Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1827-05-18

portion OF food, they furnish materials for clothing
and contribute TO variety most useful accom-
modatons.n
The disposition to establish Agricultural Societies has
manifested itself partially and in small degree in this
State IHere association called 'the Society
ot Virginia for promoting Agricultural" located al
Richmond. The members of II numerous and
respectable. They formed constitution, held meet
ings received many interesting tons, con,
tinued TO exist for several yearsand published one
small Uoiume either '.uemoirs" This Society coulo
moi he kept alire IN the capat Of The Staie-after ra-
pid decline, il died natural DEATH three years
ago. Other associations now in existence in diff
eren parts of the State, and going in their endea-
vors 10 rouse the agricuturst to knowledge of his
true interests, and stimulate him to higher and more
energetic efforts TO improve his condition. They de.
serve encouragement, do all other associations whose
object 1t is, to open communications for comparison
OF practicesand interchange ofopinions between agr.
cultursts.
The establishment of The National Board of .qgri-
culture an England was productive of immense benefits
to the whole kingdom. The Edinburg Encyclu-
peda speaks thus of that institutionTwo advantages
(of it among many may be mentioned. First great
number of new men were brought forward by the
Board, whose names otherwise would never have been
heard of and these being chiefly practical people con-
cerned professionally III farm-management, agrcul-
ture by their endeayuurs rescued from the hands
theorists, and revolution of small extent accom-
plished rural affairs. Secoai before the Board was
instituted the bond among agrculturs,s was slender
and answered few useful purposes. Eac! trusted TO
his information, and knew little more about the
practices OF conerminous districts than those of China
or the most distant countries. The establishment OF
the Board removed at once, all these evils and diff
culties. a common fortress erected for the common
benefit OF al! agrculturists and which each might
resort for advice and protection Immediately recor
n'Zed Ii made farmers who resided in the most dis
tant quarters of the Kingdom acquainted with one a
mother, and caused rapid dissemination fknowle ledge
among the whole profession. The art OF agriculture
was brought into fashions old practices We're amended;
new ntroduccd and degree ofex erton NANTES.
ted which had never before been cXernpliicd in This
Islands"
This testimony in favour ofagricultural associations
is of the most respectable character.
The Virginia Legislature during the session of G25
90 Incorporated two Societies for the promotion Apr-
culture This fact is mentioned with other view
than to shew that there is agricultural spirit i'm
Virginia. WHY these societies wished to be incorpo-
rated cannot say 1t probably BEST that they should
be merely voluntary, private associations, without any
legal existence as bodies We have already 4 supera
handant supply of bodies corporate in this State
They excresences from the body polite. wise
Legislature will be prodigal in granting charters
and exclusive privileges.
We do not ask the aid Of government, further than
10 extend its protecting oyer us. the rest
the community. protest against that policy which
attempts support class of society at the
of others This is not doing equal Justice. Let in
dusiry seek IFS natural channels and it will enrich the
country. Let all classes of follow their several
occupations, under the equal and impartial protec ton
Of mild government, and 18th the blessings of Pro
0idcnce, they will grow and harmonic as one great
whole
The foregoing cursory view of the obstacles TO the
improvement OF agriculture in Virginia, is submitted
collection Of hints, rather than regular treatise on
the subject.
The remedy for all these evils and defects must beg in
at home. We must establish agricultural schools and
colleges; educate children for farmers; and thus
raise the reputation of this respectable employment and
encourage taste for il; avoid habits of dissipa ion
especially the incorporate of ardent spirits hcl
Is the .Hotoch OF this age practice industry aud econo
my; improve our lands; clear and drain swanes and
marshcsPursue method and sJstem the ma uagenent
OF our tarms keep accounts of receipts and disburse>
nents, and of all things necessary be remembered on
aTm take more care, TO cultivate land well than TO
spread our crops great surface; improve roads
open canals and improve the pavg alton of water cour-
ses; lay aside inordnate attachment to bad practices
because they have been long perseverod and improve
with this improving age and country; employ good
managers or ovcrscers perieDce and characters
tend TO ploughingto 1 selection and raising cf good
working beasts; adapt crops 20 the lard climate
kind of iabour which compelled use, and the
state of the market; establish societies for the improve
/ ment OF Observation-Disclosures -faifs-and agrI-
! cultural newspapers we must husband resources
and use, without abusing The great advantages will
which we abundantly best; and OH T,7;giniu will
! be resuscitated-the tide of emigration i'll no longer
flow TO tie South and Wes-her deserted lands will be
repeopied BY hardy and Industrious race-and Agri-
culture raise her dropping head.
AN OBSERVER
ERRAq.. ": N'e 1st and Gil Nos. of IAN onsERv nn "
In the 1st No as'ad of nodeytie this ennobug employ