oA>.^" IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 145 1.1 I2B 1 2.5 ! ■- IIIM 1.8 1 1.25 III 1.4 ^ 4 6" — ► m e /a 7 o 7 A y// Photographic Sciences Corporation 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 872-4503 s> A *\^ ^^^ £ «> . ^ > CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographiques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best origr^al copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. n n D n n D Coloured covers/ Couverture de couleur I I Covers damaged/ Couverture endommag^e Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restaurde et/ou pelliculde I I Cover title missing/ Le titre de couverture manque I I Coloured maps/ Cartes gdographiques en couleur Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) I I Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur Bound with other material/ Reli6 avec d'autres documents Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin/ La re liure serr6e oeut causer de I'ombre ou de la distortion le long de la marge int^rieure Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajoutdes lors d'une restauration apparaissent dan» le texte, mais, lorsque cela 6tait possible, ces pages n'ont pas 6td filmdes. Additional comments:/ Commentaires suppl^mentaires; L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a 6t6 possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-dtre uniques du point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la mdthode normale de filmage sont indiquds ci-dessous. I I Coloured pages/ D D D This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est filmd au taux de reduction indiqud ci-dessous. Pages de couleur Pages damaged/ Pages endommagdes □ Pages restored and/or laminated/ Pages restaurdes et/ou pellicul6es Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ Pages d^colordes, tachetdes ou piqui Pages d^colordes, tachetdes ou piqudes Pages detached/ Pages ddtachdes Showthroughy Transparence Quality of prir Qualitd indgale de Timpression Includes supplementary materii Comprend du materiel suppldmentaire r I Pages detached/ r~71 Showthrough/ I I Quality of print varies/ I I Includes supplementary material/ Only edition available/ Seule Edition disponible Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totalement ou partiellement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure. etc., ont 6t6 film^es d nouveau de fa^on d obtenir la meilleure image possible. The to t The pos oft film Ori( beg the sior othi first sior or il The shal TIN whi Mar diff< enti beg righ reqt metl 10X 14X 18X 22X 26X 30X 12X 16X 20X 24X 28X 32X ire details les du modifier ler une filmage The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanits to the generosity of: National Library of Canada The images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. L'exemplaire filmd fut reproduit grflce d la g6n6rosit6 de: Bibliothdque nationale du Canada Les images suivantes ont 6t6 reproduites avec le plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et de la nettet6 de l'exemplaire film6, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. des Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginring with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impression. Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en papier est imprim^e sont filmds en commenpant par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la dernidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second plat, selon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont film6s en commenpant par la premidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernidre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol — ^ (meaning "CON- TINUED "), or the symbol y (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Un des symboles suivants apparattra sur la dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbols — ► signifie "A SUIVRE ", le symbols V signifie "FIN ". re Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre filmds A des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul cliche, il est filmd d partir de Tangle sup6rieur gauche, de gauche d dcoite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. y errata id to nt ie pelure, pon d 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 4 5 6 ADDRESS OKMVKKKU BI^KOKK THB [rchintial igtitultutal i^sotialiBn, AT IT» TWELFTH ANNUAL EXHIBITION, AX BRANTFORD, 1857, BY GEORGE ALEXANDER, OP WOODSTOCK, C. W. -s^-V,-^ ■>_rV^>.yV.-».^v.