218 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES. 



same, but in different combinations and proportions — less tim- 

 ber, but more intellect. 



The agriculturalist finds aid in another kind of agency, the 

 muscular power of animals, subdued to the yoke, or the har- 

 ness. This is the only kind of locomotive power hitherto used 

 in tillage. The judgment of the farmer is called into exercise 

 to determine which is best fitted for his use, the horse or the ox. 

 In determining this, he must take into consideration the ex- 

 pense of keeping, the accidents and diseases to which they are 

 liable, the variety of uses to which they may be applied. Hav- 

 ing determined which, questions then arise, and they arise as to 

 all his stock, what species are best, and what are the indica- 

 tions for distinguishing the best individuals of that species, and 

 all that relates to the best method of rearing, training, and feed- 

 ing stock. This is a science of itself, and one of the most in- 

 teresting that engages the attention of the farmer. In my il- 

 lustrations thus far, I have not alluded to the subject of rota- 

 tion of crops, fruit trees, treatment of woodlands, draining of 

 wet soils, irrigation of dry, farm buildings, all, or most of which 

 subjects, engage the attention of every farmer; but the above 

 illustrations show how much intellectual labor is combined 

 with the proper tillage of the soil. 



As the laws of nature act always the same, and never change, 

 and as there are no limits to the human mind, in its powers 

 and capabilities of ascertaining these laws, there is reason to 

 believe that the science of agriculture might be brought to the 

 state of perfection of an exact science, — that is, the farmer 

 might, in spring, from an exact knowledge of his soil, of his 

 seed, of the culture which he intends to give, compute with ex- 

 actness the quantity and quality of the crop which should re- 

 ward his labors, — were it not that there must be, as far as our 

 knowledge at present extends, one unknown element in the 

 com-putation. The state of the weather Ave have no means of 

 knowing in advance — whether the season shall be warm or 

 cold, wet or dry, defies all prognostication. Perhaps it will be 

 always so. Perhaps a kind Providence, in order to make us 

 feel our dependence on Him, intends always to have the winds 

 and the rain, the blast and the mildew, in His own hand, high 



