4 



elicited much useful information ; stimulated agricul- 

 tural inquiry ; and, in various ways, been productive 

 of highly beneficial effects. This was to be regarded 

 as the introduction of another series of meetings, the 

 results of which, he trusted, would be equally agreea- 

 ble and useful. 



It was gratifying to meet on an occasion where the 

 conflicting elements of party strife could not be arous- 

 ed ; and where any difference of opinion, which might 

 be found to prevail, could have no other effect than 

 to encourage inquiry and experiment, the only sure 

 roads to useful knowledge. Intelligent minds here 

 brought into collision would emit ; light but it would 

 be light without heat. This could have no other ef- 

 fect than to extend knowledge and improve skill in 

 that great art, which lies at the foundation of indi- 

 vidual subsistence, of domestic comfort, and of na- 

 tional wealth. 



The importance of this great art, agriculture, could 

 not be over estimated. He trusted that the public 

 mind would presently arrive at sounder and more 

 comprehensive views of its great moment ; its bear- 

 ing upon the various sections of society, upon the 

 general welfare, and the moral condition of the com- 

 munity ; and elevate it to its proper rank among the 

 humane arts and the useful pursuits of life. 



The subject which he had the honor to propose 

 for the discussion of the evening was, 'The Agricul- 

 ture of Massachusetts.' This subject particularly 

 concerned them as the citizens of a state, eminently 

 distinguished for its social privileges and improve- 

 ments. Agriculture in Massachusetts had not re- 



