ANNUAL MEETING. 
473 
the great instrument of social improvement, and the conservator 
of public morals. Then, what could be more delightful as a re- 
creation and source of interest, employment, and excitement, for 
the philosophical mind ? 
No man could watch the growth of the seed or of the animal 
— could survey the ripening of his grain at harvest, or notice the 
manifold and wondrous operations of nature, without his soul, if 
he had a soul within him, being elevated in wonder and grate- 
ful awe to the beneficent Ruler of the universe. He came now 
to speak more immediately of the progress of agriculture in their 
own country, and in his country, for their country w'as his. 
Here had his ancestors lived, and here were their sepulchres, ^nd 
he trusted that no miserable political feeling would ever again 
sever the bonds of interest and friendship which now united 
them. Belgium, they were told, had gone as far as any country 
in the march of agricultural improvement, by husbanding her re- 
sources, and looking to the composition and nurture of the soil. 
They would also readily admit that Germany had done some- 
thing towards the common good ; for had she not furnished a 
Liebig, an agricultural chemist, whose works had kindled a 
flame throughout the agricultural world, which was daily shining 
brighter and brighter, and extending its radiance and usefulness 
over the whole world. 
While, however, they were making all these improvements 
in implements, modes of culture, and the rearing of animals, he 
hoped they would not forget the labourers — those by whose 
means they were enabled to accumulate wealth, but would endea- 
vour to improve their condition as much as possible. He con- 
gratulated them on the good understanding that subsisted be- 
tween England and America ; and God forbid that either ocean 
or mountain, or, worse than that, any political distinctions, should 
sever them. America, he was happy to say, was now following 
the steps of her ancestor in improving her agriculture, and he 
hoped that a desire for improvement in that and every thing else, 
would be the only rivalry between them. Mr. Colman went on 
to cite several instances of agricultural enterprise and excellence 
among Americans, especially the desire of Washington to im- 
