The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-09-27

collections which, under existing regulations, our
navy il in the habit Of making, and Of distrib-
nting them among the different States and Ter
ritories. ."
| The NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SocIETY would
also be the proper channel OF communication,
! and OF eiiecting agricultural exchanges, between
the several local societies of the United States,
and the various agricultural and learned assoca-
tons Ia foreign countries. 1t would, in fact, be
the great centre Of agri, ultural information
which would dlffuse knowledge in u thousand
different directions, over the whole length and
breadth of our land, and to which every farmer
could confidently apply for advice and instruc-
ton on any subject connected with his profes
sion.
| Aud here may pause to inquire whet' err the
Smithsonian Institute, at the seat of the ma
tional government might not er.o6icio, become
u collaboration and efficient assistant If the Ma.
tional Agricultural Society in all its literary and
scientific branches! Might not the institute
and the society in its periodical publications.
and IN conjunction with it, diffdse the greatest
amount of "useful knowledge among men 2"
Surely, the philanthropic intention of the worthy
founder of that institution, could not be carried
out in more suitable and effective manner,
than by making it thus subserve the great in
terests of agriculture in all its branches. What
form no higher duty than contribute in the most
efficient manner, to the perfection OF that spe-
cies of human industry, which is the parent and
promoter Of all others, and on which the safety
and permanence of our institutions rest as on
their broadcast foundations,
Mr. President and gentlmen, in bringing this
discourse to conclusion, am not insensble
to the magnitude and Importance of my theme
] have approached it with dffidence, before an
auditory critically obseryant Of its great prac-
tical and philosophical TRUTHS and have obeyed
| your hattering request with a consciousness
that the n0blest lrsuit of man demands
| broader and higher reach of thought than have
found time and opportunity to bring TO its
calculation. Ihave sought at least to show not
only the dignity and value of your calling, in its
influence over the destiny and elevation of our
country, bit to enforce the great truth, that a
common interest links together, throughoutall
the diversites of soil, Of elm tie ard Of produc-
ton, the noble fabric of American industry.
In taking leave of such a theme, let me say
that you may we'll rejoice in your pursuit. You
may well rejoice in its triumphs-the peaceful
triumph of labor, of art and Of science You
may recall with pride that ilustrious race OF
cultivators, who, from Cincinnatus to Washing
ton, graced and ennobied them. You may con.
graduate yourselves upon the condition and at
titude of your society II, in the rank of Am
erican States, New York holds lofty position,
the labors of its Slate society will be the more
widely productive of benign results, not only in
promoting and advancing its own husbandry, but
its bright example will be felt in all quarters of
the republic. Let me then urge you to renewed
and unremitted effort-to continued zeal and
emulation in the discharge of duties to your
State and country, which bring with them the
blessings of G d and the gratitude Of men. AS
the dews from Heaven refresh and fertilize the
earth, and gladden. the heart of the husband
man, so will your labors, steadily pursued, wisely
directed, and literally disseminating the seeds of
intelligent observation and experience, bring
forth rich and abundant harvest.