124 



as seen by the premiums awarded, particularly in five fields of Indian corn 

 offered tlie last year, and yielding, on an average, more than one hundred 

 bushels to the acre. 



The report of the Visiting Committee on Farms this year also assures us 

 of decided and gratifying improvement in the arts of cultivation and in rural 

 taste and architecture. Tlie enterprise of our members in the breeding of 

 domestic animals has greatly improved the chai-acter of our stock, and 

 promises, ere long, to place this department of husbandry on a par with that 

 of any other part of New England ; especially is this noticeable in our 

 Devon, Jersey and Suffolk breeds, and in the improvement of our horses. 

 Let us also rejoice in the completion of our new Agricultural Hall, which 

 offers not only conveniences for our exhibitions and entertainment, but com- 

 fortable shelter from the inclemency of the weather, and secures to us many 

 other important advantages, in the possession of our show grounds and in 

 their convenient arrangement for our exhibitions. 



While we acknowledge our obligations for these accommodations, we 

 would not forget our indebtedness to the citizens of Dedham, who have, 

 since our last meeting, placed a belfry, spire, and an apjDropriate emblem on 

 our hall. Neither would we cease to remember the kind cooperation of the 

 ladies of Norfolk from the day of the organization to the present hour. 



But while we review the evidences of past success and consider the cheer- 

 ing prospects before us, let us remember that our prosperity and advance- 

 ment depend upon efficient action and untiring perseverance. 



Friends and Associates — Let us continue to extend to each other 

 the right hand of fellowship, — to work in harmony and love, and to fulfil 

 our high mission until the cause we seek to promote shall attain its sublime 

 and glorious object, ever remembering that the history of a prosperous 

 people is inscribed, not on the roU of mihtary fame or political preferment, 

 but it is read in the peaceful triumphs of the jjlough. 



Farmers — Advance in your glorious career, — persevere in this noblest 

 of all arts until the vision of jjrophecy is fulfilled, " when your threshing shall 

 reach unto the vintage, and the vintage unto the sotving time, and ye shall eat 

 old store, and bring forth the old because of the abundance of the new" 



At the conclusion of these remarks, prayer was offered bj Eev. 

 Charles C. Sewall, of Medfield. 

 The following hymn was then sung 



ORIGINAL HYMN. 



BY A LADT OP DEDHAM. 



Again with magic wand 

 Has Autumn touched our land, 

 And changed the scene ; — 

 The woods, in farewell dress, 

 . Delight us not the less, 

 In fading loveliness. 



Than Summer sheen. 



