Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1841-02-13

lnavigators to seek for it passage around
the south point Of Africa; a commerce, in
search Of a new passage 30 which, Column
bus discovered America.
The great mystery, how China could,
through unnumbercd centuries, supply food
for 50 many millions Of inhabitants, ard
keep them in order, is explained by the
fact that every spot in China, from the tops
of the hills down TO the margin of the riv-
ers, is cultivated by an industry that is
constantly encouraged by the aid Of wise
government. and constantly stimulated by
the iniunctions Of religion. They are
taught to believe that their god, Foh, first
taught the art oftillagc, and that isprotcc-
ton is TO be ccnciiated by the careful,
neat cultivation Of the earth. Every
spring great national festival is held.
throughout the empire, in honor Of agricul-
ture: at which tie Emperor ploughs the
first fnrrow that is opened in Ii. dominions.
In this single custom there is comprised a
volume Of wisdom. This ancicI custom
perpetuates, from generation to generation
vencra'ion for tic plough. Tie instrument
held in the hands Of the Egyptian Osiris,
the instrument that has converted man from
4 savage to Il rational being
Among he nations that figure upon tic
theatre Of the ancient world. Persia holds
q conspicuous Place. BY tic laws Of Per-
sia il was made the duty # their KINGS
to examine the state Of agriculture through
out their domrions with their own eyes,
and to reward tie industrious and punish
the slothful. We learn from N"noPhon,
that when Cyrus bestowed premiums with
! his own hands to dil;gent Cult.yators, il was
his custom to say, Ny friends, l have
Ike title with yourselves to the same hon
ors and remuncrar;ons from the public.
give you no more than have deserved in
my own person. having made the self-same
attempts with equal diligence and success
The page upon which is recorded the
fact that Cyrus cultivated the earth with
diligence and success with his own hands,
| and bestowed rewards upon such of his
subjects as did the Ike, is the brightest in
! the life oC that re. Dwncd monarch: 1nI
contains the secret Of his immense bower
and resources. The sacred book Of the
Pcrsians incUlcatcs, as religious rrccepts,
the cultivation CT the earth. the planting
of fruit-tr.es. tic destruction Ct nUXiCUs
animals, and the bringing Of water to barren
| land.
Here, 9i2en. arc tie ,jGcis,-cvery nation
at the period under review, that was civil
lied, upheld agriculture, by their laws. their
custsms and religion. In contrast with
this, wherever in th:s wide world, the art
Of cultivating the sol was unknown, man
was savage.
Let us pause here, and enquire, + this
VIEW of the ancient nations should not ex-
tort from our statesmen an affirmative to
the question / am discussing. that the
power of government ought to be added
to individual effort TO perfect the art OF
agriculture.
Who can look upon this picture Of the
ancient world and doubt that Tie art of
cultivat:ng the ground has been the chief
element in the civilization Of cur race
Who can doubt that the arts and sciences
have originated in the school of agricuI-
ture! Who can doubt that this great
source of every human Improvement, this
best basis of human virtue. should have
thrown around it governmental protection.
and be also sustained by societies composed
Of American lieemeni
Pat, if all .hat have contcndcd for be
corrcrt.-it agriculture has been the great
foundation OF every human improvements
if the power of government has, in every
onlighteUed nation. been brought in aid OF
private enterprise in its Improvement,
+ another interesting question Will arise.
E How did it happen that the few nations re-
iarred 10 discovered the art of cult;vating
the earth. while all other nations remained
ignorant of Il ! The answer to this CUES
ton can be found IN the laws Of nature.
There is nothing more certain than that
the condition 81: men and animals and
vegetables, Deepen! on the physical c,rclnn-