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face, that agility of limb, that tell of health, happiness and native beauty, 
if not among those who labor in the open fields and fresh air of the 
country ? 
“ In ancient times, I’ve heard my grandam tell; 
Young maids were taught to read, and write and spell, 
(Neglected arts ! once learned by rigid rules 
As prime essentials in the ‘common schools.’) 
Well taught besides in many a useful art. 
To mend the manners and improve the heart, 
Nor yet unskilled to turn the busy wheel. 
To ply the shuttle or to twirl the reel, 
Could thrifty tasks with cheerful grace pursue 
Themselves ‘ accomplished,’ and their duties too.” 
The numerous presence of the ladies here to-day, attests their interest 
in the occasion and is much to the encouragement of their husbands, 
fathers, sons and brothers, in the calling which they have chosen.— 
Whatever cause the ladies espouse is sure to possess zealous and devoted 
patrons.—The influence of woman, is everywhere potent for good or for 
evil. It is her lot and sphere, to act the part of the good Samaritan ; 
and human nature is such, that kindness will influence it when nothing 
else can. It is her nature, and consequently her pleasure, to attend to 
the wants and necessities of suffering humanity.—Where care and sorrow 
■*s, there she is found a ministering angel, forgetting her toil till she has 
rendered relief to the distressed. This character gives her an influence 
far greater than that wielded by man. She is, in fact, the “power be¬ 
hind the throne.” In whatever sphere, then, the duties of life call her to 
act, let her fearlessly fill it with all that independence and dignity which 
is the glory of true woman. 
There is an undeveloped power in the American agricultural mind that 
should not longer lie buried deep in the dark recess of devotion to mere 
physical labor.—Great as have been the improvements of the last few 
years in farming, they are by no means commensurate with the progress 
that has attended the other branches of the arts and sciences. The ice 
is broken to be sure—farmers no longer laugh at a man because he takes 
an agricultural paper and talks now and then about “ book farming.” 
To understand the best methods of renewing soil and restoring it to its 
pristine vigor when once it has been impoverished, is a knowledge that 
