358 NATURAL AND CIVIL 



useful and curious branches of natural history 

 and philosophy. With these the husbandman 

 is daily cultivating an increasing acquaintance ; 

 and his information becomes a practical and ex- 

 perimental science, far more improving to the 

 mind and beneficial to societ}', than the theoret- 

 ic tables or speculations of philosophers on such 

 subjects. In such respects agriculture seems 

 to have an advantage over other professions. 



On what is the whole system of American 

 Republicanism, founded ? Does it in fact de- 

 pend on a system of political checks, balances, 

 and arrangements ; artificially contrived not to 

 set the machine in motion, but to prevent its 

 going wrong ? Can any thing of this nature 

 jTorm the inclinations, sentiments, and pursuits 

 of men ? Will not these be unavoidably con- 

 nected with their circumstances, situations, and 

 emplovments ? And will not agriculture go 

 further to form the desires,, opinions, and habits 

 of men, than any other employment ? Other 

 kinds of business and professions, are confes- 

 sedly useful and necessaiy ; and will have their 

 influence, on the spirit and genius of the gov- 

 ernment. But when the body of the people are 

 the owners of the lands, and do the labor of 

 husbandry, is there not an extensive and per- 

 manent cause for republicanism, in such a sitUr 

 ation and employment ? Will not such men al- 

 ways be in favor of so much government as will 

 do justice, protect property, and defend the 

 country ? And M'ill they not always be averse 

 to the distinctions of monarchy, nobility, the 

 powers of an established church, and army ? 

 May we not then venture to say that the Ameri- 