->.. PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE ASSOCIATION. TORONTO: THOMPSON & CO., PRINTERS, 62 KING STREET EAST. 18 6 7. ••« si I CANADA NATIONAL LIBRARY BIBLIOTHEQUE NATIONALE -/ ,i ADDRESS DEIilVSRSD BEFOBE THE Jraliiiitial ggwultutal %%%m'skm, AT IT8 TWELFTH ANNUAL EXHIBITION, AT BRAHTFORD, 1857, BY GEORGE ALEXANDER, OF WOODSTOCK, C. W. PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE ASSOCIATION. TORONTO: THOMPSON & CO., PRINTERS, 52 KING STREET EAST. 1857. ADDRESS. n Gentlemen of tlie Promncial Agricultural Association : — If ever there was a scene, calculated to make the heart rejoice, and inspire us with feelings of gratitude to an allwise and beneficent Providence, it is that which now greets our view. While revelling amidst the richest productions of the earth, and the multifa- rious inventions of Mechanical skill, which proclaim loudly the triumph of industry and human enterprize, — our attention is arrested by the beauty of the sur- rounding district, but more especially of that magnifi- cent valley in the distance, which was for ages the haunt and the home of the Delaware and the Mohawk, with its wild associations of deep interest. But, we pause to enquire, by what magical influence the mar- velous changes have been effected, which we now behold and over which we rejoice? It is the unswerving industry of our population, and their devotion to the hardy and ennobling pursuit of Agriculture which has transformed those vast forests into the green pastures, — and rich cornfields, now fur- nishing such abundance for man and beast. It would ill become us, who are living in the enjoyment of so many advantages, to forget the honour that is due to the early settlers of this land, whose endurance and toil have contributed so much to our present position. It is the increase flowing from their labour, which has brought the cheering whistle of the Locomotive into the finest portions of our country, giving such value to every district, — that great harbinger of busy activity and industrial progress which almost annihilates dis- tance, and gives immediate vitality to the most seques- tered spots. Where are the old scenes of former days ? We search in vain for them, amidst the lingering ves- tiges of the forest, but we behold everywhere around us, happy and independent homes ; and while the red man is rapidly receding to other regions, we find civili- zation scattering broadcast her thousand comforts and the blessings of a higher enUghtenment. Never did a country dawn into existence with brighter prospects than this, and if its conquest has been achieved at the cost of many hardships and severe toi^, its inhabitants have acquired the rich pos- session of a territory justly distinguished for the endur- ing fertility of its soil and unlimited natural resources — ^while our climate has been found most congenial to the growth and perpetuity of man's best energies. It is also worthy of observation as a distinguishing feature of our progress, — that through the judgment, and moderation, the vigilance and foresight of our people, — institutions admirably adapted to our growing wants have been secured, under which we enjoy every privi- lege and right which the most ardent lover of liberty can desire, — ^institutions eminently calculated to dif- fuse the blessings of knowledge, even ^o the verge of the most remote settlements, — and which are designed to foster the growth of all those arts of civilized life ; upon the progress and improvement of which not only man's immediate wants, but our future wealth and greatness must depend. What are the great objects which have brought this vast multitude togcufier? We have conio here to pay a just tribute of homage and respect to the enter- prise of our fellow citizens, who have carried off the highest honors of the day, — and to behold and admire the results of their industry, as displayed in the rich productions of the earth — and in all the inventions and beautiful handiwork designed to grace and adorn life. We claim for these great annual gatherings, that they give vigour and vitality to the aspirations of our peo- ple, and that while they are the best public introduc- tion to our importers and improvers of stock, — to the scientific Husbandman, — to our own Mechanics and Manufacturers, — extending far and wide the fame of their superior skill, — they cannot fail to raise in the public mind higher standards of excellence, and exer- cise a salutary moral and social influence. I have felt deeply, Gentlemen, my inability to do justice to the position of trust and responsibility in which your kindness has placed me, and I fear, with all our endeavours, many important means have been overlooked of furthering the great objects we have in view. In a country where the chief barrier to good husbandry is the expense and scarcity of labour, there is not a more important matter than the improvement of our harvesting and other labour-saving implements, whict it IS peculiarly the province of this institution to promote in every possible way. The trial of the United States Agricultural Society, at Syracuse, was a move- ment in the right direction, although the results may not have equalled the