REMARKS

OF WILLIAM T. M'COUN, THE NEWLY ELECTED PRESIDENT, ON. TAKING THE CHAIR.

Gentlemen of the Society-Brother Farmers:

It is customary on these occasions for the newly elected President, on entering upon the duties of his office, to address the Society. Following this practice, in this respect, I proceed to say a few words.

When our worthy Secretary announced yesterday that an address might be expected from me this evening, I felt some apprehension lest an expectation should be formed of having something like a regular discourse, after the one which has just been delivered by your retiring President. If such was the case, you will have to bear a disappointment, for it is not my intention, nor am I prepared at this time to speak on any of the topics connected with the great cause of agricultural improvementa cause in which all who have the good of their country at heart, cannot but feel deeply interested. I must therefore hold myself in reserve for such an undertaking until some future occasion.

At present I have very little else to do than to give expression to one feeling which is uppermost in my mind, and that is, to thank you, in all sincerity, for the unexpected and distinguished honor you have thought proper to confer on me, by placing me at the head of your noble Society. However diffident I may be in regard to my own fitness for this place, or of my ability to discharge the duties of it in such a manner as shall meet with your approbation, or even satisfy my own mind, I know not how to refuse your request for my services, such as they may be, and I therefore accept the call you have so generously made upon me, to occupy this honorable position, during a brief period.

The Agricultural Society of the great State of New-York has now become one of its most prominent institutions. Under the patronage of its Legislature, it stands pre-eminent among its peers-kindred institutions of other States of the Union. It has moreover obtained for itself, by means of its published Transactions, and the indefatigable labors of its efficient and accomplished Secretary, a degree of celebrity abroad which is scarcely surpassed by that of any similar institution in the European world, where agriculture has long since come to be regarded as one of the most important pursuits that can engage the attention of the scientific and intellectual, as well as the mere physical man.

As one of the means by which all improvements may be promoted that tend to increase the productions of the soil at the least expense to the farmer, it is most ardently to be desired, that this Society, and all others having similar ends in view, should be fostered and perpetuated.

The constantly increasing demands upon the art of husbandry -the great importance of strengthening the hands and aiding the labors of the producer, in order that he may be enabled the better to supply the wants of the consumer, is a matter which we, as officers and members of this Society, now have in charge, and for the success of which we are measurably responsible. Let us not, therefore, neglect the means here entrusted to our keeping, with which to work out the great problem, "how to produce the greatest amount of good to the greatest number."

After the remarks of the president elect, his Excellency, the Governor, offered the following resolution:

Resolved, That the thanks of the Society be presented to the Hon. Alonzo S. Upham, for his able and efficient services as President of the Society during the year, and that the Society hope long to retain him among its most valued friends.

The resolution was unanimously adopted, and the address ordered published in the Transactions.

The Hon. Marshall P. Wilder responded to the call of the Society, and addressed the meeting in some forcible and appropriate remarks.

The meeting was further addressed by Hon. Lewis F. Allen, Gov. King, Hon. Samuel Cheever, Hon. A. B. Dickinson, and Mr. Johnson, Secretary.

On motion of the Hon. E. A. Lawrence, of Queens county, the following resolution was unanimously adopted.

Resolved, That the thanks of the Society be tendered to its officers for the past year, for the faithful manner in which their responsible and arduous duties have been discharged, and which has contributed so greatly to the complete success which has distinguished the operations of the year.

A resolution of thanks to the honorable the Assembly, for the use of the Assembly Chamber, having been adopted,

The Society adjourned.

B. P. JOHNSON, Cor'g Seeretary.