AGRICULTURE AS A CALLING. 3} 5 



scanned the horizon in all directions, and were thoroughly awako 

 to all the possibilities. Instead of a chronic dread of innovation, 

 they have been alive to the spirit of improvement, and progress 

 has been their watchword. They have not only desired, but they 

 have won success ; gold has flowed into their coffers and they 

 command the services of the strongest intellects and the best 

 executive talent in the laud. Success has given them position 

 and influence, all the more striking in comparison with the posi- 

 tion occupied by agriculturists, and not only has this extended to 

 to the acquisition of wealth and social position, but wealth, intel- 

 ligence and influence have given them political power and control 

 to a far greater extent than their numbers entitle them. 



But how has it been with those engaged in agriculture ? While 

 there are exceptions, and we are happy in the belief that the 

 number is greatly on the increase, the great masses have been 

 governed by a different principle. To a great extent they have been 

 following the old and beaten track, with no liberal and far-seeing 

 policy. They have contented themselves with present acquire- 

 ments with but little thought for future possibilities. Improve- 

 ments and progress have been regarded in too great a degree as 

 innovations; science and taste have been too much ignored, and 

 joyous beauty and sentiment, regarded as at best but a weakness. 



In the departments of theology, law, medicine, commerce, 

 mechanics and the arts and sciences, men are educated for these 

 particular, callings, and whatever will aid their successfully 

 engaging in them is freely given, and when the advantages 

 afforded by our own country are exhausted, foreign travel and 

 schools are added to give the finishing touches. But how many, 

 think you, of the more than 80,000 engaged in agriculture in this 

 State, were dedicated to, and carefully trained for this great 

 work? While a horse for speed and a human being for a prize 

 fight, must receive the most thorough and careful training, our 

 young men are expected to take agriculture in the natural way as 

 they would the mumps and measles. Cases have doubtless come 

 under your own observation, where the fanner has given his children 

 the best advantages for education within his reach, with the desire 

 and expectation that they^would engage in some other calling; or 

 if his means have not been sufficient to educate them all, has 

 selected the most talented and promising for other callings, leaving 

 the dullest and most ignorant to follow the plow. 