expectations of those present. There is a diversity of opinion as to the best method of accomplishing this object, but we doubt not that our Association will next year adopt that which is con- sidered the moat practical, and whereby the respective merits of the best ira[)lements may be fully tested and afterwards made known for the benefit of all. Another great function of this society should be, to elicit by such means as are likely to bo most successful and publish in a properly digested form, the local expe- rience of our best farmers — illustrating their respective systems, — while contributions should be obtained, shewing the practical bearing of science upon this most important pursuit, and the money valve of such know- lodge to the farmer. How many do I now see aro ^ud me who are eminently qualified to raise the status of our Canadian Agriculture ? And where. Gentlemen, is there a nobler object of ambition than to have one's name identified with the advancement of a rising country such as this ? This, perhaps, would be a suitable moment to express the obligation I have felt to the Ex-Governor of New York State, Myron H. Clark, and Col. Johnson of Albany, for a valuable collection of the Transactions of their State Society, which T mention as a pleasing testimony of the friendly regard and consideration ex- isting between the two countries. Long may such continue to be the feeling between countries so in- timately connected, not merely by the ties of consan- guinity, but by the weightiest interests of trade ; and we would assure our American friends, that we not only desire a continuation of chat free commercial intercourse which has been so beneficial to us and to them, but we shall at all times be happy to reciprocate those courtesies which strengthen the bonds of amity between us. But it would be well for us to remember that we are living in an age of great industrial and commercial activity. N(3ver, at any previous period in the world's history, have we found such a restlessness and earnests ness of purpose. Man has invaded every province of nature, and made every element tributary to his wants. We now travel by steam, and employ as our daily mes- senger the electric fluid. As a modern writer of great force exclaims : — " Into how many channels is human labour pouring itself forth ! What a rush into all the departments of trade ! What vast enterprises agitate every community ! and while industry jnerces the forest and startles with her axe the everlasting silence, commerce penetrates into every inlet — girdles the earth with railroads — and breaks down the estrangements of nations." But amongst nations we also behold an un- ceasing struggle for supremacy in power and influence, and if we are to hold a prominent position amongst the powers to be, — if we are to fulfil those bright predic- tions heralded forth with so much pride by the parent at the Industrial Exhibitions of London and Paris, — at which the infant colony took the world by sui-prise, we must not slacken in our enterprise, but with dili- gence avail ourselves of all the valuable discoveries and appliances, by means of which other countries have risen to greatness — ^and if the parent exults in the prosperity of the child, we have assuredly cause to be proud of the parent, and should try to excel, as she has done, in all the arts of civilized life. One cannot regard but with admiration and won- 9 der the skill and science displayed in the varied im- provements of British Husbandry, the greater part of which have been the work of scarce half a century. " Prior to 1798" (observes a writer in the 'Edinburgh Journal of Agriculture') "hardly any wheat was at- tempted to be grown in Scotland. Few potatoes were raised, and the artificial grasses little known ; but we have lived to behold a great change. Waving fields of wheO;t are now to be seen. Drilled green crops every where abound, and whole parishes of waste lands have been transformed into rich cornfields, yielding heavy crops per acre and hei^vy weight per bushel." Scotland has by the industry and science of her sons become one of the richest and most produc- tive countries in the world. Let such results animate us to continued exertion, and if the soil is the trea- sury from which the largest portion of our future wealth must flow, our material progress will depend upon the skill of the Husbandman. Agriculture may be followed as a simple rude art, yielding but a scanty return, or it may be practised as one of the noblest sciences which can engage man's physical and mental energies, furnishing material plenty and abounding wealth. If there is dignity in labour and in human industry, — that industry becomes ennobled under the guidance of enlightened judgment, and brings in its train a thousand blessings. As the poet observes ; — r. " Life without work is