m 



Joulh were more generally taught, that the cultivation of the 

 fearth is a noble employment — that the farmer's loose home- 

 made working dress, it being particularly appropriate to his 

 employment, is as respectable as the more costly apparel worm 

 by those engaged in less laborious employments, and much more 

 so than the fantastic trappings of modern dandies, whether they 

 Jire seen spending their time in most fatiguing idleness, employ- 

 ed behind the counter, or crowding the avenues that lead to 

 either of the learned professions ; if proper pains were takea 

 to convince them, that, although in agricultural pursuits they 

 cannot calculate on becoming rich, industry and frugality will 

 ensure them competence ; while, of those who devote them- 

 selves to professional or mercantile employments, some may, by 

 industry, the possession of talents peculiarly fitted for the pur- 

 pose, or good fortune, become honourably and honestly wealthy ; 

 but many will either be reduced to want, or owe their prosperi- 

 ty to means at which the honest farmer would revolt, the arts 

 of quackery^ chicanery,, or swindling ! Then we should oftener 

 see the scholar return to the plough, apply his science to the 

 improvement of his favourite art, raise the reputation of agricul- 

 ture, preserve the purity of his morals, and become in fine a 

 man to whom in times of danger or distress the public might 

 look for counsel and assistance, as to a patriot of sound judgment^ 

 without partiality, without fear, and without reproach. It is 

 not the labours and privations of an agricultural life, that deter 

 literary and scientific men from engaging in it; but the belief 

 that it would be voluntarily sacrificing all claims to distinction, 

 and burying their talents in the shades of obscurity. For suck 

 men readily engage in military services, a seafaring life, or the 

 most fatiguing travels, with the utmost ardoor, patience, and per- 

 severance. 



The present enlightened governor of the state of New-York 

 has hinted, in an address on this subject, the establishment of 

 agricultural schools for the purpose of improving the art of 

 husbandry. And, is it altogether visionary to suppose, that the 

 best interests of this county would be promoted by the estab- 

 iishment of an agricultural academy, where such studies, as are 

 f»o^t calculated to make accomplished an^ scientific farfljer? 



