No. 63.] 55 



the pale of Christianity and modern civilization, who have attained a 

 remarkable degree of skill in certain branches of husbandry. The 

 aborigines of South America and Mexico practiced irrigation upon a 

 scale, and with a perfection of detail, not surpassed in any modern 

 improvements. The Spaniards, superior to them in the art of war, 

 overcame them in battle, but have not equaled them in skillful and in- 

 dustrious tillage. 



Throughout all those immense reo;ions of British India, where the 

 indomitable perseverance and courage of the Anglo-Saxons have sub- 

 jected millions to the control of thousands, the conqueror has learn- 

 ed more than he has been able to impart of practical wisdom directed 

 to the cultivation of the soil. A high cultivation, accompanied by 

 the use of irrigation and mineral and vegetable applications, has there 

 carried the productive powers of the earth to a point never yet at- 

 tained in those parts of the globe claiming to be more enlightened. 



In ancient Egypt, the results were, if possible, more extraordinary. 

 There, not only agricultural productions, but the imperishable monu- 

 ments of art, surpass even the comprehension of modern science. 



Coming down to the early days of the Christian era, we find the 

 Roman writers abounding in sound precepts and suggestions, which 

 even now might be adopted with advantage. Nearly the whole of 

 Varro might be read with profit by our modern farmers. True, it is 

 often tinged with a superstition now happily discarded, and relates to 

 a state of society and government, widely differing from our free in- 

 stitutions. 



But in all that relates to tillage, to the preparation and application 

 of manures, his suggestions accord with the views of our best modern 

 practical farmers. In the classification of mineral and vegetable ma- 

 nures, such as lime, marl, and many varieties of compost, he gives to 

 each the relative value which has been affixed by the most profound 

 chemical analysis. 



If it is somewhat discouraging to look back and find ourselves but 

 little in advance of the remotest times, in many departments of cur 

 profession, we may, at least, congratulate ourselves that we live in an 

 age when agriculture is in the ascendant. It is no longer given up to 

 serfs and slaves, as the fitting occupation of the most ignorant por- 

 tions of the community. It now takes its rank among the honora- 

 ble and elevating pursuits of industry. To follow the plow and tend 

 the flock, is no longer, here at least, the mark of ignorance and servi- 



