ADVICE TO A YOUNG FARMER. 277 



To prevent random speculations and ruinous project?, 

 xvith their ill consequences of every kind, it may be ob- 

 served, that it is of the very first importance, that per- 

 sons engaged, particularly on a large scale, in the pro- 

 fession of agriculture, should keep correct accounts of 

 all their transactions, profits and losses. The advantages of 

 clear accounts are obvious in every other occupation of life. 

 Persons who are engaged in speculations of merchandize, 

 t(\ any extent, and who are known not to attend to this 

 department, are always supposed to be in dangerous cir- 

 cumstances. But agriculture is erroneously considered 

 by many as an exception to all other species of business, 

 that it may be engaged in without preliminary study, and 

 is capable of being properly conducted, even to a large 

 extent, without any regular accounts, necessary as these 

 are admitted to be in other situations ! 



It is a maxim in the science of agriculture, that by 

 displacing a weed you make room for a useful plant. — 

 The idea may be extended and applied to the habits of 

 men. By exterminating habits of idleness, intempe- 

 rance and litigation, room is left for all those innocesit 

 and useful habits, which insure to the possessor, inde- 

 pendence, and respectability at home and abroad — and 

 the fire-side blessings of harmony and ease. By the 

 substitution of which, on the ruins of those demoralizing 

 practices, which are so prevalent in many parts of our 

 country, the American farmer not only improves his 

 domestic condition, but renders himself worthy of that 

 high rank and distinction in society which both the theo- 

 ry and practice of our government have assigned him, 

 and which alone can render him capable of appreciating 

 the blessings he enjoys, or thankful to the God who 

 gave them. 



The use of ardent spirits can scarcely be indulged in, 

 without the certainty of an injur3^ The system in 

 health requires only nutriment, and the addition of u 

 stim'ilant so powerful as ardent spirits, is foreign to its 

 wants, and of course must be hurtful in its effects. To 

 good health, no addition can be made, and of conse- 

 quence, any change produced must be a recession to- 

 wards disease. 



