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II

upon which all the arts and science lean for support. Encouraging this necessary and advantageous pursuit of the citizen, by every provision calculated to elevate its character and extend its influence, is the obvious duty of the legislator and the patriot, at all times and in every government. In our own State particularly, when so vast and extent of territory, well adapted to the purposes of the husbandman, lies unoccupied and unimproved, much may be done towards the increase of agricultural resources, by a liberal policy in legislation.

To the actual settlers, every facility which does not involve a positive expense to the public Treasury, ought to be extended. An abundant recompense for it will be found in the acquisition which it will secure to the population and consequently to the aggregate wealth of the State. An enlargement of the existing number of Agriculturists within a State is also the most effectual method of preparing in time of peace for the exigencies of a state of war, a principle which enters into the policy of every prudent administration of government. In all ages, and in all counties, in which civilization has made any progress, men identified with the soul, and having an actual interest in its riches and its resources, have invariably been found among the ablest in its defense various considerations combine to awaken in them a fever of patriotism and to induce a sincerity of purpose, which do not operate upon citizens whose attachment to the soil is founded only on accidental or transitory circumstances.

Believing this subject to be of great and increasing importance to the prosperity of our State, it will give me pleasure gentlemen to co-operate with you in any course of measures, which your wisdom may devise for its direct encouragement, and I cannot forbear to invite the exercise of the utmost liberality on your part, that may be thought consistent with your power as legislators.

A foundation may be laid for great increase of wealth in our State, by disseminating practical