form the manual labor upon the farm. Either from a want of 

 ability or inclination, few have enquired, whether there was any 

 defect in our system of husbandry, or whether it was suscepti- 

 ble of improvement. Hence the same annual routine of service 

 has been performed on the farm — the son following the foot- 

 steps of the father, and continuing to cultivate the same field, 

 because his father had done it before him. 



We congratulate our country, that societies are forming in 

 every section of the Union — that gentlemen of talents and ac- 

 quirements are lending their aid to this neglected art, endeav- 

 ouring to discover the defects of our sj^stem, and by experiments 

 to ascertain the improvements of which it is susceptible. Much 

 has already been done, an almost certain evidence more may be 

 done, and sure pledge it will not be left undone. 



So inconsiderable is the gain of husbandr}^, so laborious the 

 employment, as to present little inducement to young men, of 

 talents and knowledge, to engage in the pursuit. The enter- 

 prising youth looks around him for the lucrative employment, by 

 which he may raise himself to affluence and ease. The only 

 reward agriculture promises to the most persevering industry, 

 is little more than a bare support. A further discouragement is, 

 it has been considered a menial employment, less honorable than 

 other occupations; and the sentiment has obtained, that no- 

 thing more is necessary to make a farmer, than a vigorous 

 constitution and a robust body. Never was there a conclusion 

 more erroneous. The inference that any man is qualified to man- 

 age a farm, is as absurd, as that any man is qualified to manage 

 a ship at sea. It requires careful observation, sound judgment 

 and a discerning mind. Tn every other art and trade, practice 

 and experience are thought indispensable ; and is no skill neces- 

 sary in conducting the complicated concerns of a farm? The 

 practical attention now paid to husbandry, the lively interest 

 taken in the subject by gentlemen of honorable standing in soci- 

 ety, have a tendency to raise the reputation of this too often des-' 

 pised profession. 



In commendation of this employment, it may be observed, it 

 is favourable to morals, health of body, and vigor of mind. It 

 is friendly to morals, not presenting those temptations to de- 



