9 



It is not enough that we see and hear of the snpeiioy 

 crops of grain and vegetables; it is not enough that 

 we see the noble cow, or the songy, well-proportioned 

 steers, with heads erect, obedient to their master's will ; 

 or the mammoth ox that has known the bounty of his 

 master's crib; or the booby calf, that promises well to 

 fill the footsteps of its predecessor. It is not enough 

 to see the rich specimens of butter and cheese that 

 adorn the Hall; the vase of flowers; the home-spua 

 carpet ; or the bed-spread, of varigated colors in squares 

 and angles ; or the exhibition of the more refined skill of 

 embroidery, the handiwork pf mothers and daughters. 

 It is not enough to see all this. We wish to see the 

 face of the producer, and hear the story of his skilly 

 that the less fortunate husbandmen who are just arous- 

 ing from the old beaten paths of their, fathers, may 

 become encouraged and rejoice in the skill of their 

 more fortunate neighbors, while they imbibe a spirit of 

 improvement. These are some of the features that en- 

 dear these gatherings to all good men, and there is 

 great reason to hope that they will be the means of per- 

 petuating the progressive spirit of political and rural 

 economy. May we not hope that through these and 

 other co-operative influences that may be brought to 

 bear upon the young farmers, those that are willing to 

 strive by research in the science of agriculture to elevate 

 themselves to the dignity of Nature^s true noblemen, 

 and become benefactors of our race, agriculture shall 

 once more rank among the most honorable pursuits 

 of man. 



This leads me to speak of the position which the 

 farmer should occupy, and how it becomes him to wake 



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