37 



Tlie Society is now recognized as among the most prosperous in 

 the State, and has* attained a standing and reputation that will 

 insure its perpetuity and usefulness for the future. And here a 

 word as to the influence and history of the Society. Although our 

 county is not as favorably situated for agricultural purposes as some 

 others in the Commonwealth, the Norfolk Society, on its establish- 

 ment, soon became a prominent and progressive institution. It 

 was the first to purchase lands, erect a hall and take fees for admis- 

 sion to the gates. It was first to admit ladies to the rights of mem- 

 bership, and to a participation in the festivities of the annual feast. 

 From the Norfolk Society emanated the idea of establishing the 

 Massachusetts Board of Agriculture, now a department of the gov- 

 ernment, and now working harmoniously with all the other societies. 

 Here, too, originated the first general efibrts in behalf of the cause 

 of agricultural education, which have culminated in the establish- 

 ment of that promising institution, the Massachusetts Agricultural 

 College ; and here, also, if I might be permitted to make the record, 

 was conceived the project of the United States Agricultural Society, 

 which, until the late conflict, was exerting a happy influence on the 

 agricultural and political interests of the country. 



And now, in rendering an account of my stewardship, permit 

 me, for the j^urposes of history, though oft recorded, to allude 

 again to the auspicious inauguration of the Society. Who that 

 witnessed that memorable occasion will not ever delight to treas- 

 ure up its pleasant reminiscences. Here, assembled around our 

 festive board, were Daniel Webster, Edward Everett, Horace 

 Mann, Charles Francis Adams, Josiah Quincy, senior and junior, 

 Robert C. Winthrop, Governors Lincoln, Briggs, Hill and Reed, 

 and other distinguished men who had come up to honor and en- 

 courage us by their presence. If the Society has not accomplished 

 all that may have been anticipated, it has done much to improve 

 our agriculture, horticulture and mechanical interests. Our annual 

 exhibitions have awakened enterprise, stimulated competition ^ 

 developed our industrial resources, improved the products of the 

 soil, and promoted a closer alliance and a more cordial intercourse 

 between the good people of our county. And now, as we are 

 about to remove from the old homestead to a more central location 

 and more extensive grounds, I feel that you need a man of more 

 vigor, energy and enterprise than myself at your head. 



But while I bid adieu to ofticial position, I beg to be recognized 

 as a firm supporter and faithful member of the institution. To 

 every member of the Society I tender ray grateful acknowledg- 

 ments for the courtesy, confidence and respect tendered to me dur- 



