53 



The curse the primal Farmer 



Had dreaded so before, 

 Of toiling for a livelihood, 



He found a blessing bore. 



lie found health sprang from labor. 

 And happiness from health, 



And while he yet was very young- 

 Became a man of wealth. 



His tools for toil were simple. 

 Home-made and rude and plain, 



Till better impliments at length 

 Were forged by Tubal Cain. 



From that day to this agriculture . 



A wonderful progress has made. 

 And science and skilful mechanics 



Have both under tribute been laid. 

 Till here in your old Norfolk County 



On this your great festival daj^ 

 Your gardens, your fields, and your orchards. 



To culture proud compliments pay. 



I doubt if -when Adam the Farmer 



Gave names to the fowls and the brutes. 

 When grape-vines were laden in Eden, 



And trees were bent down with their fruits. 

 He ever had any such cattle 



As those which are seen in your pens. 

 Or any such fine looking poultr}'. 



Such ducks, geese, or turkeys, or hens. 



Nor can T believe that his apples 



Could evei' have made such a show — 

 Or a pear have been found in his garden 



To equal the Beurre d'Anjou ; 

 Who thinks he could show the Diana, 



The Concord, or e'en Delaware, 

 In such a perfection of beauty, 



As some of your specimens are. 



In needlework Eve never ofieved 



A very extended display. 

 And so we can't tell with precision 



What ladies could do iu her day. 



