The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1838-05-26
THE HUsBANpMAN.

C'dSs vi sOciety, WHICH ougnt 10 De eradlca-
ted and destroyed-it Is more fatal to busi-
ness Of agriculture than the growth of Can
ada thistles, or the destruction of May frosts
we mean the neglected education Of the
farmers children. II is frequently remark
ed, that education is of but little use to the
farmer; very little science will do for him.
Great knowledge is only beneficial in the
professional man. Expressions of this sort
are founded upon false estimate of one Of
the most useful and elevated professions of
life.
Ifthe habitual business of the cultivator
does not afford the mental powers field
for their most extended exercise, we know
not where to look for such field. The
study of agriculture unites to the theory of
science the very essential material of its
practical parts. It makes the study expert
mentally and truly learned.
Nearly all that is useful in our pilgrimage
through life, is drawn from the earth. The
main use of science is TO explore the minu-
tie of nature, to fathom its secret caveins,
and to bring forth the hidden possessions
ofthe earth into comprehensive Identity
Where then is the occupation that so richly
furnishes perpetual supply Of mental food
as that of agriculture. In the constant ex-
ercises and every day labor of the farmer,
the business of his science is progressing,
ifhis intellect has been set right in the edu-
cation Of his youth. The theory is all es-
sential, Tor this constitutes the implement
by which he is to prosecute the study ofhu-
man nature to its practical use.
A man cannot go forth upon the land
with any good degree of promise in scien-
iifc experiment, without the light of past
experience upon his path way, and this he
can only obtain by passage through the
literary institutions of the country, where
the results of the labors Of the learned for
ages are collected together; aud made ac-
cessable to the student To attempt pro-
seeution ofthe sciences independent of past
experience as we sometimes incline to con-
slider ourselves, would be vain. There is
scarcely a valuable discovery of modern
times, but has borrowed something of its
proportions or utility from the mind of an
tiquity.
That the farmer, by scientific cultlva-
lion of his land, can increase to a very great
extent its productions, there does not exist
rational doubt. And that the time is COM
ing when there will be actual necessity for
this increase Of production there is evefy
appearance. 1t is, therefore; not only wise
and expedient to commence or carry it on
now, but it is a high duty which is owed to
posterity, in consideration of all the bless
ings which past ages have bequeathed to
us.
Permit us; therefore, In our humble way,
TO impress upon the minds of the farmers
the very great usefulness of education.-
Give your sons and daughters not the less
education; because you design them for ru-
raj and agricultural pursuit. Ifyou ale able
educate them-they will find abundant en-
ployment for all their science, though theft
farms be located in the deep wilderness of
the west; though they be cast amid barren
rocks and sterile plains, science will aid
them there. Not blade of grass nor
spear of grain, but will grow better Under
the cultivation Of intellectual care. Not
flower but will show beauties to the eye of
science, which the vulgar world knows no.
thing of. Not vine that rsars finer and
produces more, were educated hands to SUI
perintend its growth. In short, all nature
is beauti6ed, improved and bettered, where
the cultiyator is no stranger to its proper
ties and the stieifce of its Developments.
Farmers, give you children education
It's the only earthly inheritance you can
bequeath them, that is beyond the reach of
accident. All other human property is con-
standy changing and transitory. Science