The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-03-08
EXTRACT FROM AN ADDRESS

Before The Merrimack County 9g,ieuttur al Society,
BYREv. NJ. G. THOMAS.
Another topic worthy of consideration presents
hdf in The proper estimate of agricultural inter
e Agriculture is not brought before the com
nuGiy 10 the same extent that its products are
"A Without the products Of the farmer, Miler's proph
Ny would be fulfilled before the year OF our Lord
81 HB But while no with ny degree ofper
nml cOnfort can withhold their attention from a
N faithful discussion OF farmers products for the
IA eySs Swenty four hours, the is somewhat
M dFeenM regard to the raising and curing Of
M those products. This is matter with which few
NJ but practical banners concern Themselves at all;
and they chiefly in their individual retirement, and
a While engaged upon their acres. 1t 10 only
q on occasions like the present, that the practicsi
matters OF farming are especially brought before the
public And these occasions with us of CON
Fnlvely recent origin. In word, the principal
operations and pursuits Of the farmer in the re
tHement of his own hill sides plains and Valleys
Its 10 this Circumstance, in part that are TO
attribute the fact, that 80 little thought or interest
abesowed or felt BY the public at large upon this
important subject Until late years., has acarcely
appeared in the public papers, or even been named.
1t has, too, been thought by many, that those who
could do nothing else would at least do FOR far
ncrs. A greater mistake could not easily be
made. The farmer needs good head, much 80
as"od pair of hands. There are few occupations
that may be more benefited and assisted by sound
judgment, careful observation, and what may be
called good calculations; few that require more Of
these traits 1t is true, then, that farming offers as
much scope for good mind, and l think even
oaore, than the average occupations OF life. There
"room for as much study, investigation and i'm
Pf0Vement IN it, as in other vocations, and # pur
sued as 1t should be much more than in many 9TH
'eFs 1t offers ample field for the exercise and
"deVe'orement Of all the intellectual powers
~'V' the business of farming is not generally 30
ESTIMATED Some, and perh APPS not few of those
~'"sase0 IN 1T, do not think oft.
n0" Is This mistake TO be corrected, and more
lJ"'' ana worthy estimate Of the subject TO be pro-
.a The same principles apply to farm ers il
WIS matter as to all other classes, to ndi
'"u"S' The farmer must be interested in his vo-
l"on and proud Of 1t. He must feel that it has a
'aOe1'ahd that high one, to be developed and
''"eu' that ii is inferior to no other calling
; .. not even to the administration Of
."''' Or as the Scottish phrase Is, TO 'wagging
' paw" in poopit.' The farmer is Gods first
A., ""an' We cannot live without him. Only
~ country be filed with good farmers and more
ia" me other occupations could be spared,
"' community live comfortably. Strange in
,n.. "' mat calling which is the very corner
among the occupations of civilized humanity
=. u ever be regarded not quite so respectable
H. o'ners! Or that the farmer should be less
,,I Of as is the case with some, than the
me lawyer or minister. This has only
pass because part of the world never
MAJ ae more than skin deep. If they see on a
,r;,.s "ard hand land burnt skin, and garb
b.. !" us business, it turns what little brains
w,t e-Just as we should suppose II would
IN ,;.s, people. 1t is with such, a hopeless task
,mn,. "em a just estimate Of any thing AS
dark 80. as it would be to wheel sunshine into
Bnt ,S with wheelbarrow.
which n.y.. Is somewhat of this feeling with others
~ IN some degree be we'll founded -