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the new methods, he ceases to disparage and bcgms to imitate. 

 His somewhat torpid energies are quickened and animated by the 

 wholesome example that is set him ; his own farm and garden 

 begin to improve, to be more carefully tilled, and to yield better 

 returns. This process, slowly and quietly going on in hundreds 

 and thousands of places at the same time, begins at length to pro- 

 duce changes in the landscape itself. I, whose memory goes 

 back many years before the first railroad was built, never go out 

 of Boston, in any direction, without being struck with the improve- 

 ment which has taken place in domestic architecture, in horticul- 

 ture, in landscape gardening, since I was a hoy, — without being 

 impressed with the signs of comfort, intelligence and good taste 

 which diffuse over the landscape a sort of moral charm, because 

 they are the indications of valuable traits of mind and attractive 

 quaUties of character. Though a conservative, so called, in poli- 

 tics, I believe in progress ; I acknowledge it and rejoice in it. I 

 see that we have made progress, and are making it, in many 

 things. I am happy that my lot is cast in a progressive land, 

 and that the sunshine of hope lies bright upon the future that is 

 before us. In material comforts, in the arts of life, in the means 

 and instruments of education, in the graces and refinements of 

 civilization, the advances which New England has made during 

 the last half century, are most remarkable. Who can deny it ? 

 Who can fail to be thankful for it ? 



I have just now briefly touched upon the benefits ^which agri- 

 culture has derived from the growth of commerce and manufac- 

 tures in Massachusetts. This is one department of a subject 

 which has to me a peculiar interest ; I mean those common rela- 

 tions and that mutual dependence, which bind together all the 

 members of a civil society which is organized upon a just principle, 

 as ours is. We are all God's children ; and He is a just as Avell 

 as a benevolent parent. Whatever benefits one, benefits all ; 

 Avhatever advances one, advances all. When sudden changes 

 occur, it may take some little time to adjust things to their new 

 relations ; but with time all things come round at last. When 

 railroads began to be built, it was supposed that the demand for 

 horses would be greatly diminished ; but Avhat has been the re- 

 sult ? More horses are employed in carrying passengers to and 



