8 



were the owners here to live as inexpensively as the owners 

 do there. But you do not expect me to attempt to instruct 

 you in the art and science of farming ; how best to select the 

 soil for the desired crop, how best to prepare the soil, how 

 best to sow, to cultivate, to reap, or how best to dispose of the 

 crops produced. Your good sense would have led you to select 

 a very different individual for such a duty. You meet as 

 citizens as well as farmers, and the commanding position you 

 hold makes it appropriate, on an occasion like this, for me to 

 speak of the farmer as a citizen, of the relation he holds to 

 the State and Society, what is expected of him, and how he 

 may be best prepared for his high duties. 



THE farmer's position. 



The farmer not only holds a leading position in the State, 

 but that position is freely conceded to him. The judgment of 

 the farmer is sought for, his opinions carefully weighed, and 

 justly regarded as of great value. When the reporter gives 

 his interview with the farmer, all listen with attention, for he 

 is in a position where it is for his interest to have the wisest 

 and best policy adopted for the whole people. He wants no 

 artificial aid. He does not look to the State for bounties ; the 

 tariff is not needed for his protection. He needs no special 

 legislation to give him success. He needs the world for his 

 market, and the most liberal reciprocity in the exchange of his 

 products. He looks for the protection and the blessing of 

 heaven, for seed time and harvest, for the early and the latter 

 rain, for the glorious sunshine to bring forth and ripen r" • 

 crops. His is the natural and normal condition, and on the 

 wisdom and soundness of liis judgment we may safely rely. 

 Upon the farmer more than upon any other, depends the 



