Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1869-01-20

field.
GENTLEMEN, DREoroPs AND MEMBERS OF TUE
VERMONT STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY,";
| do not know who introduced the idea
that each retiring president Of this society
should deliver a valedctory address upon its
state and welfare, but, whoever he was, al
though he may have meant well, will not
receive an unanimous vote of thanks for so
doing for | find myself rather short for ma
terials to frame a suitable discourse for the
present occasion. But as the order is per-
cmptory--as there can be no backing out
| shall comply with the command, consoling
myself with the reflection that my successors
must pass through the same ordeal my pre-
deccssor, Judge Coburn, having led of in
this direction.
| can, with great propriety, congratulate
the members Of this society upon the favor
able auspices under which we find ourselves
after eighteen annual exhibitions From q
small beginning in Middcbury, in the year
ls5l, we have grown and prosporcd beyond
our most sanguine expectations. Then, with
great fear of a failure unaided by State pat
ronage, we gathered ourselves together in old
Addison county which was, and is now, the
leading county in this commonwealth for choice
stock and formed union among our promi-
nent agriculturists, that has been Of great
practical utility to our whole people.
Well can we remember our first beginning,
when the venerable " Uncle David as he
was familiarity called, declared that if we
would hold fair he would cover the ground
with black hawks" and which was almost
literally fulfilled 1t being an experiment,
no premiums Of money were awarded but
each and all took pride in exhibiting their
first class animals, and Wed with each other
in presenting everything that goes to make a
successful fair.
These eighteen years have been very pleas
ant and profitable to me- and think | but
speak the mind of every member present,
when say they have been so to them, for we
have labored together with an eye single to
the growth and prosperity Of this society, be-
lieving its influence would be felt for good
all over our goodly land. And it has been SO.
Go where you WILL east, west north and
south, and you will find men that point with
pride and enthusiasm TO the excellent fairs
held in our noble State, and to the matchess
sheep and horses we have exhibited. In years
TO come should Providence permit | shall
look hack mon the time snent in vour society.
as among the manifest and brightest in nv
earthly pilgrimage.
During the number Of years Of cruel and
bloodv war inangurated and continued bv a
rcboliions neonle and Who ondeavorod IN dis.
member this glorious union. onr society did
not make much nrogress. but. mike man,
State organizations we have never failed Of
holding orr annual fairs rs the vears rolled
round Nor did we ever refuse to nav IN,
premiums we had promised. And now. afte,
eighteen wears of experiment. we can poin
with nridc and satisfaction To our last exhibi
tion. held in the oueen citv. as boine oui
. ,levol host - N use n western nhrose so adj
mit,ed bv all with whom I have CONVERSE
mon tbe subject, s It was indeed n success
the credit being due to no one member of hi
society. but 10 ali connected with il. Grea
nraise should he awarded the cnternrisin,
citizens Of Burlington for their nrompt an,
jealous efforts in furnishing the means. an,
nrcnaring and fitting nm he ground. for ou
reception, Justly can they point to thei
snlcndid bu;ld;ngs and Announcements an,
claim all the honor Of them They wer
finely advanced and 7 tbink I can in bebnl
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