20 MR. stone's address. 



corn is usually harvested, the crop will be secured from the in- 

 jurious effects of a backward spring and early frosts, as well as 

 from the storms of October, which often beat it down and ren- 

 der the butt stalks comparatively worthless for fodder, while 

 in fields partly in grass, the fall feed will be made available at 

 the most serviceable time. 



Much may be done to increase the value, and beautify the 

 appearance of our barren hills and sterile fields, by planting 

 them with forest trees. This topic has been more thau once 

 presented to your notice, but can never lose its intrinsic impor- 

 tance by repetition. Besides the pine, cedar, elm, ash, oak, 

 birch, larch and locust, I would recommend the cultivation of 

 the chestnut. This tree is a native of Massachusetts, and 

 will thrive well on our poorest soils. It grows rapidly, and of- 

 ten to a large size. The timber, in exposed situations, is said 

 to be more durable than the oak, and the tree, besides being 

 ornamental as a shade, produces a fruit that always commands 

 a ready market. 



Tliere is a beautiful story of Ulysses, who, returning from 

 Troy after ten years absence, found his venerable father em- 

 ployed in planting trees. On asking him, why, being so old, 

 he put himself to the fatigue and labor of planting that of 

 which he was never likely to enjoy the fruits, answered, sup- 

 posing himself addressing a stranger, " I plant them against 

 my son Ulysses come home." And there is another, of touch- 

 ing interest, told of the Natick Indians, who, in afiection to 

 Mr. Peabody, the successor of the "Apostle Elliot," planted 

 two ''• friendship trees" before his door. For ninety years, 

 they paid homage to exalted worth, " when one was riven by 

 lightning, and the other seemed to perish through sympathy." 

 A similar token of regard was offered to Rev. Mr. Badger, in 

 1753. " These trees are still in full vigor, and remain beauti- 

 ful monuments of affections which have gone out on earth, but 

 are destined to be rekindled with a purer flame."* 



These, gentlemen, are examples worthy of imitation. If 

 gain does not prompt you to plant the forest, let love move you 



♦Fourth Mass. Ag. Rep. p. 394. 



