The Caledonian

For the Caledonian.

Derby, Orleans County, Dec. 8, 1843.

DEAR SIR:—On reading a notice in your paper of the 5th inst., of a meeting to be holden at Coventry, on the second Tuesday of January next, for the purpose of forming a County Agricultural Society, a few thoughts have been suggested to my mind, which may do no harm if published—Altho', we of Vermont have hitherto done comparatively nothing that might have been done in improving our soil, stock and other privileges, yet we have done, and seen, enough to convince us that improvements may be made and our property and conveniences increased.

This slow and uncertain march of improvement might have answered in carrying ourselves comfortably through the world regardless of posterity, had not the searching ambition and inventive genius of our countrymen in a measure prevented the order of nature. More, and brought almost the whole of our great and fertile country except Vermont, as it were, by magic, to our markets, and thus making a greater disparity of privileges than could be foreseen. Isolated as we are, then, from the rest of the world, all will see, that our only way of escape is by the same inventions and improvements by which others have been profited. The most sterile soils have been made gardens. Mountains have been brought low and the richest mines discovered in their midst—the most isolated and deserted regions have been brought upon the borders of our great cities by canals and railroads.

To attain to this desirable object, I venture to say, that union in effort, harmony in action, and perseverance, are indispensable. I have said, and still say, if the inhabitants of the town in which I reside had always acted upon the principle, "help one another," since its settlement, half a century, it would now be a complete garden, whereas, it is as remote as one from a thousand. It seems to me, however humiliating to confess, that envy is a very prominent ingredient of human nature and the greatest hindrance to improvement and happiness. Hence arises strife—& hence are centred all the elements of disorganization.

But I did not think when I commenced this article of running into such a train of thought, tho', it may do no harm—I merely designed inviting, urging every man in Orleans County, who can wield a hoe and who values his own interest and comfort, to meet at the time and place designated, and do all he can to encourage the object contemplated. We may be antipodes in politics and many other questions which agitate the public mind, but I see no reason why "union and harmony" should not be our motto and rallying point in our pecuniary affairs. I would suggest the propriety of forming sub-societies, or auxiliary, to that of the county, in each town, for the purpose at least, of delegation and report. I would also suggest the importance of circulating papers through the whole county as soon as may be for membership at 25 cents each. I have no doubt, let this small sum be constituted a full membership, but a much greater number, interest and sum may be embraced, than if a larger sum be required. I have made these suggestions, through this medium, partly because circumstances will probably prevent my attendance at the meeting notified, and partly because I shall probably leave this county in a few months, but still feel a deep interest in its prosperity. It may be thought, in this communication, I have assumed a consequence that does not belong to me. In answer, I would merely say, I claim only to be one equal, indivisible constituent party of the whole county, and ask every man to count himself of the same consequence—equal to any other.

Yours resp'y,
N. COLBY.