The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1841-11-24
AGRICULTURAL.
FOR THE CAMDEN JOURNAL.
AN ADDRESS

lNelr Hrst Anniversary NleellSy ANofsa
BY WILLIAM J. TAYLOR. aa
Mr.. President and Gentlemen -:
of the Wateree Agricultural Society,", - 2
We have met today, to commemorate an event,
which, though it may appear insignificant in the eyes
of some, to others US we'll as ourselves, it must,
doubtless, possess its due share of Importance.
If we look back, merely to the establishment of a
small Agricultural Society, composed, in tho first in
stance, of handful of members from two adjoining
Districts, we perceive nothing very grand or impo-
sing-but if we look ahead, and extend our views to
the possible and probable effects of our association
to the influence which it may exert upon our moral,
social and political condition, will find enough to
cheer and encourage US in our undertaking-enough
to stimulate us 70 continued effort, that we may I'D.
vance the objects of our institution, and place our
Society upon such footing as would be most likely to
insure success and permanenco to its establishment
At this enlightened day, and in an assembly Of
such intelligence as have the honor TO- address, it
will scarcely be expected of me to enter, at length
upon the facts and arguments which might be addu-
ccd in proof of the utility and importance Of Agri.
cultural Societies. It will be sufficient formy pur-
pose on this OCCASION before entering upon the sub;
cct matter of my Address, to call your attention to
few leading considerations in their favor, which
think important, and well worth impresslng upon
your minds. =. =, =. ~ ~ 8 J ~
Hitherto, from the .unpretending character Of our
planters, and possibly from over.estimate which
many have been wont to place upon the learned pro-
fcssions and other pursuits, that of Agriculture has
not been properly appreciated. An opinion has pre-
vailed, highly injurious TO the pursuit-tendng
to disparage and place it rather in theght Of trade
or art, than that of science, which tits now nc.
knowledged to be. :
1t has been thought that any one could succeed os
planter, possessing little talent and good share
of industry, as more hand.work thnn head:work was
necessary to success at il. Our influential planters
too, seeming to entertain this opinion, inasmuch ai
they have been in the habit of directing to other oc
cuputons and pursuits the thoughts and feelings OF
their sons-especally those of the most talent and
promise, and those upon whom no pains or expense
had been spared, in educating and qualifying them
for usefulness in the business of life. @
In thus acting, influential planters have contr
buted in no little degree to depreciate in the estima
ton of the world their own pursuit, and otherwise In
ire by diverng from it, many, who would have shone
conspicuous and rendered good service in its cause
But, happily for the country, this has had its day
the light of reason and truthhas exposed its enormy
and at the same time, has brought tovew many beau
ties and excellencies in tho business of agriculture
which, in our country, for years past had been entire
l. = al. ,,,nIo hyvoQ
amass wealth without SKILL capital or labor. But
the disappointed hopes and expectations from such
calculations and efforts have convinced mankind oi
their utter extravaganza and folly and brought them
10 knowledge of the superior claims and pretensons
which agriculture holds out for their consideration
and support, and the superior advantages which plan
tcrs enjoy over those engaged in other pursuits
| individuals now in no wise connected with the
pursuit of agriculture, yielding to its just claims,
in giving the thought and consideration II so cl'
" merits-communities both civil and POLITICAL
are extending 10 it especial attention and care. In
deed several of our State Governments 80 well salts
fed of its importance-of its bearing and influence
upon national prosperity are fostering and en-.
couraging it by appropriations and other enactmcns,
calculated to sustain and advance its interests.
The friends and patrons Of agriculture admit 1t 10
be slow way to wealth, but they claim for 1t the
mcr, of being and independent way; and as DO
ing free from those corrupting influences which al
tach to almost every other pursuit. In thus speak
ing, It is not my wish or intention, 10 wage war
nnon the professions and other pursuits but merely 10
take for our own the high rank to which it IS just
" entitled, and which the civilized worldJust now
seems willing and ready to concede to IT; for one'
consider it of the utmost Importance that we should
as class take this rank, the principle will hold
rood with classes as it does with ndividuals-as they
rank themselves, SO will they be ranked.
Iwould have our young men who are just entering
mon the business of life, those who contiol or IN
aucnce them in the choice of profession or pursuit
not TO despisc ours, as wanting dignity and i'm Por
tance, but 10 regard as an employment altogether
worthy of the first talent and promise of the country
and as an employment which leads to honor and USE
funcss. $50
Agriculture, or tile science Of improving and cul'
tyating the earh order to render moro fertile ana
productive, is an old, useful and honorable Purslf.
In point of antiquity, it takes precedence OF the
other arts and sciences. We trace it back as the
employment of our first parents-and after then' In
all ages and countries, we find that has had its pat
rops and that the greatest have pursued 1t with
A. .o.toe+ interest and care and brought it to the