MR. proctor's address. 5 



Most of those who were active at its commencement, 

 have either ceased from tlieir hibors entirely, or are 

 now reminded by their whitening locks and tremulous 

 limbs, that their places are soon to be filled by younger 

 and more efficient laborers ; — enough of whom we hope 

 will always be found ready to enlist in so reasonable a 

 service. Here let me remind the young men of the 

 County, that the honor of worthily wearing a certificate 

 of membership in this Society is quite as creditable as 

 the most glittering tinsel or splendid ^;/w??J^e that ever was 

 mounted. 



It has seemed to me that a retrospective view of the 

 Agriculture of the County during this period might be 

 an appropriate theme for this occasion. By comparing 

 the condition of our farms as they then were, with what 

 they now are ; by contrasting the modes of culture then 

 pursued with those now most aj)proved; by setting side 

 by side the implements of husbandry used by our fath- 

 ers with those now in use; — we may see whether or 

 not encouragement is ofl'ered for perseverance in our 

 exertions. We want the history of the past, because 

 " it is pleasant to call to recollection efforts originating 

 in good intentions and directed with generous regard 

 to the common good." We want it, because the history 

 of the past is " the only sure guide" for the future. 



In whatever we engage, it is well occasionally to ex- 

 amine the grounds on which we stand, and to state the 

 account of profit and loss. In this way alone, can any 

 business be safely and understandingly- pursued. 



This Society received its first and best impulses from 

 its first President, the venerable Timothy Picicering. 

 Retired from the agitating scenes of public life, and 

 the harassing excitements of political controversy, he 

 applied the energies of his powerful mind to his favorite 

 pursuit, agricultural improvement. For this he had 

 ever entertained a strong inclination, — and from his 

 early years, by observations and experiments, had been 

 storing up facts for future application. 



Notwithstanding others may have done much to ad- 

 vance its interests, it is not too much to say of him, that 



