24 T H A ^^ S A C T I O N s . 



been less of improvement in agriculture, than in any otlicr field of 

 human labor. 



There is need, then, that the college should be on somewhat better 

 terms with the farm ; that it should make some honest returns to the 

 soil, for the noble sons, which it has stolen away, diverted to other 

 callings, that it should teach the husbandman, as well as the artizan, 

 how to make the most of the materials, on which he relies for sub- 

 sistence. 



In calling your attention to The Economy of Scientific Agricul- 

 ture, it is hardly necessary to remark, that the science of this art is 

 yet in 'its infancy, if, indeed, it can be said to be born. Very few 

 cultivators are able to give a reason for the faith that is in them, and 

 the most enlightened of the calling are generally most cautious, in 

 assigning the causes of the facts that come to light in their art. Yet 

 there are certain principles, of great practical Talue, so far establish- 

 ed, as to be safe guides, that ought to be every where disseminated. 

 The tiller of the soil should know, so far as he can, the causes of 

 those beautiful processes in nature, on wliich, success in his art de- 

 pends. 



It has been often asked, " what is the use of educating a boy, who 

 is to till the soil ? He is going to be nothing but a farmer." And 

 the question shows, both a low estimate of the occupation, and of the 

 qualifications for it. " Can he lift a bigger stone, or lay a smoother 

 furrow, or drive a team, any the better, for his learning: " Though 

 it be somewhat heretical, I venture the opinion, that an educated 

 farmer can do the most common farnr v.-ork, all the better, for his 

 education. It is mind, enlightened by science, and disciplined by 

 the study of the schools, that has given us all the improvements, in 

 the implements of husbandry, and in the methods of culture, that we 

 now enjoy. 



"What is meant, then, by a scientific farmer ? I do not mean 

 simply a book-worm, who has gone through the routine of college 

 studies. The discipline of college is desirable, if a man would make 

 the most of himself, in any calling, and were I shaping my own 

 course for this occupation, I would not forego this discipline, if it 

 were within my reach. B^t this is not necessary, that science may 

 bring its blessings to every farm. 

 / Nor is a scientific fiirmer necessarily a man of wealth and intelli- 

 gence, retired from profescional life, or some other calling, to amuse 

 himself in rural occupations. There arc such men, wise in other 

 U 



