No. 216.] 477 



by the arm of power, has the stamina of every amelioration and im- 

 provement? 



And in view of the prospects that are opening on every side, and 

 the probable issue of causes and events, which are in present opera- 

 tion, we have a holy missit)n to perform in qualifying the rising 

 generation with those intellectual attainments germinating those 

 moral principles, which are never failing supports amidst the cares 

 and conflicts of man's earthly existence. Here too will be an inex- 

 haustable mine for their own instruction, a foundation for enlarged 

 comprehension, a mental vision quick but accurate, in the investi- 

 gation of whatever is passing before them, and a discipline pre- 

 paratory to their entering into the various avocations that are pro- 

 motive of the growing wealth and intelligence of the country. 



And the like force of circumstances which have brought to light 

 the various educational, literary, scientific and professional schools 

 which are so beneficially scattered over our beloved land, are produ- 

 cing a sensation among the friends of agriculture, and will speedily 

 eventuate in the formation of a seminary every way worthy of pri- 

 vate patronage and State munificence. 



For the march of improvement has been so rapid, that within a 

 short period many of the liberal arts which did not formerly invade 

 the bounds of the highest seats of knowledge, or were the sole pro- 

 perty of the favored few, are now being taught to the veriest tyro 

 in the people's school. 



Indeed it has been reserved for the nineteenth century to show, 

 that the highest branches of knowledge are not merely curious specu- 

 lations, the arcana of the halls of learning, but the intellectual 

 emanations and extended theoretical views of the sage and illustrious 

 benefactors of the human race, who have stretched the confines of 

 philosophy to the utmost bound of matter and mind, and have brought 

 the fruits of their immortal labors within the reach of the humblest 

 capacity. 



Wild and visionary theories, and vague and gratuitous opinions 

 have become unsufferably tedious and offensive to the thinking mind, 

 and the momentous question is asked, will a proposition bear the 

 investigation of facts deduced from the crucible of frequent observa- 

 tions and accurate experiments. And this is the prominent cause of 

 the great advancement in the science of agriculture. And it is very 