unenjoyed, The happiest are the best employed ; ' Work moves and moulds the weightiest birth, And grasps the destinies of earth." I do not presume to imagine that I can enlighten this vast assemblage of intelligent men by any thing I can advance upon the subject of Agriculture. From 9 your experience and observation, you are better »a> quainted than I am, wherein our husbandry has b3en defective. You know the endurance which is required to obtain the mastery over the many enemies the farmer has to contend with, — the value of getting entire possession of the soil by the most thorough cul- tivation, and when that is accomplished, — ^that we are then only entering upon the threshold of interesting and scientific enquiry as to the crops whiuh are best adapted to our soil, and the rotation in which they should be gi'own. To shew what nice and subtle con- siderations are involved in some of those investiga- tions, we find, that to produce the perfect sample of grain in fullness and weight, there must be a properly balanced supply of organic and inorganic food in the soil, and that where too much of the former prevails, the straw grows too rank, while the grain is shru,ik and deficient, and where the mineral or inorganic ele- ments have been exhausted, the returns will be pro- portionately small. Science, ever ready to come to the farmer's aid, suggests systems of cropping and management by which that adjustment may be pro- duced and permanently sustained, which is indispen- sible to the successful growth of our staple and other products, — ^^and we hope to see the suicidal syst6m of indiscriminate and severe grain cropping, so fatal in its results, wherever practised, give way to a more enlightened course of husbandry, by which the fertility of our country may be preserved. If we continue to draw so heavily upon our capital, we shall have inevitably at some future day to experi- ence all the disadvantages and loss of farming B '9 10 impoverished lands, viz : — That while the same ex- penses for cultivation, seed, harvesting and thrashing must be incurred, we shall receive but diminished and unremunerative returns. The soil is but the Treasury of the Farmer's wealth. The stores which are found therein, may be husbanded with care to administer abundantly to the wants of man with the return of the seasons, or they may be wasted and dispersed in a short period of time. What is the practice of British Husbandry in this matter ? If we take the distribution of crops over the cultivated districts of England, comparing it with a similar reduction of the returns from this country — ^we find, the ratio which the grain produc- ing or flint crops bear to the whole hundred acres is in — Upper Canada about 50 to 100 = one half. England " 25 to 100 = one fourth. M. de Lavergne, a modem writer of great scien- tific research, who has written a most valuable work on the rural economy of Britain, dwells with force upon this important enquiry. He observes of England, "That small country, which is no larger than a fourth of France, produces alone 13,000,000 quar. of wheat, 6 of barley and 12 of oats. If France produced in the same ratio, her yield, deducting seed, would be 50,000, 000 of quarters of wheat and 70 of barley and other grains — equal to at least double her present produc- tion, and she ought to produce more, considering the nature of her soil and climate — both much more favorable to cereals than in England. These and many other facts verify this principle in Agriculture, that to reap largely of cereals it is better to reduce •- ;/■ 'Tf It!'"'*--?' 11 same ex- brashing }hed and Preasury re found minister etum of ersed in ndry in of crops taring it om this produc- acres is it scien- le work ;h force ngland, I fourth wheat, I in the 50,000, i other produc- ng the more |se and ulture, reduce than to extend the breadth of land sown, — and that by giving a greater space to the forage crops, not only is a greater quantity of meat, cheese and wool obtained, hvi a larger production of com aJso." There is only one other question to which I will advert, viz : — The difficulty and expense of wintering stock, which is the heaviest drain upon the farmer's resources. In the first place it is clearly established by science, that after the grain has reached a certain point of maturity, the straw becomes transformed into woody fibre, losing its most nourishing properties. Of what importance therefore that the crops should be harvested at the earliest moment compatible with the safety of the grain ! And of what immense value are those harvesting implements, which enable us to secure our cultivated grasses and cereals with such expedition, and in the best possible order ! But how much valuable hay and fodder of all kinds are wasted and destroyed from not being carefully stored ! And how many thousands never avail