131 
PREREQUISITES TO SUCCESS. 
that man is the Farmer. As his is the most ancient, so it is 
the most useful of all arts. It is the ultimate and almost the 
universal sustainer of human life, and as such, it has in all ages, 
employed a vast majority of mankind. A recent computation 
makes the number of persons belonging to the Agricultural 
class, more than five hundred millions ! But not alone have the 
masses, the humble citizens of every age and civilized country, 
chosen your profession for their occupation, but many of the 
highest fame have turned to it for solace and happiness, when 
the world’s dazzling honors could delight no more. Witness a 
Timoleon, after that patriot had triumphed for the establish¬ 
ment of laws and freedom, in battles yet splendid in history ; 
a Cato, the Censor, when he had grown as old in honors as in 
years ; a Mirabeau, when the fortunes of Louis XVI. and of 
an ancient throne and aristocracy were borne, Atlas-like on his 
shoulders ; and him, “ brightest of the bright, and purest of 
the pure,”— Washington himself ! These are but a few of that 
long line of princes, orators, poets and statesmen, who, by 
engaging themselves at least casually in Agricultural pursuits, 
have, in every age, adorned your profession, and who ~ to use 
the beautiful simile of Chapin,— “ wear upon their breasts the 
stars of the Legion of Honor ! ” 
But who doubts that Agriculture is honorable ? Who can 
pronounce it unwmrthy of pride and admiration ? Why, its 
commonest fruits are health, strength of body, vigor and purity 
of mind, and surely these are enough to entitle it to our love, 
not to mention those, its renowned votaries from whom fame 
has been harvested, nor its constant and immeasurable benefits 
to man. True, there may exist a few lunatics, some dandies or 
aristocrats, perhaps, some wrinkled old maid, all woe-begone, 
or villainous old bachelor without a hat, who affect to despise 
your calling as humble or low ! But, be it boldly said, every 
sensible person, every decent and respectable person, will re¬ 
gard your profession with sentiments of both esteem and honor. 
Without question it is so regarded by the world. 
Now, if this be true with mankind generally, with how much 
prouder honor should it be esteemed by the Farmer himself. 
