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Most sincerely do I congratulate you upon the return of another anniver- 

 sary. Ten years have completed their course since the organization of the 

 Norfolk Agricultural Society in this town. Some who were active in its for- 

 mation, have fulfilled their earthly mission, and rest from their labors. But 

 Avhile we deplore the loss of such men, we would acknowledge our obliga- 

 tions to the Supreme Kuler for the preservation of the life and health of so 

 many, and that we are permitted again to assemble for the promotion of our 

 favorite art. 



Gentlemen, I congratulate you on the progress of our institution. If it 

 has not accomplished all that we could desire, it has furnished pleasing evi- 

 dences of its growing prosperity and usefulness, and strengthened our hopes 

 in regard to its future development. When we realize what has been ac- 

 complished in its incipient history, and pi'incipally by contributions of indi- 

 viduals, we surely have ample cause for encouragement and perseverance. 

 The exhibition of this day has fully sustained the reputation of the Society 

 and affords ample proof of progress. The particular features and merit 

 will appear in the reports of the various committees. In most of the depart- 

 ments the display has been more extensive than on any former occasion. 

 This remark will apply especially to the stock, which has seldom been equal- 

 led. I am happy also to state, that the Report of the Supervisory Committee 

 for visiting farms will show a decided and gratifying improvement in the art 

 of cultivation. 



Since the last anniversary, the Society have carried out to completion 

 the improvements on its new grounds, and now possesses ample accommo- 

 dation for an exhibition of the largest class. In consequence of expendi- 

 tures for those lands, and improvement of the same, the Society have 

 incurred a debt, to liquidate which, special efforts are now being made. 

 Our thanks are due to our energetic Secretary, and to several public 

 spirited gentlemen, for their efficient aid in procuring funds, and espe- 

 cially to the ladies of the county, who have with generous patriotism and 

 liberality provided the magnificent Fair, which graces this exhibition. This 

 is appropriate, as nothing can be more worthy of protection than the great 

 cause of agriculture. Agriculture is the great business of life — a pursuit 

 in which all sexes, ages and degrees of refinement may unite ; a pursuit cal- 

 culated to make us happy, virtuous and independent. 



In view of its importance, and of the Avonderful progress of our country, 

 who can look back to the past and forward to the future, and not feel our 

 obligations, as American farmers, to be faithful to our trust. INIy conviction 

 of tins duty deepens in importance, when I consider the rapid increase of 

 population, destined, according to the best estimate, before some of the 

 children of those who hear me go down to their graves, to exceed two hun- 

 dred millions of souls. These are to be fed with the products of our soil, 

 and these products are to be increased in corresponding proportions. 



But I must not enlarge ; it is the peculiar province of the orator of the oc- 

 casion to address you on this subject. 



Let us, therefore, labor with increased zeal and industry. Let the same 

 harmony which has characterized our proceedings from the beginning con- 

 tinue to preside over our deliberations. Let our past history and success 

 excite us to attain to still greater excellence in all the arts of life ; and thus 

 let us go on developing the talents and resources of our county, extending 

 the boundaries of rural art and cultivated taste, till all our hills and vallies 

 shall blossom and brighten with fairer beauty, and wave with richer and 

 more abundant harvests. 



An appropriate and impressive prayer Avas then offered by the 

 Rev. J. 0. Means, of lloxbury. 



