122 



that had hitlierto been unproductive, but which, by the appli- 

 ances of modern art, are hereafter to become rich and fertile 

 soils. He said a marked improvement had taken place in 

 this respect, — in the increase of crops, — in the breeding and im- 

 provement of stock, especially horses, — in the convenience and 

 adaptation of farm buildings, and generally in rural taste and 

 rural architecture. He closed by illustrating the responsibility 

 "which rests upon the farmers of Norfolk to develop the resources 

 of the County and thus minister to the comfort, happiness and 

 >Yelfare of their fellow-men. 



At the conclusion of the remarks of Col. Wilder, an appropri- 

 ate prayer was offered by the Rev. Charles C. Sewall, of Medfield. 

 The congregation then sung the following original Hymn, to the 

 tunes of Arlington and St. IMartins : — 



HYMN. 



BV BEV. N. H. CHAMBERLAIN, OF CAWTON. 



Our fathers sowed on Plymouth sands, 



The scanty grain of S})ring ; 

 They pUmted there witli prayers, a tree 



Of all the trees, the king. 

 Thou gav'st, O God, the golden corn 



Unto their penury. 

 In wind-worn forests guarding most 



The Tree of Liberty. 



So Summer blessed these pilgrims weak. 



Into a nation strong ; 

 Thriving from storm and cloud, their tree, 



Refuge from ruth and wrong. 

 Thine is the strength of summer suns, 



Thou writest " Harvest" then ; 

 With true men's lives, thou guard'st the tree, 



God of all husbandmen. 



Our harvest sheaves are gathered now, 



Out of the ancient fields ; 

 Our Spring, our Autumn crowneth now, 



With store that nature yields. 

 Tlie tree is strong, with leaves that heal 



The nation's feverish life ; 

 Thy breath, O God, is on it now, 



Shielding, midst sin and strife. 



God of the seed and store that fills 



Our garners with the corn. 

 Give us fair harvests of the soul, 



Unto the Highest born. 

 God of the fire and frost that girds 



Our dear Humanity, 

 Help us to guard the Pilgrim's tree, 



God of all liberty. 



