AGRICULTURE IN 1829. 279 
of scientific pursuits is by no means ideal. Enlightened 
individuals who have sought a refuge from pecuniary 
exigencies, from every nation in Europe, have brought 
with them their natal tastes and propensities, and the 
constant intercourse has worn down uncharitable pre- 
possessions and national prejudices, to a most desirable 
temperament of general charity and enlightened feelings. 
What is good in all has been duly appreciated and adopted, 
and what is objeétionable has been with equal judg- 
ment discarded. 
Fashion has not been able to exert her influence in 
perverting taste and overthrowing reason, and the man 
of mean origin and of the poorest education, after a 
residence of some years in-Demerary, returns to Europe 
with his wits so much enlightened as to figure in Socie- 
ties where before he dared not hope to be admitted. The 
theatre of his pursuit of wealth has been also his school 
of manners, and whilst he has hoarded his savings he has 
enriched his understanding. 
Many a footboy has returned to be the master of the 
mansion where he was once a menial; many an igno- 
ramus has learnt to write by signing bills of exchange, 
and many who know nothing of their birth, parentage or 
education, live to see an Honourable prefixed to their 
ignoble name, and to become the patrons and discrimi- 
nators of sele& societies and good company. 
These faéts refleét the highest credit, both on the 
colony and its inhabitants, and prove beyond doubt that 
it possesses the means, independent of the mere acqui- 
sition of wealth, of enabling those of good natural abili- 
ties to elevate themselves from want and obscurity to 
opulence and respe¢tability. | 
