Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1842-11-18
rn TILE. EnIrnH +.

w. HANCOCK, orc Y.
TO THE EDIrOK
"Not having time to call on you this morning, write
to express my hearty concurrence in the suggestions
throw out in this mornings Enquirer, under the head
Of Agriculture.
"My consideration Of the subject, you may well
suppose, has not been very profound, and am sensible
That the conclusions TO which il has led, very lar
from being entitled to mnch weight. | have long ad-
mred the plan of the celebrated relenbufg, TO which
you refer and thought as still think, that one such
school would be worth more, than all the proiessorshfs
of agriculture that could be established in our colleges
II the agricultural portion of people could be ava
kenrd Ia their true interests such school at least
could be established each of the grand divisions OF The
State and snsia ned by individual subscriptions of,
# not effected in this mod, and the financial condition
OF the State should not admit OF the requisite ao from
the public Treasury might not tax be laid Tor that
special purpose? 1t is difficult estimate the advan
tuges tina. might justly be expected from agricultural
schools IN which theory and practice would go hand IN
hand, and where the mental well as physical powers
were judciously cultivated We all know, that the few
landed estates which yet left TO be transmitted from
fathers TO sons, most frequently fall into the hands of
young men just from college, who, though they may
be fine scholars and qualified To a,tan the highest pro-
essoua rink, yet profoundly gnoran Oft that which
II most concerns them to know practical agriculture.
So, too of The less wealthy portion of people, whn
tram their TO the abors of the farm, but most
frequently in The same path, which has heen trocdrn
by fathers grandfathers and greotgrandaihers before
neIn but upon hch not one ray OF improvement has
yet been shed These young nre, according TO
circumstances either portioned off with small farms,
seek employment, overSeers, having generally 1T
tie else than habits of industry, with true and honest
hearts, qualify them for the business OF life 1t s
easy 10 conceive that to oil these, the education of
agricultural school would be certain independence,
not wealth.
"The want Of sufficient skill in agriculture and farm
management among overseers, hear complained Of
by almost every farmer who employs one. II is Sc
rious grievance but the poor fellows themselves are
not to blame for they have no chance of better inor
nation case lately came to my knowledge ola lady
possessed Of gond estate IN land and negroes, who
had been repeatedly disappointed in overseers and
length employed whose known industry and int
gritty was hoped would suffice. But with full stock
Of these indispensable quail caona, and every wish to
give satisfaction lie proved utterly ignorant Of farm
managcment, and OF any standard of agriculture be-
yond that with which he had grown up-between the
handles of old style horse plough, with wooden
mould board and rope races-that his employer has
certain prospect Of loss upon the years work. and he
of losing his placc-An experienced and obserynnt
farmer lately remarked in my presence, that many who
were now struggling in the over filled Professions and
the uncertain risks Of commercial pursuits, must soon
find themselves driven to agriculture Tor subsistence;
and that, instead Of every man who can command the
means sending his 10 ill the classical schools al
the p uncertain what they mast do when they attain
tn manhood they should be Tor large majority Of
hcm) trained schools Of agriculture, which the pub
lie voice should compel The Legislature 10 establish
agricultural schools should b. alike accessible 10
rich and poor, and in the vicinity Of ourishing towns
might us you have suggested, toa considerable EXTENT
pport themselves Tothc rich they would ba scarcely
less valuable than to the poor; as The first would there
be ugh how 10 improve and preserve his inheritance
whilst The last would learn how 10 acquire independ
ence for himself and Inheritance for his children
Many farmers most anxious 10 give their sons such
an education; and even smong the poorest and most
ignorant, scarcely oae could be found who would not
surrender the labor OF his son Tor the advan
Ia ge of placing him in M agricultural school very
poor but most pectabe applied TO me early this
year 10 take his son. stout youth of I6, for five years.
stating that he wished 10 make him iarmer-not 10
expose him 10 the vices of town li:e-tat he had no
thing more tn give him than he had alreacy gwen,
PLAIN English ecuca;lon-and as he hoped. good pr'n
ciprs and good habits. Ii was not in my power 10
take the YOUTH and especially because knew myself
to be incompetent TO teach him what his father wished
hun TO acquire. Now, the labor of this son was worth
something the father "a feeble man, but he was mcs
willing and anxious give that up, and even TO permit
him 10 labor my farm with my negroes, for the I'D
vantage he supposed would be derived from my nsfuc
ton Ii was estimate Of my quallfcations-hut
serves to show the infinite importance to large m'Jo
ri,y Of our pc ople, Of agricultural schools
1.-The press the most powerful engine that can be
brought 10 bear upon this important subject rejoice
that yon have taken up, and hope that will be press
ed with your accustomed zeal -- trust too,
that it will be taken up by the press universally Hall
the devotion to this grcut cause that the political press
besows upon the party politics of the day. would do
more for the best interests Of Virginia, verify believe
than any thing besides Our society, there can be no
doubt, will do its part.
THIS is not written for publications. am not quail.
fed to discuss the subject in the public prints, and
therefore do not wish to appear vain enough 10 attempt
il. Adler pens and distinguished names than
mine must do the work; and it is time that work was
in hand Let the word be onward
Very respectfully, yours, 81