themselves of straw- cutters and other economical arrangements, by which the supplies may be made to go much further ? But the last and most important consideration, is that of proper shelter for stock. It is now patent to all that a large amount of sustenance goes to the production and maintenance of animal heat, and that where the stock is exposed to the sleet, storms, and cutting winds of our rigorous winters, nearly double the quan- tity of food is required to support animal life, and almost any amount will fail without shelter to keep them in proper condition — which explains (as in- stanced by Liebeg) how the inhabitants of the tropics I'll 12 subsist upon rice and such light diet, while the Esqui- maux require and consume immense quantities of blubber and oil. We can hardly over-estimate the value of housing and warmth in winter, to our fatten- ing animals, milch cows, and stock of every kind, but especially the young. But with respect to the young stock, — there is another point involved besides the economy of fodder. Is it not reasonable to suppose that while a colt is growing, its muscles developing, and its bones forming, that the frame and physical constitution of the animal must depenr) upon the feed- ing and shelter during this stage of developement ? How many horses do we see that have no bottom or constitution? Must not the result of neglect in such matters be to dwarf and deteriorate every description of stock ? The bams generally built by the Germans or Dutch, with an extensive range of stone foundations, admirably planned for convenience and shelter, are in this particular a model to the country. I have thus selected one or two familiar illustra- tions to show that the measure of our agricultural wealth depends upon our studying to give a wise direction to the industrial labour of the country. It is not the extent of cultivated swrfcwe, or the amount of expended toil, that will ensure great results ; and if we aspire to become distinguished for our Auriculture, and to attain to a position of wealth, we must aban- don that most fallacious of all ideas that the farmer needs no education or science. We see what modem science has done to ennoble and enrich Britain, many districts of which were originally barren and worth- 1/Bss. E(ow fayp;rable shoulii our prospects be^ com- ;:^,»,«*-*«'' r-*«-- .••."iiwrs'i'ih- *' Esqui- ities of late the fatten- nd, but 5 young ies the mppose jloping, hysical le feed- jment ? torn or n such ription rmans lations, er, are ilustra- ultural a wise •y. It mount and if ulture, aban- ■krmer lodem many vorth- i 13 mencing qur ca^qer ^th the accumulated fertility of ages. But while Agriculture is and will continue to be our chief and leading interest, there are other objects which must enlist the enterprise of our people. Tl^e husbandman raises more than he can consume, while in this age of high civilization, he is the creature of a thousand wants. We must look to commerce and manufactures to supply those wants, and to give a marketable value to all our surplus produce. We must foster in every way those branches of industry which will give population to our towns and cities, secure to us a home jna>vket— diminish tlie arrwunt of our importSy and consolidate our wealth. Canada has already been successful with her Foundries, Tanne- ries, Asheries, Soap, Chair, and Nail Factories, Cloth, Oil, and Paper Mills. Toronto, Hamilton, and King- ston, have produced their Locomotives, and Gait her highly finished edge tools; but she has done more, and it is with pride we chronicle the fact, that Gait has exported to Australia during the present season, a steam engine and other manufactures.* There is a marked spirit of enterprise abroad in our country, and when we look £|,t our noble St. Lawrence and those great inland seas, which along with our railways afford such facilities for carrying on all our commercial ex- changes — ^when we regard the boundless extent of wat- er power — the certain local demand for all manufactur- ed products — ^while we have Territory that can sustain a dense and teeming population — I say that we can- *Messr8. James Crombie & Co., exported a 20 horae-power high pressure engine. Messrs. Wm. Quarry & Co., exported manufaotured harness. 