20 



jihout to assume his rightful place at the head of our iudus- 

 trial pursuits. The Agricultural College and the Institute of 

 Industrial Science are both established on a lirm foundation. 

 Through the instrumentality of these twin institutions of our 

 Commonwealth, the farmer and mechanic will be raised to a 

 loftier position of dignity and influence, with an enlarged 

 power of blessing, not only themselves, but the world. 



The time is coming when the rudimentary principles of 

 aifriculture and the mechanic arts will be l^ranches of learn- 

 ina' to be tauo-ht in our common schools. The time is not 

 far distant when the living language of nature, as interpreted 

 by Geology, Botany and Vegetable Physiology will be like 

 "household words" wath the farmer, who will then go forth 

 and see how the silent chemistry of nature, like a mighty 

 architect, ])uilds up the gorgeous fabric of the vegetable cre- 

 ation, alike stately, delicate and beautiful. So will the farm- 

 er's calling be ennobled and invested with the fascinations of 

 intellectual grace and beauty. 



And now, in conclusion, I congratulate you again upon the 

 success of 3'our labors for the past season. In the few words 

 I have spoken I am conscious of having said little that is not 

 already familiar to you all. But if I have succeeded in im- 

 pressing upon you something of my own conviction of the 

 dignity, importance and usefulness of New England Agricul- 

 ture and Mechanic Arts, I shall be more than content. Al- 

 thousfh we New Eno;landers are not known as an a£>'ricultural 

 people, still to my mind there is nothing that adds more to 

 her culture, comfort and happiness than her Agricultural and 

 Horticultural interests. They are the essential elements in 

 her domestic economy, without which the grand harmony of 

 New England's industries would be incomplete. Forever 

 may the mower's scythe and the harvester's flail ring in uni- 

 son with the weaver's shuttle and forgeman's anvil ! 



Whatever adds to the glory and character of New Englnnd 

 it behooves us to sacredly foster and transmit. We love 

 thee, New England, land of peace, prosperity and plenty! 



