good many things which, would well bear repeating now. He 

 was a gentleman of considerable scientific attainment, and 

 contributed often and largely to the published pages of the 

 society. 



On the roll of officers for 1821 — the earliest list which has 

 come under my eye — I find the name of John W. Proctor, 

 as corresponding and recording secretary, — and the same name 

 is found, I believe, in every report of the society's officers 

 from that time to the present. This, it must be acknowledged, 

 is a remarkable instance of undiminished confidence on one 

 side, and of unremitting service on the other. Mr. Proctor 

 has filled I think nearly every office in the gift of the so- 

 ciety — has sat on committees without number — has found 

 time and strength to make many elaborate reports, and to 

 prepare for the annual pamphlet many instructive, and some 

 spicy articles. 



You would not thank me should I here omit to name, as 

 among the veteran, and yet living pioneers of this association, 

 those youthful octogenarians, and faithful laborers in your 

 cause — Colonel Colman and Colonel Adams. 



The annual addresses of this association have, I believe, been 

 given always by gentlemen residing in the county — forming a 

 long line of honored names. Without pretending to have 

 carefully read all these productions, I have acquired, if I mis- 

 take not, a tolerably fair idea of their general character and 

 merits. Of course they are very unlike. Their trains of 

 thought and their modes of expression, are modified — as we 

 would prefer that they should be — by the training and hab- 

 its — the peculiarities and tastes of the respective writers. 

 But in their general aim they are alike elevated — and in 

 their actual tendencies they are alike useful. I do not hesi- 

 tate to say that these addresses constitute a valuable body of 

 learning and counsel — specially designed indeed for the 

 farmer's advantage — but broad enough to be of service to 

 us all. 



On looking over and classifying the names of your orators, 



