322 NORFOLK SOCIETY. 



one thousand millions of dollars, it is estimated, would not 

 more than restore to their primitive richness and strength, the 

 arable lands of the United States, which already have been par- 

 tially exhausted of their fertility ; and that, should this prodi- 

 gal system continue to the close of the present century, the 

 natural fertility of all the remaining American territory, will, 

 long before that period, have been abstracted. Says Dr. Lee, 

 in his report to the secretary of the interior, " it is only a ques- 

 tion of time, when this truly spendthrift course, this abuse of 

 the goodness of Providence, shall meet its inevitable punish- 

 ment." 



From the sad effects of such an error, Europe is just recover- 

 ing under the influence of judicious cultivation, and of her agri- 

 cultural schools, now scattered all over the continent. By the 

 aid of these, she expects not much longer to need foreign sup- 

 plies to feed her swarming millions ; and science may enable 

 her to fulfil the prophecy of one of her political economists, 

 who predicts, that she will yet be able to return bread stuffs to 

 this boasted granary of the world. 



The true independence of a people consists, in a great 

 measure, upon their ability to produce, from their own labor, all 

 the necessaries and comforts of life. It is, therefore, sound pol- 

 icy to introduce and foster any species of industry, which is 

 well adapted to the condition and wants of a community, but 

 we must not forget that agriculture is the basis upon which 

 all the other industrial pursuits must ultimately rest ; and, that 

 in proportion to the ability which a country possesses, to fur- 

 nish the means of subsistence to its inhabitants, will ever be, 

 jif we may trust the history of the past, the ratio of its wealth 

 .and prosperity. 



With the view which we have taken of the increase of pop- 

 ulation, and the present condition of agriculture, is it not man- 

 ifestly the duty of all associations like this, to enlarge their 

 fields of usefulness, and by all practicable measures to awaken, 

 ■ if possible, a deeper interest in improvement, and a more ear- 

 nest desire for intelligence respecting the best modes of hus- 

 bandry ? 



In the hope of increasing efi'orts, for the advancement of 

 I these objects, and to enable agriculture to progress simultane- 



