1856.] Promotmi of Scientific Agriculture. 281 



will be sure to receive like investigation. If, then, letters be the object 

 of pursuit, let no one stop at a mere smattering. If the sciences are to 

 be studied, let their study not, as now, generally', be a mockery ; but let 

 them be examined in their bearings and relations, and if practicable, 

 let them be so applied as to give visibility and tangibility to what other- 

 wise would be received as a mere abstraction of mathematics, and not 

 so easily remembered — mere useless lumber. By such application, the 

 habit alluded to will be most successfully gained, and its importance 

 manifested. 



If the time can not be increased, and in these days of railroads, it is 

 to be feared it will be found impracticable, there must be discrimination 

 as to what shall be studied, having some regard to the tastes, talents 

 and pursuits of those who are to be instructed, instead as now of forcing 

 the same studies and investigations upon all, indiscriminately, under 

 penalty of exclusion from academic honors. 



AYhile the scope for mental discipline and investigation is so extensive, 

 the fields of human knowledge so numerous, so rich and so varied, and 

 our means so ample, we see no reason, if a proper course were pursued, 

 why the number of zealous aspirants and seekers after knowledge, might 

 not be greatly multiplied. Such result the genius of our government 

 makes desirable, and the well-being and perpetuity of our institutions 

 imperiously demand. We need, and must have, for the means of higher 

 mental cultivation, and, at the same time, a manly, practical training 

 of the sons of our American citizens, who ar to live and act among the 

 most democratic people on earth, a class of institutions different essen- 

 tially from such as are now enjoyed by us. 



Whatever may be said of individuals, there can be but a limited 

 number, as facts abundantly attest, who are disposed to spend that por- 

 tion of life set apart for study, in minute researches into the niceties of 

 ancient literature, or the forces of Greek particles, or in the composition 

 of Latin verse, even granting this to be the best means of mental dis- 

 cipline that can be devised. Against such employment of time, under 

 certain circumstances, we have nothing to say. Neither would we under- 

 value the labors of the classic antiquarian and philologist, but regard 

 them as far more important, and appreciate them more highly, than 

 most are willing to admit. But what we would most protest against is, 

 to compel all to travel the same road, or be regarded as inferiors, and 

 treated as such, irrespective of the highest scientific and other attain- 

 ments. 



When we take into view our circumstances and condition, that we 

 live on a continent new and fresh from the hand of God, amid trans 



