Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. 499 
ciability alone that has made farm-life tedious; that has induced so 
many girls to marry city sprigs, so many country boys to seek 
gaiety in popular towns. Young people want fun, amusement, 
nearer home. The Grange, with its monthly feast or dance, togeth¬ 
er with the innocent parts all take in initiation, supply a want long 
needed among farming communities. 
Farmers are too prone to put off the day of pleasure and recrea¬ 
tion; there is always so much to do. There is a philosophy, not 
new, but newly formulated that reads thus: “Put your finger on 
the present moment and enjoy it; it’s the only one you’ve got, or 
ever will have.” The Grange furnishes a place of weekly amuse¬ 
ment as well as instruction; if carefully nurtured, old and young, 
men and women, young men and maidens, will there together gain 
higher and brighter visions of life’s duties. In union there is 
strength, and whatsoever things are good, whatsoever things are 
lovely, should be sought after and cherished. 
And now, sisters and brothers, one word to you and I am done. 
You have erected here and there altars, sacred to Faith, Hope, Char¬ 
ity and Fidelity, four symbols of our order. You have erected 
them, and now stand by, defend, uphold, and preserve them. Let 
no opposition intimidate you while you have a single pillar to lean 
upon. Go on in the good work you have begun; remembering al¬ 
ways how many enjoyments the great Creator has granted to man¬ 
kind; with what magnificence He has adorned and embellished our 
world; what sweets social life affords; what tender ties, what warm 
affections, what delightful sentiments has He created for the heart 
to enjoy; and through the Grange, by the blessing of God, may you 
help work out that great principle (for so many ages undiscovered) 
by which labor shall receive its just reward, and have its due influ¬ 
ence in the affairs of men. 
For the Executive Board, 
W. W FIELD, 
Secretary. 
State Agricultural Rooms, 
Madison, May 7, 1875. 
