SOLON ROBINSON, 1840 139 



tural improvement, owes to himself and his country, 

 to take immediate measures to introduce improved stock 

 into his neighborhood. 



Let those that are now able, set the example, and those 

 that are less able will surely follow. 



We are all creatures of example ; influenced by the cir- 

 cumstances with which we are surrounded ; and say what 

 you will about "rich and poor," the poor look to the rich 

 for example, and it is the positive duty of the rich to see 

 that they have such examples as American freemen ought 

 to follow. Reader ! I speak now directly to you ! Mark 

 the fearful responsibility that I fix upon you! Let not 

 another day pass over your head, till you inquire whether 

 you are not able to extend the reading of an agricultural 

 journal in your neighborhood? Is there not one poor 

 laborer who would willingly work a day or two for you, 

 if you would procure the paper for him? Are you not 

 able to procure a pair of the improved breed of pigs, or 

 some other stock, and introduce it into your neighbor- 

 hood? You will soon see the leaven work; and it will do 

 your heart good, to see the smiles and hear the congratu- 

 latory expressions that will welcome your efforts in a 

 good cause. 



Try it my friend ; you never will curse the good advice 

 of your old friend, Solon Robinson. 



Lake C. H. la, July 6, 1840. 



Rust 1 in Wheat. 



[Albany Cultivator, 7:129; Aug., 1840] 



[July 13, 1840] 

 Almost total failure of Crop in Northern Indiana 



and Illinois. 

 Messrs. Editors — One month ago, could you have seen 

 this fertile region of too rich land, you would have seen 



1 The origin of rust was long unknown. In recent years it has 

 been discovered that it originates in a fungus attacking the leaves 

 of the common barberry. This is now known to be the aecidiospore 

 stage of the red and black rust (Puccinia graminis) found on 

 wheat, oats, and other kinds of grain and also certain species of 

 grasses. 



