8 



with elasfic step into the laboratory of nature, with his 

 instruments of husbandry as seed-time approached; 

 the plow was brought forth, the steers were yoked, the 

 long furrow was turned with skill, the ground made 

 ready, the opening hand scattered the seed broad cast, 

 the corn and vegetable seeds were put into the earth, 

 its vegetation watched with care — rejoicing in the pros- 

 pective harvest of golden grain and the " full corn in 



the ear." 



You have come up here to-day with your wives, your 

 sons and daughters, your neighbors and the representa- 

 tives of every profession, to celebrate the most impor- 

 tant, interesting and profitable occasion that we are 

 permitted to enjoy. We have partaken together of a 

 rich repast, the products of your toil, and are made 

 glad in this social interview, and cheerful greetings, 

 beholding the yeomany of this goodly land, face to 



face. 



It is but a few years since Agricultural Shows and 

 Fairs have become prominent in most of the counties 

 of our State. The spirit of the age and the importance 

 of this great interest, has waked up the Agriculturist to 

 united action for mutual improvement, and corpora,te 

 bodies are now established in every county in the 

 Commonwealth. 



The influence of these anniversary occasions have 

 contributed more to our vigorous growth as a commu- 

 nity than all the golden treasures that have been poured 

 in upon us from California. They have awakened a spirit 

 of inquiry in the breasts of thousands of our farmers^ 

 and great good has been the result of these exhibitions 

 of the nrts of peace and usefulness. 



