232 MONTHLY JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE. 



life when the character is taking its set, under competent and high-spirited in- 

 structors — proud of their profession, from consciousness of the importance attached 

 to it, and the enjoyment of the respect to which it is above ail others entitled — 

 would so imbue his son with the love of books that he would never he cured of 

 the holy thirst for the knowledge and the entertainment they contain. They 

 would be his readiest and best companions in the many leisure hours incident to 

 every condition of life, and his stead in hours of conftnement and sickness. To 

 them, instead of the dice-box or the bottle, or idle and frivolous conversation, he 

 would turn as the best refuge against the pains of indolence, and the dissipation 

 to which indolence drives men as against that which is worse than sickness or 

 the sword. With an increased love of books, Avhich this much more insight into 

 books of a proper character would give, all opportunities of intellectual improve- 

 ment would be seized upon with avidity. In a word, our whole population, as a 

 mass, would be elevated in useful knowledge and a just apprehension of their 

 rights. Demagogues of every party would be banished from the public councils, 

 and legislators would willingly, or be forced to, respect the interests of Agricul- 

 ture, as the primary interest of every country ; and you would not tind any man 

 so poor, so penurious, or so benighted as to grudge 50 cents to sustain an A?ri- 

 cultural Society ; and the landed interest, instead of being kept down at the foot, 

 would be placed at the head of all public concerns in the esteem of the people, 

 and the care and consideration of Government. nkmo. 



P. S. Let me give warning, Mr. Editor, that these Saratoga farmers had better 

 " keep an eye to windward " next summer. There may be a " chiel among 'em 

 takin' notes," when they little dream of it ; and if their good housewives will onlv 

 give him a bowl of fresh buttermilk, he will teach them how to raise ducks, and 

 " no mistake .' " 



SILLIMAN'S AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND ARl. 



Of this profound work of science, with which we are regularly favored as it 

 appears, Ave can only say, that it has served at once to do honor and disparage- 

 ment to the country — honor, in showing that we have men of genius and ac- 

 quirement employed with ardor and the most disinterested and honorable ambi- 

 tion in exploring and laying under contribution the various kingdoms of xiseful 

 knowledge ; while the limited patronage it has received heretofore has cast dis- 

 credit on the country. The able Editor must look for requital in the approval 

 of men of learning abroad yet more than at home, to whom his labors have made 

 his name familiar, and to the consciousness of his own high and generous 

 purposes. 



RAVAGES OF THE CATERFILLAR ON THE COTTON CROF.— Wc have re- 

 ceived a letter from a friend in Tchula, (Miss.) dated Sept. 28, 18-lG, from which we learn 

 that 



" The most remarkable evcntof the present year, with us, has been the appearance of the cater- 

 pillar among the cotton. This visitation lias. I believe, been universal over the cotton region, and 

 united with the previous rains, has done immense injury. The crop will undoubtedly be a 

 shorter one than has been known for many years. You could scarcely credit, without actually 

 witnessing, the ertcct of thi.s enemy to the great staple of our country. I do not think I speak 

 rashly, or lar from the truth, when I say there is not a cotton leaf to be found in the country. The 

 fields present the appearance of having been burnt over, and look like old sedge lields. They 

 have destroyed all the latter portion of the crop. I trust the price will in some measure compen- 

 Bate the planter for the deficiency." 

 (472) 



