No. 112.] ^ 29 



were as manfully given as ever fell on " hauberk, casque or 

 shield." The system they pursued was wisely adapted to the 

 then condition of the country, and if we do our duty as well, and 

 are as sagacious in improving our advantages as they were, we shall 

 soon see great improvement not only in agriculture, but in all 

 the arts of life. 



I have given this sketch of the past, not only because it is of 

 historical interest, but also because it brings out more strongly, 

 by contrast, what I conceive to be the important principles of ag- 

 ricultural economy at the present time, and which will continue 

 to grow more essential in the future. 



The extension of facilities for conveying the productions of our 

 soil to the markets of our own country and those of the commer- 

 cial world, has not only enlarged the area of agricultural pursuits, 

 by giving to our farmers an unlimited, cash market, but has also 

 made essential to success certain principles which would have 

 been injurious during the period I have described. 



It involves many considerations of great interest and value, 

 deeply affecting the social and economical conduct of agricultural 

 labor. At an eai'ly period, '^ production for self consumption," 

 was the leading purpose ; now no farmer would find it profitable 

 "to do every thing within himself." He now sells for money, and it 

 is his interest to buy for money, every article that he cannot pre duce 

 cheaper than he can buy. He can not afford to make at home 

 his clothing, his furniture, or his farmiug utensils : he bu)s many 

 articles for consumption for his table. He produces that which 

 he can raise and sell to the best advantage, and he is in a situa- 

 tion to buy all that he can purchase, cheaper than he can produce. 

 Time and labor have become cash articles, and he neither lends 

 nor barters them. His farm does not now merely affbid him a 

 subsistence; it produces capifal, and therefore demands the ex- 

 penditure of capital for its improvement. 



An extended cash market also enables liim to simplify his 

 processes. He can now take advantage of the principle which 

 lies at the foundation of success in commercial and manufiscturing 

 pursuits, of " doing one thing; doing it extensively and well." 

 It is true that the necessity for rotation of crops and improve- 



