5 



II. The character of good HusBANDi^fc, as connected 

 with their social, civil and moral duties. 



I. The character of good Husbandry. 



The first characteristic of good husbandry, is to cul- 

 tivate well. 



It has never yet been ascertained, to what extent the 

 earth is susceptible of culture, nor the amount it is ca- 

 pable of producing. Much depends on climate, and the 

 nature and qualities of the soil ; but 7nore depends on 

 cidtivation. No field has ever jet been so highly culti- 

 vated, that it was not capable of higher improvement. 

 In England, the most highly cultivated soil in Europe, 

 there are about two acres and one third of improved 

 land, to one individual ; in France, nearly four ; within 

 the limits of this Society, more than seven. Agriculture 

 can hardly be said to have begun its progress, in any 

 country ; especially, in the United States. Much is yet 

 to be learned, and taught, and done^ on our best hus- 

 banded lands. 



Assuming as the ratio, that each acre now cultivated, 

 may be made to produce only twice its present crop, 

 — and this falls far short of the truth — it may be made 

 to yield a much greater increase : then cultivating well 

 will save 



1. Capital, The culture of fifty acres will be equal 

 to that of one hundred ; and fifty acres will cost but half 

 as much. 



In every enterprise, the amount of capital required 

 enters into the calculation of gain or loss. And this is 

 of no small account to a young New England farmer; 

 whose capital chiefly consists in his muscular strength, 

 his bold and enterprising spirit, and his moral habits. 



2. Cidtivating well saves labor. But half (he time is 



