296 Memoir of Arthur Young,. Esq. 



the illumination of science. The food of plants and progress 

 of vegetation, and the secret powers by which the ambient air 

 shakes from its breezy wings the wonders of fertility ; the chain 

 of hidden fire that connects the vegetation of a plant with the 

 lightning that flashes in the heavens, are unfolded to him who 

 is curious to fathom the depths of this noble science, that, with 

 an endless variety, suffers no minute to pass heavily in its 

 progress, but presents, to every cultivated mind, an incessant 

 renovation of never-failing pleasures." Having examined agri- 

 culture as a pursuit of life, he proceeds to speak of its merit 

 in harmonizing with the views of a family, " almost all other 

 occupations that strongly attract the mind, exclude a woman 

 from all participation, and are, for that reason, if for no other, 

 perfectly good for nothing ; but many of them dp more than 

 exclude, for they not only prevent her from associating in the 

 amusements of her husband, but they abridge or prevent those 

 that are properly her own : the question then that remains for 

 an amiable woman to reflect on is, what pursuit will come 

 nearest to her wishes ? — And is it possible, ye Fair ! that a 

 doubt or hesitation can enter your minds ? If your happiness 

 depends on that of the man you have taken to your bosom, 

 every argument which calls on him to make the choice, calls 

 equally on you to second it : the empire of a virtuous mistress 

 is the magic charm of love — a spell more powerful than all the 

 fables of enchantment — enjoyment scatters the delusion. The 

 silken chain by which the wife must continue her dominion, 

 is spun from the finest threads of feeling that connect congenial 

 bosoms. Gentleness and suavity, cheerfulness and good humour, 

 will make time stand still on your brow, and prove in the eye 

 of that friendship, into which passion can subside, a perpetual 

 renovation of your charms." 



In 1785 his mother died, for whom he entertained the most 

 sincere affection, and he always mentioned her name with the 

 warmest expressions of gratitude. Posterity too ought, in 

 justice, to consecrate her memory. It has been somewhere 

 said, that celebrated men have more frequently been indebted 

 to the mother, than the father, for the formation of that peculiar 



