9 



(like the noblest of American institutions the common 

 school system), will impart a knowledge in proportion to 

 the ambition and zeal of its teachers and scholars. 



This representative body (comprising the interests of 

 that occupation which is oftentimes granted the fame of 

 being the most dignified, upright and ennobling in its 

 influences, of all employments among mankind), is a sym- 

 bol of the esteem which is placed on agricultural pursuits 

 by the Essex County farmer. 



One of the most serious and annoying perplexities 

 which the farmer encounters, and one which he cannot 

 readily overcome, is to secure competent help. While this 

 exigency is partially overcome by bringing into use the 

 different kinds of farm implements and machines which 

 have so multiplied, that we now avail ourselves of the 

 advantage which they offer for cultivating larger areas, yet . 

 the supply of farm help not only falls short of the demand, 

 but the quality in many instances is deficient, as the use of 

 machinery requires men more competent. 



The tempting inducements for a life of gayety which the 

 industries of our cities and large manufacturing towns in 

 the county afford, attract the volume of the most skilful 

 laborers who seek our shores for employment. They real- 

 ize that farming means hard work and plenty of it. 



Perhaps I should more fully express our unanimous 

 sentiments, if I correct this last statement and say that we 

 realize that farming means work, but we employ many 

 that do not show by their labors thtir realization of this 

 fact. It is to be deplored that more men do not seek 

 employment on farms when many other branches of busi- 

 ness are being run on one-half or three-quarters time. 



