold. No inconsiderable or unimportant evidences are exhibited here to-day. 

 I speak a partial prophecy when I express the hope that the day is not far off 

 when such shall be the broad and ample culture of her native capacities, and 

 such the freedom of their exercise which shall be enjoyed, that in some Annual 

 Fair of this Society, woman shall prove in her exhibits, her perfect equality 

 with man in genius to plan and skill to execute, in every department of indus- 

 try into which her cultured taste and ripe judgment may lead her. And then, 

 perhaps, the largest capitals in the announcement of the annual exhibition will 

 not be a Cattle Show. 



In that "good time coming," — and it is " coming right along" — the edu- 

 cated farmer will be among the highest titled of the sons of men. It will be 

 no mere honorary dignity conferred by some human authority, but a genuine 

 patent of nobility conferred by the Lord of Earth and Heaven. He will be a 

 sovereign by virtue of the Divine appointment, attained by means of honest 

 and intelligent labor. 



" My lord rides through his palace gate, 

 My lady sweejjs along' in state, 



The sage thinks long- on many a thing. 



And the maiden muses on marrying. 

 The minstrel harpeth merrily. 

 The sailor ploughs the foaming sea, 



The huntsman kills the good red deer. 



And the soldier wars withouten fear. 

 But fall to each whate'er befall. 

 The farmer he must feed them all. 



Smith hammereth cherry red the sword, 

 Priest preacheth pure the Holy word, 



Dame Alice worketh 'broidery well, 



Clerk Richard tales of love can tell, 

 The ale-wife sells the foaming beer, 

 Dan Fisher flsheth in the mere, 



And courtiers ruffle, strut, and shine. 



While pages bring the Gascon wine. 

 But fall to each, whate'er befall. 

 The farmer he must feed them all. 



Man builds his castles fair and high. 

 Wherever river runneth by. 



Great cities rise in every land. 



Great churches show the builder's hand. 

 Great arches, monuments and towers. 

 Fair palaces and pleasing bowers. 



Great work is done be 't here or there. 



And well man worketh everywhere. 

 But work or rest— whate'er befall, 

 The farmer he must feed them all." 



