farmers' miscellany. 297 



as that term is generally understood, but it is, in the first place, a 

 science which the mind must comprehend, before the hand can ex- 

 ecute it. 



FRUIT TREES. 



Instead of continuing the old practice of having alternate bear- 

 ing and barren years, for fruit trees, those who cultivate them would 

 do well to note this fact: When young trees come into bearing for 

 the first time, about the time the fruit is setting, if the most of it 

 is taken off, and this continued for a few years in succession leav- 

 ing every year about the same quantity on the trees, they will, by 

 the time they have become of sufficient size to be profitable, ac- 

 quire the habit of bearing ever j^ year. 



A FRAGMENT. 



We may estimate the worth and truth of any system of philoso- 

 phy by the value which that system places upon life ; or we may 

 estimate it by another standard, and may ask what are its tenden- 

 ;ies ; if its tendency is to exalt God, the maker and ruler of the 

 miverse, then a priorij we should say of that philosophy, that it 

 s true. Again, if the tendency of a system is also such that it 

 »romotes the happiness of man, its truth may also be considered 

 s at least probable. If the life of man, if the interests of man, if 

 he interests and happiness of man is valued in it, and promoted 

 ,iy it, we can scarcely be justified in charging upon such a philoso- 

 phy a foundation in error. Inquire then, within yourself, what 

 iffect a system of philosophy or creed has upon your views of 

 rod, of the happiness of man, whether it has lessened or whether 

 tends to lessen him in your estimation and make you reckless of 

 fe and happiness 1 then we believe, by this test, you may render 

 n answer both as to its value and its truth. 



VOL. I. NO. II. H 



