6 HAMPSHIRE AGKICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



competitors into a universal burst of applause ! Would that Agricul- 

 ture had received similar aid from science in all her other depart- 

 ments ! Something has indeed been done, and this encourages the 

 expectation of still greater results. 



If time permitted, we would speak at length of the mutual relation 

 and dependence of the arts to one another, and of their confedera- 

 tion, which is as real as that between the different states of our belov- 

 ed Union. We sometimes speak of the North and the South, the 

 East and the West, as if they were dissimilar and independent ; but 

 in truth, they are only different members of the same body politic, 

 warmed and nourished by the same vital blood, moved by the same 

 vital energy, one in origin, one in inheritance and one in glorious 

 destiny. It is a narrow and short sighted policy, unworthy of the 

 descendants of the Puritans, unworthy of our age and country, which 

 seeks the agrandisement of one art or profession to the disparagement 

 of others. Can the eye say to the hand I have no need of thee ? or 

 the head to the feet I have no need of you ? " All are parts of one 

 great whole." Is one in prosperity ? All rejoice. Is one in adversity ? 

 All mourn. Hence he who plunges his fatal steel into the heart of 

 one, lets off the life-blood of the rest. The manufactories of our 

 country, far from destroying any of the arts of life, have raised hun- 

 dreds of mechanics to competence or affluence, and thousands of 

 farmers and their families, to plenty and independence. The same 

 causes will work out similar results in all parts of our land. 



But as we cannot dwell, on this occasion upon the other arts, we 

 invite your special attention, to the importance of Agriculture, and 

 to the means and mot iocs for its promotion. 



The importance of Agriculture, appears from its paternal relation 

 to other employments. It is the central wheel of the great industrial 

 machine. Accelerate or retard its motion, and you change the action 

 of all the rest. Agriculture is industry's eldest child, the primary 

 element of social organization, and the foundation of property, order 

 and civil institutions. Twice in the history of the world, has the 

 human race consisted of a single family conducting all the arts of life, 

 and depending exclusively upon this primeval pursuit for support. 

 In every period, its praises have been celebrated both in poetry and 

 song. Scripture also abounds in illustrations and scenes from pasto- 



