American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1824-11-12
THE AGRICULTURIsT.

The following beautiful and eloquent passage is
Society for promoting Agriculture, which is printed
in the fourth volume Of the American Farmer.
L" If have failed to prove,' says Mr.. Biddle,
g that the pursuits of agriculture may be lucra-
tive other employ ments it will be easier task
to yindcae their pleasures and their importance.
i need not dwell on that retirement, one OF the
purest ennymenIs of this lile and the best prepa-
ration for the future on those heahu occupations,
on that calmness OF mind, on that high spirit OF
manllness and independence, which naturally belong
to that condition. These are attractions which
must have deep roots in the human heart, since
they have in all times fascinated the imagin-
alton and won the judgment of men. But | may
be allowed to say that, 10 this nation, agriculture is
probably destined to attain its highest honors and
that the country life Of America ought TO possess
peculiar attractions. The pure and splendid instu
tions Of this people have embodied the brightest
dreams OF those high spirits, who, in other times
and in other lands, have lamented or struggled
against oppression; they have realized the FINE
conceptions whil h speculative men have imagined,
which wise men have planned, brave men yainiy
persisted in attempting TO establish Their infu-
ence in retaining the lost dignity of man, and
inspiring the lo.iest feelings OF personal indie PEN
dence, may be traced liz every condition OF our
insulation, their effects peculiarly obvious in the
country.
The American farmer is the exclusive, absolute,
uncontrolled proprietor of the soil His tenure is
not from the government; the government derives
its povcr from him. There is above him nothing
but God and the laws; hereditary authority
usurpng the distinctions Of personal genius no
established church spreading its datk shadow be-
tween hiRa and heaven His frugal government nei-
the desires nor dares 10 Cypress the soil; and the
affairs 81 religion are supported only by the voun-
tary offerings OF sincere piety. His pursuits, which
no perrerson can render injurious to any, are d.
rected TO the common benefit Of all In multiply
ins the bo,InlIes Of Providence, in the improvement
AMI establishment Of the soil, in tile core OF the
inferior snlmals committed 10 his charge he will
find an ever sxrying and interesting employment,
dignlhed by the union OF liberal studies, AID emil
vened BIZ the exercise oil simple and generous
Hospitality. Ills character assumes a loitier inter
est by It's influence the public liberty. !, may
not be toretoid to what dangers this couItry is des
tined, when lis swelling population, its expanding
territory, its dailS complica,ng interests, shall a
wake the is'ent passions OF men, and reveal the
vulnerable points OF our institutions. But, when
ever these peiils come It's most seadfas security
ts uni.iing reliance will be on thai column OF land.
ed prupreturs-the men Of the soil and Of the
country standing aoof from the passions which
agitate denser communities, well educated, brave
sod independent the friends OF the government
without soliciting its ayors the advocates Of the
people without descending to 6alter their passions
these men. rooted like their own forests may yet
interpose between the factions Of The country, to
heal, 10 defend and 10 save"