mere notion of
opposition, or from a mere whim; others again, simply to agree with, or
differ from, some, who are either in favor or opposed; whilst some must
oppose whatever they themselves do not originate;--and, others again,
have no doubt been led honestly to entertain a distrust which has
finally grown into an opposition, through the influence of
misrepresentations, or from a perversion of facts by those whose
interests, from some cause, are at variance with its success.

But I am quite certain that the whole opposition and indifference to
this Institution, so far as it may come from the farmers themselves, is
unnatural and fictitious, and will soon pass away as does everything
else which is built upon such foundation. It is said by some that "the
Institution has been a mistake from the beginning;" that it "was located
wrong;" that it "was not started right;" that it "has been badly
managed;" and that it "is an expensive concern, and will never pay;" and
a great deal more. But it is very easy to say all this, and yet there
may be very little reality in it, and still less reason.

Let me here say to the objectors and fault-finders,--suppose all this be
true? who _then_ is to blame? Is the Institution itself responsible for
all these mistakes? Or, are they not rather the consequences of
unavoidable and untoward circumstances, magnified and aggravated by
_your_ opposition, and over which its friends and managers could have no
possible control. I admit the probability that the early success of the
College would have been more certainly secured, had an old and highly
cultivated farm been purchased for the purpose; but for this the means
were wanting. You say, perhaps, that College students should not be
required to _clear land and dig stumps_. True; but when the officers and
managers of such an Institution are _compelled_ to do this, and to reach
the end desired as best they may through such means, they are certainly
entitled to all praise, and richly deserve the meed of commendation for
even partial success, and which should be all the dearer to us because
of being reached under such adverse circumstances. That the facilities
which the College now possesses are inadequate to the proper
accommodation of those who wish to avail themselves of its advantages,
and even to the extent of the limited number of students now belonging
to it, is certainly to be regretted. But this is an evil to be overcome
by the patient and per