MR. GRAY S ADDRESS. 5 



engagements, for the last few weelis, have prevented me 

 from making what little preparation might otherwise 

 have been within my power. 



But havinii: been bred a farmer and havins: from Ions; 

 observation and study become deeply impressed with 

 the wants and importance of the profession, I could not 

 forego the opportunity of presenting a few thoughts to . 

 so large and influential a body of my fellow citizens, as 

 are present on this occasion. 



The topic which I have selectedfor your considera 

 tion, is, the means hy which constant progress and per- 

 manent improvement in Agriculture may be secured. The 

 subject is an extensive one; it includes a wide field; 

 embracing nearly e\evy topic which would be pertinent 

 to present on an occasion like the present. 



The history of this society shows that it has been and 

 is an important means of progress and perfection in the 

 art; and were you to disband it to-day, you could not 

 destroy the influence which it would exert through all 

 coming time. 



The Agricultural and Geological surveys, which tend 

 to develope our resources, Agricultural publications, 

 the experiments of practical farmers and the efforts of 

 scientific men, are all important means of progress in 

 the art* 



But I must confine myself to a single view; to a view, 

 however, which I deem fu7idamental to the complete 

 success of all other means of further progress, and per- 

 fection in the art. 



I am not ignorant of the fact, that our agriculture has 

 advanced rapidly within the last twenty years; perhaps 

 tripling the productions of the soil. I would not lightly 

 value the means by which its progress has been promot- 

 ed. I would be slow in adopting those which experience 

 has not proved to be successful. But yet, it must be 



*It is evident that many influences are calculated to advance the art, which 

 when v/ithheld tend upon the whole to retard ratlier than to secure its progress 

 The olate may ofFer premiums in such a way, as to produce a temporary ad- 

 vanceiaent, vrhicli, when withheld, or when they become such that efforts for 

 successful coinpetition are not adequately rewarded, the progress will be ap- 

 pare?it but not permanent. 



