221 ' [AsSEMBB'Sr 



Physiology of the Earth, by De Trayanet, Paiis, 1844. Present- 

 ed to the American Institute, by Alexander Vattemare. 



DExtracta tranelated by H. Mbigs.] 



In the early ages of Rome, agriculture was considered as the 

 first and most liberal of the. Arts. The farmers stood at the head 

 of society, and when one of them had established the cultivation 

 of a new plant in Italy, he proudly added the name of it to his 

 own, as victories take the names of the places where they were 

 gained. The Fabius, Lentulus and Cicero, are surnames of the 

 farmers famous for hmns^ lentils and chick peas. Seranus was the 

 surname of him who invented the drill. Some say that Cicero is 

 not entitled to the honor we give him, and declare that a wart 

 like a chick pea on his nose, gave him the nick-name; my version 

 of it is however true. In conformity with the agricultural fash- 

 ion of that day, Rome flourished while her men were farmers and 

 began to fall the moment slaves were employed. , The agrilultu- 

 ral generals of that day cultivated their field in exact lines and 

 drills as armies were drilled; and the same order and discipline 

 observed as when in front of the enemy, in order of battle. 



As to France, the commentaries of CsesaT leaves us no doubt 

 that at the same period, she was far better cultivated and far 

 more fertile (for many ages,) than she ever was since. It was 

 only about the end of the last century that mind began to turn to 

 agriculture. It was Loiiis XVI, who first caused a herd of merino 

 sheep to be introduced from Spain, and founded the celebrated 

 sheep walk Rambouillet. 



Napoleon's aspiring genius conceived a vast plan of social re- 

 paration in the first place, and a flourishing agriculture, as funda- 

 mental necessities for the empire. 



An agricultural conquest is less brilliant and Itss celebrated 

 than a war victory—but the one passes away, is forgotten almost 

 while the other becomes more grand and for ever increasing. In 

 one age, Austerlitz and Wagram will hardly be remembered,- 

 while all Europe will continue to bkss the hand which opened 



