Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1818-06-12
for the correct manner in wbicli he has
presided in this society.

Monday in June, 1915
The PREs,DENT delivered the following AID
ordered to be entered on the Journals, aud
printed in the newspapers of this city,
7 JOHN ADAMS, Sec'ry.
To The Society Of Virginia for promoting.
Agriculture.
The CHEF obstacle 10 the success of a
society for promoting agriculture in Viz
ginia. In my view, is the morbid aversion
10 writing on that subject for publication.
What man was without letters, agricul-
ture would become without their use.
Had any science renowned the benefits
derived from the art of printing, it would
have fingered far behind its sisters in i'm
provement. Sciences, universally the
same, enjoy the great advantage OF reap
iog harvesis from every cline, and %! be-
ing enriched by the contributions ofeve-
culture 10 the climate, soil and circum-
stances OF tie position, upon which She
must exert her talents, renders her unable
10 extract system from foreign compo-
sitions, suitable 10 drssimilar meridanS :;
ana exposes her TO errors and disappoint-
ments, from lncOngruous limitations of
reign practices.
Writing, printing and publishing, are
even more necessary for the improvement
OF agriculture, than for the civilization
and good manners of mankind. Itinerani
by nature, man carries about his virtues
anu accomplishments, and attracts imta-
ton ly exposing them To view in num-
berIess places 10 a multitude of persons.
Converts from error, rudeness and vice,
multiply rapidly F.; and the ardor of youth
10 excel In cracofulness, is powerful aux
Hilary TO the force of example. The priu-
| n nj Ao 81.
every cline but the improve ments of
agriculture are subse.vient TO vast vari-
ely OF circumstances, immoveable, seen
by few, surveyed iransientiy, and beheld
under the tyranny Of habit, or with tile
caution Of prejudice. Nor can the spec.
tator catch alta lance the intricacies com
pounding the most perfect agricultural
lsystcn, whilst lie inilitivcly feels tie
force OF good actions, and perc ives at
once the beauty OF elegant manners. AS
every country must acquire agricultural
knowledge BY lis own exertions, orremain
Ignorant, il ought 10 consider whether in
scnious discoveries or skilfnl expe riments,
Will not be generally lost by changes of
property, or buried in the tombs TO which
their authors are devoted, unless they are
recorded and circulated by the same
means, which have saved science from
oblivion, amt spread civilization wherever
/! exists. Is there man who would wish
to carry out oftle world d useful discovc.
ry he has made in IL, or who would not
feel pleasure from the reflection, that he
may be doing good TO mankind after he
Is dead he who shrInks from publishing
whatever may have This effect, commits
an act he abbors, and loses The satistac-
ton arising from disinlerestcd beneyo-
lence.
No censure OF the genius Of our coun.
Try is Intended by the observation, that it
does not appear with much splendor in
the science of agriculture, since the mind
OF man is not constructed for the compre-
henslon of abstruse subjects, without stu
dy; ner Tor the attainment of skin, with
out practice. An excitement to exercise
his powers, must preoede display of lis
talents. The human mind is enleebied
by idleness, and rendered vigorous bv ex-
erilon. BY compositions concerning ag-
rIculiure, the writer will improve his own
knowledge, awaken The understanding of
others, and cultivate the only mode by
which perfection is atiainabip. Without
them, whatever may bethe genius of Vir
glnlans Tor the acquisition of accomplish
ments by which they are adorned, il will
become dormant as TO those by which
they must live.
| The study of agriculture, and habit Of
writing upon the subject, will brstow up
on the wealthy farmers no small portion
OF pleasure, by furnishing them with the
means OF escaping from the irksomeness
OF too much leisure, and from the regret
OF having wasted lime in Improbable en-
| ployments. Those placed above the ne
cessity of bodily labor, must recompense
themselves by mental, or sink into a state
OF apathy, unirendly TO health, happiness
and virtue. What subject can be better
fitted for substituting activity for languor,
than one which can CRAFTY self interest,
provide for the exercise of benevolence,
and awaken The love Of our country?
The strongest reason which invites us
| to become attentive TO the encourage ment
OF agricultural publications, remains to be
noticed. Agriculture, commerce and ma
nutactures, are the three great objects of
individual interest and national solicitude.
To preserve. each ought 10 understand
IT'S own rights; TO lose them, ignorance
will suffice for either Though agricul.
ture may need no charter, require no
bounties, claim no monopolies, and ask
Tor no legal augmeutations of the prices
| OF her commodities, she NAV yet feel an
unpropillous legal providence, and lam
| guIsll under Injustice. Though she may
| hourlsh IN the enjoyment of equal rights
| with her compeeTs, she may be sluuted or
even Stlfied by an unequal pressure Com
merce never confines her knowledge 10 lie
structure of her ships and the properties
oil The magnet nor manufacturing, TO the
powers of steam, and the fabrication of
teols. Both are politicians. Both write,
publish aud petition, TO gain improve
ment, justice or favor. Both Sift the laws
by which they are affected. Why should
| an l..