MR. braman's address. 41 



as high claims to the homage of taste, and the expenditure of 

 resources, as the art which hews the rock into the resemblance 

 of the human form, but can confer no life to utter its expres- 

 sion through the rigid features. To a person whose suscepti- 

 bilities of gratification, are directed by right principles, the 

 process by which a sterile and uninviting surface is converted 

 into a rich and waving field, which causes the wilderness to 

 blossom, and turns the foul morass into a smooth and verdant 

 lawn, conveys as much pleasure as that which causes palaces 

 to spring out of the rough stones of the quarry. There are 

 those whose well directed sentiments lead them in this direc- 

 tion ; and the land which they have subdued to tillage, and 

 adorned with loveliness, whilst it has been a noble monument 

 to their taste and magnificence, has excited emulation, diffused 

 more correct and useful ideas, and has been a subject of study 

 and improvement to surrounding admirers. Some opulent men, 

 of extensive information, and liberal views, have by their in- 

 telligent and advanced modes of cultivation conferred immense 

 benefit on a large region. The spot which they have select- 

 ed as the subject of their operations, and upon which they 

 have bestowed their successful skill, has been a school of in- 

 struction to a whole community. In proportion as farming as- 

 sumes a higher rank and becomes invested with new attrac- 

 tions, such instances will be multiplied ; and we shall see 

 those splendid monuments of wealth and intelligence adorning 

 the surface of the country. 



Mr. Webster might have expended the funds which he has 

 devoted to his farm of fifteen hundred acres at Marshfield, to 

 the erection of a splendid mansion ui Boston. But the farm 

 is a nobler monument to his republican, and old Roman taste, 

 than would be a palace in the metropolis, -whose architecture 

 should surpass all Grecian fame. 



Lastly. As a necessary consequence, farming would be- 

 come more productive and profitable, particularly in the older 

 parts of the country. 



I have alluded to the influence of slavery in this country, in 

 producing a constant deterioration of the soil. But the land 

 has become much exhausted in the free states also. If, as it is 

 6 



