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inappropriate to the occasion, but while it is our duty to promote the great 

 cause of agriculture by every means In our power, we are bound by the 

 most sacred obligations to make every sacrifice for the support and mainte- 

 nance of the institutions bequeathed to us, for it Is to the good government 

 under which we have lived, that we are mainly Indebted for the happiness, 

 wealth and prosperity we have enjoj'ed. And whose heart does not rise In 

 gratitude to the Giver of all good for these priceless blessings, — blessings 

 which have been purchased by the sacrifices of our fathers ? Why, my 

 friends, this very soil which some of us cultivate, has been sprinkled by the 

 sweat, sanctified by the toil, and baptized by the blood of heroes and 

 martyrs ! 



Here In our own County were the homes of the Warrens, the Adamses, 

 the Quincys and other illustrious champions of freedom, and here they 

 will ever remain to stimulate us to deeds of patriotism and philanthropy. 

 Who, then, does not feel the deep responsibility which rests upon us in this 

 hour of our nation's trial ! When I reflect upon the wonderful progress and 

 prosperity of our country, I cannot but feel that He who rules in mercy as 

 well as In justice, has assigned a mission to these United States more Im- 

 portant than to any other nation, and that He will bring us out of all our 

 troubles and make us a wiser and better people. Let us, then, be faithful 

 to the high and glorious trust committed to us, and thus shall we cause our 

 children to bless the memories of their fathers, as we have had cause to cher- 

 ish the names of those who laid the foundations of this Republic. 



The President then introduced Prof. Agassiz, the orator of the 

 day, as one to whom not only this country, but the world, were 

 greatly indebted for his researches in science, and for his efforts 

 in the diffusion of useful knowledge. A very enthusiastic recep- 

 tion was extended to Prof. Agassiz. 



The Professor commenced by observing that his good will had obtained 

 the better of his discretion ; hence his appearance. He spoke of the fruits 

 of the mind as necessary accompaniments of the fruits of the soil, and added 

 that the condition of agriculture In any place was the sure test of the Intel- 

 lectual training of the cultivator. His subject was announced as follows : — 

 " The Advantages and Progress of Agriculture, as related to Science, and 

 the Mutual Influences of the same." He first acknowledged his indebted- 

 ness to the fisherman and to the farmer for many of the most Important sci- 

 entific facts, and almost envied the latter his rare opportunities of daily life 

 amonn' the living creation. In the application of science to agriculture, 

 new facts are continually developed, and the Idea was impressed that these 

 facts must triumph over all theories, however cherished the latter may be. 

 Many questions of great Import among scientific men await the decision of 

 the farmer. In the study of the animal creation, we find the different 

 species the same as at the beginning ; all our improvements In raising cattle 

 have never made anything out of a cow but a cow. Man has never yet sue- 



