io6 A Walk from 



minating magnitude, he acquired by farming. The 

 mental culture, the generous dispositions, the refined 

 manners, the graceful and manly bearing which made 

 him one of the first gentlemen of the age, he acquired 

 as a farmer. The mansion which welcomed to its easy 

 and large-hearted hospitalities guests of such distinction 

 from his own and other countries, was a farmer's home, 

 and few ever opened their doors to more urbanity and 

 cordial cheer. This is an aspect of his character which 

 all those who follow the profession he honored should 

 admire with a laudable esprit de corps. 



As a back-ground is an important element in the 

 portraiture of human forms or natural scenery, so the 

 ground on which the life and labors of Jonas Webb 

 should be sketched, merits a few preliminary lines. Of 

 all the occupations that employ and sustain the toiling 

 myriads of our race, agriculture leans closest to the 

 bosom of Divine Providence. It is an industry bound 

 to the great and beautiful economies of the creation by 

 more visible and sensible ties than any other worked by 

 human hands. We will not here diverge to dwell upon 

 these high and interesting affiliations. In their place 

 we will give them a little extended thought. There is 

 one feature of agricultural enterprize, however, that 

 should not be overlooked in this connection. All its 

 operations are above-board and open to the wide world, 