14 not behold all this without feeling that our country presents an unlimited iield for human enterprise. There is one striking feature in the history of all young countries to which it will be expected I should advert, viz: — ^the suddenness with which at certain periods, their floating wealth and circulating medium become increased or diminished. It is but a short time since the property throughout this Province almost trebled in value, and money was every where abundant. What then has caused the pressure now felt by every portion of the community ? We cannot arraign the bounty of Providence, for the labours of the husbandman have been crowned by the usual returns, and up to the present we have had all the benefit of high ranging prices. To what then must we ascribe the langour which now prevails throughout every channel of trade ? Was the bright sunshine of prosperity too much for us to bear ? Has it with us produced too rapid a growth, and a general improvi- dence, leading us too largely into improvements and wild speculation, involving monetary engagements which we are now unable to fulfil ? Has luxury been lending a helping hand to scatter the fruits of our industry ? — Or did the large influx of British capital for the construction of our Railroads, along with other circumstances, induce heavy overtrading, the results of which we have felt, more especially since those works were completed ? Such are regarded as the prominent sources of our present money pressure. But if we ex- amine our trade and navigation returns, we shall find further causes lying at the foundation of our commer- cial difiiculties. We must a^ume it to be a correct jountry 36. y of all should certain ledium I short rovince where re now cannot ours of usual ill the I must ighout line of dth us iprovi- ts and ments j^been )f our iapital other ultsof works linent ve ex- II find nmer- orrect I I I I 'i- t 16 principle in political economy that so long as a Nation's expenditure exceeds its income, its floating wealth can- not increase, and until we approximate a little nearer in our trade returns, we shall not have wealth enough to carry on the business of the country. What is the natural result ? We find that enterprise is frequently checked from the scarcity and exorbitant value of money, and that with all our magnificent territory, valuable property, and abundance of food, a very small general indebtedness brings such a pressure as we now find to exist. Let us see what has been the relative value of our imports and exports during the last four years — and it may be interesting to subjoin the Ame- rican returns, for the last year, ending 30th June, 1857. Imports. Exports. Bal. against us. 1853 £ 7,995,359 £5,950,325 £2,045,034 1854 10,132,331 5,754,497 4,377,534 1855 9,021,542 7,047,115 1,974,427 1856 10,896,096 - 8,011,754 2,884,342 UNITED STATES. Imports. Exports. bal. in their favor. £90,222,525 £90,746,286 £523,751 Time will not admit of my enlarging further upon this subject than to observe that there are only two ways in which we can reduce this steady drain upon our resources, viz : — by keeping down luxury, and studjdng to make the industry of the country more productive. We have in our Gomfielda and Workshops inexhaustible mines of virtuous wealth, and onJy want the light of modem science to make them accessible to us. It is to science that we are indebted for all those discoveries, inventions and appliances which have en- It richeJ the world with so many comforts, and ministered so powerfully to our present high civilization. Let us for a moment turn to the happy circum- stances under which we are living, and see how every- thing around us is calculated to induce private and public enterprize, and inspire- our Canadian people with love and attachment to their country. Here all can become the possessors of their own broad acres — ^hold theii' patents, which nothing can disturb — and every improvement they make, whether of utility or taste, is adding to their future comfort and wealth — and to the comfort and wealth of all those who are nearest and dearest to them. But this is not all. We are living in a state of society where the invidious distinctions of rank and wealth are little known — ^and industry and integrity command everywhere respect — while the highest posts of honor and emolument are fairly and equally open to all. We have thus every natural incen- tive to honorable ambition, and a thousand considera^ tions to animate us to strain every nerve for our country's advancement. It would, perhaps, not be out of place to observe, that we cannot unfold the page of history without perceiving that every nation which has risen to eminence, in ancient or modernt imes, has been distinguished for the patriotism of her sons. What led to the boundless conquests, the glory and renown of Ancient Greece and Rome ? What absorbing passion animated the immortal Wallace to such deeds of heroic valour and self-sacrifice ? His memory will be warmly cherished to the end of time. What noble enthusiasm led the British soldier (for those regiments were com- ffosed alike of men from the rural districts of England, :. \ 17 '. o ^Vjotland and Ireland), to scale so gallantly the heights ot the Alma — and rush into the sanguinary but tri- umphant struggle at Inkennann ? We unhesitatingly reply — a far higher honour than that of gain. The fame of liiltish valour — the integrity of the Empire — the future