o 



04 



barren learning, in an age that boasts of progress, and among a people where the 

 utility and the equality of education — at least of that education which is, in part, 

 a gift of the Nation and the State — should be the first principles settled in all 

 legislation. 



If the funds provided by the general Governm'ent should prove insufficient to 

 pay professors in all the colleges at which a practical education is given to the 

 eons of practical men, then let the State supply the deficiency, and provide all 

 the necessary lands, buildings, stock, apparatus, &c., ckc. ; and require the pupil 

 in your agricultural schools, to pay his own board, at least by his own daily labor 

 on the farm, or in the farm yard, or work shops. 



Six or eight hours daily labor in summer, and half as much in winter, will not 

 be found nnich more than the health of farmers' sons will require, at school; and 

 certainly not more than will be necessary to give them the practical lessons 

 which they should receive, along with the regular course of scientific instruction; 

 and half as much labor, properly directed, will support the young farmer at a 

 well endowed Institution. 



I am aware that I have suggested a giant stride; and yet " the young giant of 

 the West" is fully equal to such steps — and from some of her acts, we may con- 

 clude that the " Badger State'' is as apt as any, in the great West, to strike out 

 a track for herself, instead of following the beaten path of time-honored error, 

 or the crooked one of old time, and present time, political and educational 

 wiseacres — who, with all their learning, and all their pretensions to democratic 

 progress, are, in reality, a half century behind the wants and the wishes of the age 

 in which we live. 



Now, Sir, I have given you the rapid thoughts of a day, sketched without 

 forethought, as without method ; and in such chirography as may not be easily 

 deciphered. 



With the warmest feelings and hopes for the success of your young State 

 Society, and the cause of agricultural advancement, and practical education in 

 the West, and throughout the Union, 



I am, dear Sir, 



Hastily, but cordially, yours, 



JOHN A. KENNICOTT. 

 To Albert C. Ingham, Esq. 



Sec. of the Wis. State Agr. Society. 



