the stantlard of education in the subordinate institu-
tions. Few towns, if any, in the country, have afforded a larger
number of young men for a collegiate education, in proportion to
their population, than many of the towns in Addison Count3^
It may be mentioned as an evidence of the peaceable and orderly
character, as well as prosperity of the inhabitants, that courts of
justice have less business 'in this County, in proportion to its popu-
lation, than in any otlier County. No person has ever been
convicted of a capital oflence in the County. Four have been
tried for murder, one in 1815 and one in 1825 ; but both were con-
victed of only manslaughter. Another was since tried twice, but the
jury failed irt both cases to ag|'ee on a verdict, and he was dis-
charged ;to bear in mind, that there is danger from this source
to the whole country, and that a serious responsibility rests upon
the people in the rural and agricultural districts, like the County of
Addison, in relation to them. The influence of large commercial
towns is gradually extending itself over the country for evil, as
well as for good. The evil influence may, and should be counter-
acted by an influence from the country. A large proportion of the
teachers and influential professional and business men, and of the
annual increase of the population, in the large towns, are educated
in, and are emigrants from the country. There is besides a constant
HISTORY or ADDISON COUNTY. 125
iutercoiu'se and mutual influence going on bet^vecn the city and
country. jFrom the distinguished advantages enjoyed by the rural
districts, it is, '^ve think,