lUprts d €amnitkts. 



I 



REPORT ON FARMS. 



BY M. B. GEEEN. 



Agricultuke is not excelled in importance, not equalled even, 

 by any other art. When it flourishes, every other branch of busi- 

 ness thrives. More than three fourths of our population are employed 

 in cultivating the earth. If crops are abundant, and find ready mar- 

 kets and remunerating prices, producers become liberal in their ex- 

 penditures. Merchants, in consequence, make large sales, and man- 

 ufacturers readily dispose of goods. Mechanics are employed in the 

 erection of buildings, or in making the numerous articles of comfort, 

 or convenience, suited to gratify the love of the ornamental and 

 beautiful. On the other hand, if, through lack of science or indus- 

 try, or of the timely rain and sunshine, the earth fails to " yield her 

 increase," — this great national bank ceases to discount. The farmer 

 will buy only what he absolutely needs. Provisions rise in price as 

 the supply diminishes. Traders have fewer sales. All classes curtail 

 their expenses. 



The cultivation of the earth is the prominent business of our peo- 

 ple, and the leading pursuit of our nation. It employs more men 

 and more capital, than all other trades and professions. It produces 

 a greater amount and variety of articles, desirable and necessary, for 

 our subsistence, our comfort and happiness. It gives to the largest 

 class of our population that kind of employment, which develops the 

 physical and moral powers, and allows of quite as much time for the 

 cultivation of the mind, as any other occupation. It is cheering, 

 therefore, to see, that so many of the leading men of our country are 

 disposed to encourage agriculture ; that our government is toiling to 

 aid ; that many of our educated men of all professions are endeavor- 

 ing to make it an exact science. We conlidently hope the time is 



