6 mr. putnam's address. 



restoratives. There, where I have been little else 

 than a mere laborer in carrying forward the opera- 

 tions upon the farm, and that too in the short term 

 of less than three years, have I received nearly all 

 my available schooling in the science and art of hus- 

 bandry. The situation has afforded neither induce- 

 ments to make such minutes, nor opportunity to try 

 such experiments, as enable me to address an assem- 

 bly of experienced farmers, in a manner that will be 

 satisfactory to myself, or instructive to those who 

 hear me. 



Though well aware that assertions, without some- 

 thing "like proof of their correctness ; that theories 

 unsupported by experiments ; that second or third 

 hand statements of facts are far from being what the 

 occasion demands, yet I am obliged to tell you what 

 I think, rather than what I know ; to give details of 

 my conjectures, rather than the results of experience 

 and extensive observation. 



The lessons, which experience is supposed to give 

 where I have labored and observed, are not, perhaps, 

 in all their parts such as she teaches in other portions of 

 the county. The crops and methods of cultivation, 

 which are most productive on one farm, may be un- 

 suited to other lands. Therefore, you and I, proba- 

 bly, do not think and judge precisely alike. My 

 views will be deemed erroneous. Be it so ; suspect 

 me, if you please, even of ignorance, partial obser- 

 vation, and visionary theorising. I'll bid the suspi- 

 cion a cordial welcome, if by raising it, I can furnish 

 you with a single fact or suggestion that may be turn- 

 ed to some good account. Cautioning you not to 



