No. 4.] ADDRESS OF WELCOME. 15 



farmer's property is taxed for its full market value. The far- 

 mers are also the most independent people, enjoying greater 

 freedom than any other class : and it seems strange to me that 

 so many people still herd together in the crowded tenements 

 of the cities, eking out a scanty existence, when, witli a little 

 energy, they might go out into the country, where, breathing 

 the pure air of heaven, they can enjoy nature in all its beauty, 

 and, where, if they are industrious, they can be assured of 

 a comfortable living. 



Much more might be said in favor of the farmers and the 

 farmer's life, but I take it for granted, Mr. Chairman, that 

 I am not expected to make any extended remarks at this 

 time. Therefore I will close by bidding you all a hearty 

 welcome, and extending to you the freedom of our city, with 

 the hope that your present visit may prove such an enjoy- 

 able one that you will all he as glad to visit us again, as I 

 assure you we shall be to receive you. 



The Chairman. In response to this hearty and cordial 

 welcome, it now gives me great pleasure to introduce the 

 honorable secretary of the Board of Agriculture, William 

 R. Sessions. 



Secretary Sessions. Mr. Chairman, gentlemen of the 

 Board of Agriculture, and citizens of Newbur^'port and 

 vicinity : This is a pleasurable duty, although the circum- 

 stances which have placed it upon me are of the contrary 

 character. You notice by the programme that it was ex- 

 pected our honored second vice-president, who is also presi- 

 dent of the Essex Agricultural Society, would have performed 

 this pleasant duty of repljang to the address of welcome. 

 I am informed b}^ him of his great regret in being deprived 

 of the privilege of thus appearing before you, and am obliged 

 to say to you from him that in all probability he will be 

 debarred from attending anv of the sessions of this meeting, 

 to which he had looked forward with so much pleasure. 



For the Board of Agriculture, I can say in response to 

 your welcome, iSIr. Mayor, that we are happy to come to 

 old Essex. All of us have known something about her in 

 the agricultural prints of days past, and in the secular 

 papers. We have known of her history and her brilliant 