peace of Europe — and the cause of liberty throughout the world hung upon the issue. But in this utilitarian and wealth-amassing age, or at least in this region of the globe, " oiu* swords " have been turned into " ploughshares " and our " spears " into " pruning- hooks ;" and we behold in the great neighbouring republic and elsewhere, this spirit of natioi ility warming into life, a general zeal to excel in all the arts of peace and a thirst for national pre-eminence. May this great public virtue continue to manifest itself amongst us, stimulating the improvement of our agriculture, the in- crease of our manufactures and the extension of our commerce — and imbuing all with an anxious concern for the public interests of our country. " Zeal for the public good (says Addison) is the character of a man of honor, and must take place of pleasures, profits and most other private ends. Whoever is wanting in this motive is an open enemy, or inglorious neuter to his race, in proportion to the mis-applied advantages with which nature and fortune have blessed him." Let all therefore be ready when called upon to fill with diligence and honour the various offices of public trust and responsibility. Let our leading practical farmers rally round our Agricultural Societies — support liberally cmr Agriculfural JournaU — and persevere in such elTorts until a, thirst for improvement pervade every homestead. Let nothing, gentlemen, dampen your ardour in upholding our national school system, c IS which has been framed and introduced with so much ability and judgment. In giving education to the young, (I mean in its highest sense,) we leave the rich- est legacy which one generation can give to another. Let us make every sacrifice to secure the best minds of our country for our public teachers, and in addition to all the other branches of knowledge, let the elemer ' of Agricultural and mechanical science be taught in our more advanced schools, which, if only to a limited ex- tent, " will be sowing the first seeds from which an after crop will spring up." But above all let us uphold our great depositories of science and learning — I mean our academic and collegiate institutions. To them it is we must look for that higher mental discipline, which makes the pathways easy to the great " ocean of know- ledge and truth." The chairs of our Universities are at this moment filled by men of the highest attain- ments, while Professor Buckland, who has the depart- ment of agriculture, unites to his other qualifications an intimate knowledge of the best practices of British husbandry. But above all, it is important that the Canadian character now forming should he moulded upon the noblest fowndatwrn — ^and be imbued ivith the virtues of the races from which we have sprung. And if we wish to see our country accomplish its highest destinies, we must have loftier objects of v mbition than the mere attainment of wealth. It was observed of " Britain " by an American Statesman, " That the sun never sets upon her dominions, and that the beat of her morning drum makes one unbroken sound 'round the world." But the immensity of her wealth, and the extent of her dominions have been powerful instruments in her hands U o t e a ) \ a .V 19 n- ft 11 •J V to accomplish good. Where are we to look for the real elements of her greatness? //* the acnindnesa of heart and principle pervading the great mass of her people. While luxury has never palsied her enterprize, her sons have contributed largely to the treasury of science and art, and to the general enlightenment of tlie tvorld. Her wealth — her energies— and her strength have been de- voted to some of the noblest objects. She has given liberty to the slave, and has been the messenger of the " glad tidings of peace from pole to pole." Shall it be said that our Canadian soil is unfavora- ble to the growth of intellect and genius, and of those virtues which have cast so bright a halo around the parent country ? Who can behold our township and county libraries, which have justly been pronounced '* the crown and glory of our institutions," carrying to every one's door, the accumulated wisdom of ages, or witness the earnestness with which throughout our rural districts, the great mass are anxious to further every good object, and not feel inspired with the hopes of a bright future ? But we must guard the young against the shoals and quicksands which beset our path — unfold to them the higher enjoyments of the mind, which will elevate them — give them self-respect — and enhance the value of all their other possessions. Teach them that a nation's honour is a nation's greatness — and that its true greatness consists in the virtue of its citizens — ^but above all we must teach them that it is to the bounty of an aU-merciful Providence that we are indebted for all the blessings we enjoy.