when no farmer will covet the distinction of having been among
the number of the enemies of this Institution.

The advantages of our Agricultural College, in connection with an
experimental farm, are too obvious to every intelligent mind to require
that I should occupy your time in dwelling upon them. And, when I speak
of an experimental farm, I do not mean a mere model farm, by which a
specimen of good farming only is exhibited; but, like this, a farm
embracing a variety of soils--adapted to an extensive range of
experiments--and where the value of the different kinds of grain may be
tested, as well as the relative advantages of different modes of
tillage; the relative effect and value, by actual trial, as well as by
analysis, of various manures as fertilizers; and the economy of labor;
as well as the comparative value of the different breeds of cattle,
sheep, horses, swine, &c., &c., with a view to the introduction and
dissemination among the farmers of the State, of such as should prove
the most profitable; or of such as could be most successfully used for
obtaining the most desirable grades. Such a farm as this, under the
efficient and skillful management of its present able and persevering
Superintendent, cannot fail to be of very great benefit to the farmers
of this State, and should, both as a matter of duty to others and of
interest to themselves, receive their united and generous support. And I
am firmly of the opinion that when they shall afford this Institution
such aid, it will soon become one of the first among our noble
institutions of learning, and will be a just cause of pride, not merely
to the farmers themselves, but to every intelligent person throughout
the whole extent of our noble State.

And now let me invoke, for the future prosperity and success of this
College, not merely the liberality of the farmers--or what they may
regard as such--in the payment of a trifling tax for its maintenance,
but what is of equal importance, and which it has a right to demand in
justice to itself--their earnest advocacy of its claims.

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE STUDENTS.

But I have already, I fear, trespassed quite too far upon your patience,
and should, perhaps, before this, have relieved you from further
infliction. Yet seeing before me, many--if not all--of the students of
this College, I must beg your indulgence for a moment longer, whilst I
address to them a very few remarks.

Let me say, then, to you, youn