Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1864-11-18

none more productive, none more delightful
none more worthy Of freeman, than agrieul-
ture. These compliments are all tru. but
are you willing to give us something more
than empty commentator, something better
than a heattsss lip-service
would appeal to the farmers in this house
TO insist that the fund given by the general
government shall be used to establish and
sustain an institution Of the character intend.
ed by Congress. With no exception, large
majority Of tn legislature of our State have
been farmers, yet they have overlooked the
wealth that lies in the soil, in its grain and
animal products. All other interests have
been cared for our statute books are filled
With laws Incorporating and protecting rail-
road companies, manufacturing companies,
banking institute ns
While all other interests have been we'll
cared for, the greatest Of all interests has
been overlooked. A few years since law
WAS enacted to encourage the organizing of
county agricultural societies, and a small sum
Of money! few hundred dollars-was an
propHated for their support. Societies were
organized under that law, in nearly all the
counties in the State, and agriculture receiv-
ed fresh impetus from these societies vet
in few years legislature of farmers repeal
ed that law, and | do not wonder that the
gentleman from Cavendish Mr.. Deane
should throw this in the face Of the farmers
in this house. The state is none the poorer
for any money she may have paid for the sup
port Of agricultural societies. | know il TO
be true, that Addison County long since paid
back principal and compound interest by the
increase IN taxable property created by the
improvement made in agriculture through her
agricultural society. Nearly three.fourths Of
the members of this house are farmers. Do
our iuterests, do we. need an agricultural col
lege in this State II we do, If this golden
opportunity is lost, will there ever be anoth.
er as good Can we expect that Congress
will ever make another such land grant
Should not the farmers act unitedly, and "a.
tabush an institution that will be a GROWING
effort for the Advancement Of agriculture ia
our State
Agriculture on our stony aud hard soil is
labotious, but labouous agriculture is
conservative of good moras, and on this &C.
count our State is blessed not because fruit
and grain are yielded without care and tell,
but because IT'S products come rs the reward
of honest industry. Our State is second to
none IN the Union in general intelligence and
good morals. There is natural beauty IN
our State, the Evergreen Mountains. the
clear streams Of water, the high hills green
wi'b foliage aud verdure. the rich valley, the
rocky hillside OF granite, marble and slate,
make up the beautiful landscape. But can
not our State be made even more attractive
TO young men
You improve upon the natural beauty, you
place upon the green hills superior improved
stock bred by skillful hands, you see waving
in our valleys crops Of grain such as skillful
application Of science TO the art Of tilliag will
produce, YOU make the house surroundings
pleasant and beautiful, the nice garden, the
fine orchard, the tasty dwelling, all the home
surroundings such as education aud prosper.
ity will create, and our contented sons will
no longer seek homes 10 the far West or the
GROVE ed city, but remain to improve, enrich
and beauriy our State. Much Of this may be
accomplished oy the establishment Of az In
dependent Agricultural College.