FARMS. 69 



not far distant, when there will be facilities for a true agricultural 

 education, a knowledge of principles and practice, obtained by ac- 

 tual observation and experiment. Then, of agriculture we shall say 

 " It is a science, as well as an art." It is pleasing to notice the im- 

 provement, that has already been made ; to observe the change, that 

 tas taken place in the public estimation of this business, and of the 

 men engaged in it. Farmers are now better known, more respected, 

 and have more influence in society, than at any former periods. The 

 clergyman, or the physician, or the lawyer, is not now the only man 

 qualified to preside at town meetings, and make a record of the 

 transactions. The learned professions do not now furnish all those, 

 who represent the people in the halls of legislation. 



While it is admitted, however, that there has been improvement in 

 the knowledge and practice of this most important art, it must be 

 acknowledged that the improvement in this pursuit has not kept pace 

 with progress in other trades and professions, and with the great in- 

 crease of our population. Relatively, there has been a falling off ; 

 and, alsoluiely, there has been a diminution in the production of 

 bread stuffs in our State. 



Why should this great pursuit retrograde, even relatively ? Why 

 not progress as rapidly and continuously as commerce, manufactures 

 and the mechanic arts ? No good and sufficient reason can be given. 

 Many desire to become rich fi^ster, than to advance by the slow, but 

 sure process of digging their treasures from the earth. Their anxi- 

 ety to become affluent at once, and consequently above the toil and 

 drudgery of tilling the ground, leads them away from home, to seek 

 other more popular and lucrative employments, at the peril of health, 

 and morals, and even life. Many who are engaged in this most nec- 

 essary, healthful and interesting occupation, feel very little interest 

 in their employment. They pursue it, not from choice, but from 

 force of circumstances. Having failed to obtain other businesss, or 

 having been unfortunate in their chosen vocation, they fall back to 

 tilling the ground. Many cultivate their lands for immediate profit, 

 rather than ultimate improvement. These make as little outlay as 

 possible in the management of their farms ; and, instead of investing 

 their increase of capital, from time to time, in their legitimate busi- 

 ness, as do those who are engaged in commerce and navigation, mer- 

 chandize and manufactures ; they invest in Rail Road or other stocks. 

 Some give almost exclusive attention to one field or one particular 

 crop, instead of studying to improve their whole farm, by adapting 

 the crop to its peculiar soil. How easy to enrich one field and pro- 



