26 AGRICULTURE CONSIDERED 



over and above the expense of culture, and the support 

 of his family, an annual income equal to the interest of 

 one hundred and fifty dollars an acre, — and the farm is 

 still in a state of progressive improvement. The income 

 from 400 acres is now $4000. Mr. Robinson has refused 

 $100 per acre for the whole. 



We might multiply instances of worn-out lands being 

 brought into a highly productive and profitable state, by 

 the new husbandry, were it necessary ; but almost every 

 old-settled district furnishes examples in point. Enough 

 has been shown, or may be seen, to justify us in saying, 

 that, under the new system of husbandry, every acre of 

 arable land, if any where contiguous to navigable waters 

 or a good market, may in a few years be made to yield 

 a nett annual profit, equal to the interest of two hundred 

 dollars. And we may add, that with such an income, 

 and the industry and economy which belong to republi- 

 can habits, there are few employments in life better cal- 

 culated than agriculture to render a man independent 

 in circumstances and in mind, and rich in all the elements 

 of substantial happiness. 



CHAPTER IV. 



AGRICULTURE CONSIDERED AS AN EMPLOYMENT. 



Every provident parent is anxious to see his children 

 settled in some business of Hfe, that promises to confer 

 wealth and respectability ; and every young man, who 

 aims to arrive at future and honorable distinction, is anx- 

 ious to select that employment which is most likely to 

 realize his wishes. It is with a view to enable both pa- 

 rent and son to act wisely in this matter, that we pro- 

 pose to point out some of the advantages which agricul- 

 ture holds out to those who embark in its pursuits. 



We propose to consider agricultural employment under 

 the following heads : — 



§ 1. As a means of obtaining wealth ; 



