ELEVATION OF AGRICULTURE AS A PURSUIT. 249 



followed wholly as a means of support and of profit, and in some 

 cases as a struggle for life. 



But there are innumerable other cases, in which men have the 

 power, under the most favorable circumstances, and I am most 

 anxious they should have likewise the disposition, to devote 

 themselves to it as an elegant and liberal profession, worthy of 

 a mind gifted even with the finest taste, and enriched by the 

 highest cultivation. The United States present not many 

 examples of very great wealth, at least when estimated by the 

 standard of wealth which prevails in England, where, indeed, are 

 to be found individual accumulations which distance all the 

 dreams of Oriental magnificence. But, on the other hand, no 

 country upon the globe, and no condition of things since the 

 establishment of society, ever presented more favorable oppor 

 tunities than the United States for any one, by active and 

 wholesome industry, and a proper frugality, to acquire a com 

 petence, and that respectable independence, in which, with a full 

 supply for the necessities of life, and an abundant provision for 

 its comforts, there will be found within reach as many of the 

 elegances, and ornaments, and luxuries of life, as a well-disci 

 plined and healthful state of mind can require. I have seen too 

 frequently such beautiful examples in our country villages, and 

 scattered over several parts of a land in many respects favored 

 by Heaven above every other, not to be deeply impressed with 

 a condition of life which, where its blessings are properly and 

 gratefully appreciated, seems to leave little more on earth for a 

 rational and reflecting, a benevolent and truly religious mind to 

 ask. Happy is it where its waters are not poisoned by an 

 insatiate avarice, nor disturbed and thrown into confusion by 

 ambition of political office or distinction, or a feverish thirst for 

 notoriety and excitement ; but in a quiet, yet not stagnant repose, 

 they reflect every where the tokens of that divine goodness, 

 which seems in such examples to have poured out its richest 

 earthly treasures. Now, I am anxious that agriculture should 

 occupy that place among the liberal professions, to which it can 

 be raised, and to which, from its importance, it is entitled. But 

 this can only be done by improving the education of farmers as 

 a class, by multiplying, through the means of a most liberal and 

 extended education, the charms of the country, and the subjects 

 of interest which would be constantly more and more developed 



