The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1837-10-31
THE HUSBANDMAN.

There is one prevailing error among this clas:
of society, which ought to be eradicated and de
siroyed-t is more fatal to- the business OF agrl
culture than the growth OF Canada thistlcs, OF
the destruction Of May trosts-we mean tho
neglected education of the farmers chlldren. n
is frequently remarked that education is OF little
use to the farmer; very little science VIII 40 loi
him. Great knowledge is only beneficial in the
professional man. Expressions OF inns sort are
! founded upon false estimate OF one OF the mos
useful and elevated professions CT life.
If the habitual business OF the cultIVator does
not afford the mental powers field for their mos
extended exercise, we know not where to look
for such field. The study of agriculture unites
to the theory of science the very essential hlate-
rial of its practical parts. 1t makes the study en-
perimentally and truly learned.
Nearly every thing that is useful III our phi
griinage through life is drawn from the earth
The main of science is to explore the minu,
tim of nature, to ti,thom its secret caverns, and
TO bring forth the hidden possessions OF earth IN
to comprehensive identity. Where then is the
occupation that richly furnishes Il perpetual
supply OF mental food as that OF agriculture. IN
the constant exercises ofevery day labor OF the
farmer the business of his science is progressing
if his intellect has been set right i'll the educa-
tou of his youth. The theory is all essential, tor
this constitutes the implement by which he is to
prosecute the study of human nature to its prac-
teal Utility.
A man cannot 60 forth upon the land with a
ny good degree Of promise in scientific expert
ment, without the light of past experience upon
his pathway, and this he can only obtain by. a
passage through the literary institutions of the
country, where the results of the labors of the
learned for ages ue collected together and made
accessible to the student. To attempt prose-
cution of the sciences independent Of the past
experience, would be vain. There is scarcely Il
valuable discovery Of modern times, but has
borrowed something gifts proportions or utility
from the mind of antiquity.
That the farmer by scientific cutivaton1 OF
his land can increase to a very great extent Its
productions there does not exist rational doubt.
And that the time is coming when there will be
actual necessity for this increase of production,
there is every appearance. 1t Is therefore not
only wise and expedient to commence or carry
on now, but IT is high duty which is owed to
posterty, in consideration of all the blessings
which past ages have bequeathed us.
Permit us, therefore, in our humble way, to inn
press upon the minds of the farmers the very
usefulness of education. Give your SONS and
daughters not the less education because you de-
sign them for rural life and agricultural pursuit
If you are able, edu cate them-they will find u
bundant employment for all their science though
their farms be located in the deep wilderness OF
the west; though they be cast amid barren rocks
and sterile sand plains, science will aid them there.
Not blade of grass nor spear of grain but
will grow better under the cultivation of intel
lectual care. Not flower but will show bean-
ties to the eye of science, which the vulgar world