No. 4.] ADDRESS OF WELCOME. 21 



peace, the people prosperous, learning increased, scholars 

 became interested in solving the mysteries of chemistry and 

 of plant life. The investigations of man having unfolded 

 some of the wonders of nature, farming became an interest- 

 ing and honorable occupation, and from its ranks have come 

 illustrious names on the pages of the world's history. 



Thirty years ago Senator Morrill of Vermont, amidst 

 great opposition, carried through Congress a bill for the 

 promotion of agricultural education. Since that time this 

 subject has received marked attention. By act of Congress 

 all the States have received grants of the public domain for 

 advancino- education alono- scientific and as^ricultural lines. 



To-day we bring to the people of Franklin County the 

 best scholars of the country, aye, from beyond the sea they 

 come, and lay at our feet the wealth of learning and expe- 

 rience of the present and past history of the agricultural 

 ages. 



Again we thank you for the warm welcome extended to 

 this Board. We are fflad to come as ouests of one of the 

 most successful agricultural societies of the State. We are 

 glad to come to one of the most beautiful of New England 

 villages. We rejoice to come to "little Franklin," whose 

 noble men and women have b^en born and reared for the 

 State, the nation, the world and for God. 



Secretary Sessions. I noticed, in the list of men who 

 have represented the two agricultural societies in Franklin 

 County, Mr. Smith, in his modesty, omitted his own 

 name. He has represented both societies on the Board of 

 Agriculture, I think one of them more than one term. 



Mr. Smith. Yes, gentlemen, and I feel quite at home in 

 your presence. Now, as chairman for the day, it becomes 

 my duty to call for the first lecture upon the programme, 

 which is on "Growing timber as a crop on the waste and 

 other cheap lands of Massachusetts," by Hon. J. D. Lyman 

 of Exeter, N. H. 



