8 



effort and progress of the day commensurate with each person's ability and 

 desire. On the one band the scythe and mattock — and on the other the 

 mowing-machine, the horse-hoe, and the reaper and cleaner. On the one 

 hand brute force, and on the other the most ingenious machinery. 



It is not difficult to understand therefore that the agriculture which the 

 American citizen carries with him, must differ essentially from that which 

 is developed by an order of society less free and less intelligent. Not that 

 his productions will be greater, but that his system will be greater, and his 

 fanning conducted with" more regard to a strict economy of forces, and 

 less waste of labor. 



It is difficult moreover, for an American farmer to locate himself any- 

 where, without carrying with him the peculiar American thirst for knowl- 

 edge, and the feeling which we all have that new light is in store for us, 

 whatever may be the subject of our investigation. This feeling may amount 

 to a conviction, or it may simply rise to the force of an impulse or a dream. 

 But its existence shows that the American mind may find room for a care- 

 ful study of all practical details, and at the same time reach forward to- 

 ward the most profound education. We really aim at intelligent farming 

 — farming in which the natural faculties are guided by a careful education 

 — farming which is something more than mere routine — farming which is 

 based upon an understanding of the laws of nature, and which, when the 

 exact amount of any crop is balanced, and the profit or loss accurately es- 

 timated, does not leave the cultivator there, but opens new questions for his 

 investigation, and rouses his mind to the contemplation of all the wonderful 

 processes of nature which are goiug on around him. If an agricultural 

 college can be of service to any people, it can be to those only, who are am- 

 bitious to carry the highest intelligence into their business, not solely be- 

 cause it is most profitable, but because its exercise is attended with higher 

 virtues, and with more social and civil and domestic peace and happiness. 



I agree with a late Governor of this Commonwealth, when he says : — 

 "My own idea of a college likely to be useful in the largest way to the peo- 

 ple, most vigorous in its growth, promotion of the progress of thrifty and 

 intelligent farming, production of scientific and exact knowledge, (which is 

 the true basis of prosperity,) worthy of Massachusetts, and able to com- 

 mand the respect, while it challenges the pride of her agricultural commu- 

 nity, — is one perhaps not yet to be realized. * * I should deeply re- 

 gret to see an institution which bears the name of Massachusetts, and will 

 be held to be representation of the Common wealth, especially of the highest 

 aspirations of her yoemanry, allowed, for want of generous support, to de- 



