HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 365 



do say that gentlemen of ability ought to discuss a scientific subject without 

 attempting to ridicule honest investigation. 



Respectfully yours, 



Wm. Chorlton. 



James Gowen, Esq., the practical and scientific farmer of Mt. 

 Airy in this county, lately made an address before the Mercer 

 County Agricultural Society. He speaks from his own observation 

 on the value of different kinds of stock— and is properly severe on 

 humbugs. We copy his remarks on exhibitions. 



Agricultural Exhibitions have ever been with me a favorite expedient* 

 whereby a laudable emulation and rivalry might be promoted among the til- 

 lers of the soil ; and to serve as a rallying point, where, in the presence of 

 each other, they might learn to have more confidence in themselves, and fcy 

 emulating the progress of others, snatch a spark of that spirit and enter- 

 prise, so luminous now-a-days, in the track, of the busy throng, that are 

 pushing along and going a-head with rail road speed. It grieved me to per-? 

 ceive that the farmers, as a class, seemed regardless of the position, how^ 

 ever low or obscure, assigned to them ; appearing ever content to labor un^ 

 requited and unhonored ; complaining not, nor attempting to reverse the 

 decree that fashion, folly and pretention had recorded to their prejudice. 

 Such should not, I thought, be the condition of the farmer ; his calling or 

 profession is in itself so intrinsic and independant, that it seems strange 

 (unless there is something in the soil with which he deals that deadens, or in 

 the air he breathes, that bewilders his faculties), that he should not have the 

 sense and spirit to stand more erect, and battle manfully for that lofty posi- 

 tion, which is his rightful heritage? 



To the husbandman, under Providence, is committed the bounties of the 

 field and seasons, and upon his management depends, not only the wealth of 

 the nation, but the daily sustenance of every man whether rich or poor, high 

 or low. Plenty and scarcity, fulness and famine, in a great measure depend 

 upon the foresight, skill and energy of the farmer; he holds the veritable 

 cornucopia, and 'so long as it is found in condition of teeming fullness, pour- 

 ing out the invigorating comforts of sustenance, so long does the human fa- 

 mily wax strong, rejoicing in the enjoyment of health and vigor ! Let it 

 give but a partial supply, or none, feebleness and languor, famine and pest- 

 ilence, brood over all and enshroud every living creature ! Is there a man 

 so obtuse or insensible, whether mechanic or manufacturer, merchant or pro- 

 fessional man, as not to perceive how indispensible are the functions of the 

 farmer ? Why should he not be held as ordinarily intelligent, with percep- 



