50 TKAN8ACTI0NS. 



is science, falsely so called. Thousands, after having seen the end 

 and folly of hypothetical theories, are led to denounce all theory ; 

 which is about as wise as it would be to refuse all coin because of the 

 equally well known fact, that there is counterfeit coin in circulation. 

 Such show greater weakness in this case, than they did by suffering 

 themselves to be imposed upon by a mere charlatan at the outset. 



The "application of knowledge derived from experience," is as 

 essential to the agricultor, as to the lawyer, the physician, the clergy- 

 man, the statesman, or those engaged in any other vocation where 

 these elements are considered requisite and necessary to prosperity 

 and success. Knowledge derived from tradition, it will be admitted, 

 has had and is still having too much influence in most of the arts and 

 professions. Do not eschew knowledge because it comes to you 

 through the medium of tradition, neither receive it because it claims 

 experience as its endorser ; for, in either case, you. may be deceived. 

 The Baconian, or inductive system as it is popularly denominated, is 

 almost as fruitful of imposture, as now hold and practiced, as the old 

 system of philosojahy which it supplanted. The rapid generalizations 

 and hasty conclusions denominated " knowledge derived from experi- 

 ence," constitute one of the great evils of the present age — and no 

 vocation, or profession, perhaps, is more infested with pseudodoxical 

 experimentists, or self-styled inductive teachers, than that of hus- 

 bandry. 



Agriculture as an Art, has always been found in the highest state 

 of perfection where the greatest advancement in civilization and en- 

 lightenment have been made. In tracing the history of civilization in 

 connection with agriculture, it is found to consist of four distinct 

 periods, viz., that of the hunter, the shepherd, the farmer and the 

 gardener. Hunting, in the first period", was practiced for the purpose 

 of procuring the means of subsistence. The comforts and pleasures, 

 and luxuries of life are almost unknown in this state of society. 

 Caves and caverns in northern latitudes, are to the people as houses, 

 to protect them from the inclemency of the weather, and the peltings 

 of the storm. Lot dwelt in a cave, he and his daughters. From the 

 Savage life to that of the Shepherd or pastoral, the benefits or advan- 

 tages over the former, are of a positive kind. A home, a more cer- 

 tain subsistence, and more leisure for intellectual pursuits, are en- 

 joyed. The life of the shepherd is less the life of a wanderer than 

 that of the savage, and without mental culture, tends to indolence. 

 The prescriptive right of the shepherd tended to bring about the per- 

 manent division of land into farms, and to establish the right every 



