20 IMPROVEMENT OF OUR AGRICULTURE. 



cumulated treasure of ages, and, in too many instances 

 we fear, exhausting that fertility which of right belongs 

 to coming ages. Like causes will produce the same effects 

 in the west, that we now deplore in the east. The ocean 

 would in time become exhausted, were it not for the 

 streams which are constantly flowing into its bosom. 

 The soil will become barren by constant cropping, unless 

 we give back to it some of the fertilizing matters, which 

 crops are continually taking from it. 



The truth is, we have regarded the soil as a kind moth- 

 er, expecting her always to give, give, without regarding 

 her ability to give. We have expected a continuance 

 of her bounties, though we have abused her kindness, 

 and disregarded her maternal admonitions. We have 

 managed the culture of the soil as a business requiring 

 mere animal power, rather than as one in which the intel- 

 lect could be brought largely to co-operate. We have 

 not gone into the principles of science — of cause and 

 effect — the laws of Nature, which are certain and immu- 

 table, and which must ever have a controlling influence 

 over the soil and its manifold productions. Like prodi- 

 gal sons of wealth, we have gone on recklessly wasting 

 the treasures intrusted to our care, for the use of coming 

 generations. 



But there is a redeeming spirit abroad. The lights of 

 science are beaming upon the agricultural world, and dis- 

 sipating the clouds of superstitious ignorance which have 

 so long shrouded it in darkness. The causes which have 

 for some time been actively operating to improve the 

 condition of the other arts, and to elevate the character 

 of those who conduct them, are extending their influence 

 to agriculture. A new and better system of husbandry is 

 coming into vogue, which has already been productive of 

 great good, and which promises many new comforts and 

 blessings to ourselves and children. 



