246 AMERICAN AGRICULTURE. 



THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION OF THE FARMER. 



Though last mentioned, this is of the first importance to 

 the farmer's success. It should commence with the thor- 

 ough groundwork attainments every where to be acquired in 

 our primary schools, and should embrace the elementary 

 knowledge of mechanics, botany, chemistry and geology, nor 

 can it be complete without some acquaintance with anatomy 

 and physiology. The learner ought then to have a complete, 

 practical understanding of the manual operations of the farm, 

 the best manner of planting, cultivating and securing crops ; 

 he should be familiar with the proper management, feeding 

 and breeding of animals ; the treatment of soils, the appli- 

 cation of manures, and all the various matters connected with 

 agriculture. This will be but the commencement of his 

 education, and it should be steadily pursued through the 

 remainder of his life. He must learn from his own experi- 

 ence, which is the most certain and complete knowledge he 

 can obtain, as he thus ascertains all the circumstances which 

 have led to certain results ; and he should also learn from the 

 experience of his neighbors, and from his personal observa- 

 tion on every subject that comes within his notice. He will 

 be particularly assisted by the cheap, agricultural journals of 

 the present day, which embrace the latest experience of some 

 of our best farmers throughout remote sections of country, 

 on almost every subject pertaining to his occupation. To 

 these should be added, the selection of standard, reliable 

 works on the various topics of farming, and of the latest 

 authority which can be procured for direction and reference. 

 It is'muchto be desired, that agricultural schools and colleges 

 could be added to the list of aids to farming, where experi- 

 enced and gifted minds should be placed, surrounded by the 

 means for conveying instruction in the fullest, yet most simple 

 and effective manner, and with every requisite for practical 

 illustration. We cannot permit ourselves to doubt, that this 

 neglected field will soon be efficiently occupied, and thus 

 supply the only link remaining in the thorough education of 

 the farmer. 



