§38 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES. 



is quite different with respect to the mechanic arts, some of 

 which demand the assiduous and well instructed preparation of 

 years to acquire the power to produce the most ordinary and 

 usable fabrics which it is their appropriate business to furnish 

 to the community. What a difference between the mechanical 

 ingenuity necessary to frame a dwelling-house, and that re- 

 quired to prepare the ground for planting ! What superiority of 

 mental and manual pliability is employed in the construction 

 of a watch, over that bestowed on the use of the spade and the 

 sickle! Those wooden clocks which New England pedlers 

 sell in Nova Scotia, and which need one hand and a crank to 

 turn the wheels, are specimens of workmanship, which exhibit 

 the results of a much more lengthened and devoted prepara- 

 tion, than the use of any implement of agriculture whatever. 

 There is scarce any branch of mechanic art, or of manufacture, 

 the training and practice of which do not necessarily call into 

 action more of the mental attributes of man, than the common 

 operations of the field. Now the exercise of the intellect in 

 one direction gives strength to all the powers. The discipline 

 of the understanding in any form adds to its general tone, elas- 

 ticity and extent ; and thus the employment of those engaged 

 in the mechanic arts, has given them an advantage over those 

 who are occupied in the more simple labors or rural industry. 

 When we consider the difference in the nature and mental in- 

 fluence of these two classes of pursuits, we see some reason fo? 

 the opinion which has gained prevalence, that those who be- 

 stow their attention exclusively upon soil, arc less active in 

 their intellectual habits, less inquisitive, have less aptitude for 

 making improvements, or adopting those suggested by others, 

 than those who have devoted themselves to other branches of 

 manual labor. 



There are some kinds of manufactures that exert the same 

 influence in a more indirect form. The powers that move 

 them, render their operations exceedingly rapid and exciting. 

 The incessant whirl and noise of the machinery, the quick 

 movement on the part of those who exercise superintendence 

 to supply the material for process, and regulate the work, the 

 close attention demanded, the regularity and precision and 



