18 MR. stone's ADDRESS. 



Lie for the study of the young botanist, or has reared the rose 



•'Full lipp'd and warm, 

 Round about whose riper form 

 Her slender virgin train are seen 

 In their close-fit caps of green,'* 



cannot remain insensible to the Divine Presence in his works. 

 There is beauty and instruction in flowers, and their cultiva- 

 tion is no unfit employment for either sex. 



Though the Agriculture of Essex County has made advan- 

 ces highly creditable to the enterprize of its farming popula- 

 tion, and is, perhaps, in as prosperous a condition as in any 

 other section of the Commonwealth, it has by no means reach- 

 ed the highest point of excellence. Many improvements re- 

 main to be adopted that will prove as beneficial as those al- 

 ready reduced to practice. Agriculture, in this country, is com- 

 paratively in its info.ncy, and while the motto of Essex Farm- 

 ers is, " prove all things, hold fast that which is good," they 

 will doubtless continue as they have hitherto done, to make 

 experiments on a small scale, and contribute their share to the 

 advancement of the science. For their general benefit, I would 

 recommend the holding of agricultural meetings in each town 

 during the winter months, similar to those held in Boston dur- 

 ing the sitting of the legislature. In these meetings may be 

 discussed all the topics of interest to farmers. Reports of ex- 

 periments may be made, and such other information communi- 

 cated, as will be of practical service. It seems to me, one eve- 

 ning in a week cannot be more pleasantly or usefully occupied 

 than in an assembly of neighbors, where, without irksome for- 

 mality, each adds, as he is able, to the common fund of know- 

 ledge. It will not only serve to expand the fraternal element of 

 man's nature, bat to create a desirable esprit dii corps. 



The Agricultural capabilities of Essex county are far from 

 being exhausted. Not only do large quantities af unimproved 

 land remain to be recliamed and rendered among the most val- 

 uable, but the crops on that already under cultivation may be 

 greatly increased, with larger profits on the outlay than are now 

 realized. Indian corn and potatoes are among our principal 

 crops. But neither of these does justice to the quantity of 



