6 MR. SALTONSTALl.'s ADDRESS. 



Much good has been done by this society. Perhaps 

 there has at no time been any striking change in farming 

 in this county. The improvement has not come with 

 observation — " Lo here, or lo there!" — but we see 

 the results. Its progress has been like that of vegetation 

 — you see it not, but it goes on — " first the blade, then 

 the ear, then the full corn in the ear," until it is ripen- 

 ed for the joyful harvest. Many are indebted to the 

 operations of this society for their own improvements, 

 who are not themselves sensible of it. It is not neces- 

 sary to be a practical farmer to notice the agricultural 

 improvements around us. It is seen in the richer cov- 

 ering of our fields, in the greater variety and abundance 

 of products, and in the improvement of stock. Many of 

 our farmers have learned that an inferior animal requires 

 as much care and expense as a good one, and " that 

 both are thrown away upon cattle which will neither 

 give milk nor meat." They have learned that corn 

 strengtheneth the heart of the patient and laborious ox, as 

 well as of man. They are learning the importance of pro- 

 curing improved implements of husbandry. In neatness 

 too — they are learning that clean cultivation is, like per- 

 sonal neatness, a great attraction. Although there is still 

 much room for improvement, the chosen receptacle of 

 carts, ploughs and clutter of all sorts, is not so commonly 

 as it once was, in front of the house, and across the door 

 path. These are removed to a more suitable place, while 

 before the house, you see a neat enclosure. I rejoice to 

 add, that that sex, whose taste and whose influence give 

 a finish and a charm to the rougher works of man, are 

 learning that the most beautiful house is never so beau- 

 tiful as when something is left to imagination, and it is 

 seen through trees and shrubs — our noble elms, our 

 beautiful mountain ashes and firs, our familiar lilacs, 

 which have always found favor in New England, roses, 

 and dahlias, those lovely flowers which may dispute 

 with the rose the lofty title of " Queen of Flowers. " 



Still we often look in vain, and on some of our best 

 farms, for the neat grass plot ornamented with shrubs 

 and flowers and climbing vines. We should learn that 



