ADDRESS, 



BY EDWARD HITCHCOCK, D. D. LL., D. 



How benevolent a provision it is, in such a world as this, 

 that some men are about as well fitted for one place as another. 

 When other men's plans want piecing out, or get cracked, or 

 have holes in them, these jacks-at-all-trades can be used at 

 once, and made to fit exactly. I claim the honor of being one 

 of these convenient men ; and my present position proves it. 

 Imagine the indefatigable Secretary of this Society to meet 

 me a few hours ago, with the announcement that the orator 

 for this occasion had failed, and that nobody else — that is, no 

 one able to give a good address, — could be obtained ; and lay- 

 ing his grappling irons on me as a last resort for the occasion. 

 But Mr. Secretary, I reply, though willing to do much to help 

 in such an emergency, I really have but very little written 

 on the subject of agriculture, or the arts, which I have not al- 

 ready delivered in public ; not before this body, indeed, nor 

 any where within the last decade of years, but still delivered 

 formerly in this valley, and perhaps before some who may be 

 present this week. Nay, what is worse still, most of what I 

 formerly delivered on such occasions is in print. This state- 

 ment, I felt sure, would close the Secretary's mouth and leave 

 me free. But no : he actually gave the argument such a turn 

 that my resolution was overcome, and I have submitted to have 

 the harness buckled upon me. He assured me (what a com- 

 pliment to the power of my eloquence !) that undoubtedly 



