'39 



ihefe are many who have distinguished themselves both ag agri- 

 culturalists and citizens. But it does not follow that the same 

 men would not have made greater improvements in husbandry, 

 and extended their usefulness as citizens, if they had also studied 

 more thoroughly the English language, the mathematical scien- 

 ces, geography, astronomy, chemistry, natural philosophy, and 

 the several branches of natural history. These and many other 

 branches of science and literature enlarge the views, strengthen 

 the mind, and greatly multiply objects which afford pleasing re- 

 flections. They are therefore peculiarly calculated to beguile 

 the cares, and increase the happiness, of labouring men. The 

 mind of the naturalist, while at work in the field, is continually 

 feasted by the operations of nature going on around him. In 

 every cloud that passes over his head, in every fossil turned up 

 hy his plough, in every insect that crawls the earth, in eve- 

 ry plant that vegetates or blossoms, he reads a story contain'- 

 ing truths the most interesting, beauties that never cease to 

 please, and sublimity that fills the mind with admiration. The 

 mathematical sciences, natural philosophy, and chemistry, may 

 be so applied to the art of husbandry, as to render its principles 

 less mysterious, its operations more easy, and success more 

 <;ertain. 



It will perhaps be objected, that such studies tend to destroy 

 that relish for manual labour, which is essentially necessary t© 

 success in agriculture, for 



** He, who by the plough would tbrive, 

 *' Himself must either hold or drive. ^* 



If this be the case, it is owing not to the knowledge acquirec?^ 

 but to ambitious and erroneous notions at the same time im^ 

 bibed. These notions are derived either from the injudicious 

 complaints, so frequently uttered by farmers themselves, in 

 presence of their children, of the hardships of their lot when 

 contrasted with the supposed ease and rapid acquisition of 

 riches and honours by professional and mercantile men, or from 

 the conversation and enthusiastic expectations of those devoted 

 to such pursuits with whom they associate at academies and. 

 •ther literary institutions. If, iastea^ of swch erraae&us notions. 



