125 



And now, as oft before, 

 The fruits, a plenteous store, 



Salute our eyes ; 

 And for the golden corn, 

 Through welcome rain new-born', 

 Shall fervent thanks each moi'n 



Like incense rise. 



With cheerful heart we toil, 

 We plough, we plant the soil, 



Of bounteous earth : 

 Knowing each tree and flower, 

 Cherished by sun and shower, 

 Shall yield an ample dower, 



Of priceless worth. 



O God, our praise and prayer, 

 Unceasing as Thy care. 



Would rise above ; 

 Thy hand is ever near 

 To bless and crown the year ; 

 Then we will never fear. 



But trust Thy love. 



The Annual Address was then delivered by Rev. James 

 Richardson, Jr., of Kmgston. (See p. 5.) At the conclusion of 

 the address, a voluntary was performed by the choir, and the 

 benediction pronounced by the Rev. Dr. Lamson. The Society 

 and their guests then reassembled in procession and marched 

 with spirited music to the hall, where an agricultural banquet had 

 been prepared, and of which about nine hundred ladies and gen- 

 tlemen partook. 



EXERCISES AT DINNER. 



The company being seated, a blessing on the feast was invoked 

 by the Rev. Mr. Merrick of Walpole. When the busy play of 

 knife and fork had ceased, the premiums awarded by the several 

 Committees were announced by the Secretary, Hon. E. L. Keyes. 



The President then introduced the intellectual part of the en- 

 tertainment by some brief and well-chosen remarks, and proceeded, 

 by the announcement of appropriate sentiments, to elicit responses 

 from the guests i)rescnt on the occasion. 



17 



