50 



of the farmers — and the first offering. The real thing to be exhib- 

 ited here is the best farmer in the country. He can be raised here. 

 This county has raised good and great presidents ; great orators ; 

 foreign ministers, and good ones, too; great jurists; the greatest of 

 educators. Why not the best of farmers ? This done, all else will 

 follow. The farms will be the best, and all the products thereof 

 will stand superlative. 



But I will not detain you longer on this idea. By united zeal 

 and effort, we can develop the Society into a valuable auxiliary to 

 the elevation of the homeliest forms of industry, and the lowliest 

 laborer into the kindliest object of good wishes, and over him 

 invoke the benedictions of a divine power and presence. 



In welcoming you, then, to this your annual festival, allow me to 

 express the sentiment of Rip Van Winkle — The good health of the 

 farmers and the families of the grand old County of Norfolk. 



The President then introduced Dr. George B. Loring, who 

 gave the Annual Address, which our readers will find on page 5 

 of this volume. It was an eloquent and appropriate discourse, 

 and was listened to with the closest attention to the close. 



The following original hymn, written by Rev. C. C. Sewall, 

 of Medfield, was then sung by the audience, to the tune of 

 " America," under the choristership of Samuel B. Noyes, of Can- 

 ton, and accompanied by the Band. 



Dark were the days, wheu here 

 Brave men, from far and near, 



Encamped around ; 

 Kindred and home resigned. 

 Leaving sweet ties behind, 

 With loyal, fearless mind, 



They trod this ground. 



And forth from hence they went, 

 With this their high intent. 



Though death were nigh ; 

 To save their Country's life, 

 From treason mad and rife ; 

 Or, falling in the strife, 



To bravely die. 



Those fearful days are o'er, 

 The battle -shout no more 



Is heard around ; 

 The useful arts of peace, 



