ADDRESS. 9 



"While then we pity the sons of our yeomanry, who look down 

 with contempt upon a calling, which the All Wise and Infinite has 

 honored before and above all others, we cannot withold our commis- 

 eration from the men who deprecate " book farming," and denounce 

 scientific improvements and discoveries. And here arises a question 

 which we desire to commend especially to the yeomanry of Massa- 

 chusetts. Why is it that after this subject has been faithfully presented, 

 aiid the means put into the hands of our Legislators, they delay to make 

 further appropriations fortius most worthy object ? After years of 

 earnest pleading — after an associated Convention of fourteen Agricul- 

 tural Societies, representing every district in the State, by delegates 

 who are supposed to understand the relative claims of this great 

 branch of human industry, and who unitedly and earnestly re- 

 commended the creation of a State Department of Agriculture, to 

 watch over its interests as the Board of Education does over 

 Common Schools — aftfer the unanimous expression in favor of Agri- 

 cultural Schools, to be supported partly by private munificence — and 

 especially after the labors of your own indefatigable Hitchcock whose 

 scientific knowledge and practical skill admirably qualified him to ex- 

 amine the subject, and who made a most able and satisfactory report 

 to the Legislature, showing- the great advantages of these institutions 

 throughout Europe; why, after all this, did our wise Legislators 

 withold that govenmental aid to which it is so justly entitled ? 



Well as I love the Old Bay State, and much as I would commend 

 her Legislators, I cannot believe she has acted in this cause worthy 

 of herself, or of that reputation for which she is so distinguished, in 

 all that pertains to honor, philanthrophy and virtue. And we 

 doubt not, that she will soon enroll her name among those countries 

 patronizing this worthy object. 



We rejoice in the belief that the day is not distant when Agricul- 

 ture, among all human pursuits, first in origin, and first in impor- 

 tance, will not be the last to receive the patronage of a free and en- 

 lightened Government. The remedy lies with the people ; they must 

 instruct their Representatives, or elect such as without instruction 

 will not make the Jirst object of legislation the last, or neglect it alto- 

 gether. 



Agriculture should be the first care of every well regulated Gov- 

 2 



