Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1845-04-10
Circular Letter TO the Farmers of Virginia


BY resolution Of the Convention of farmer,
assembled in Richmond on the Goth of January,
1915, it is made the duty of the Executive Com
mittee to address circular letter to the farmers
OF Virginia, asking their cooperation in the for
mation and support Of a State Agricultural Soce-
'ty. In the discharge of that duty permit us to
bring 70 your notice the following benefits as
likely to result from such an association:
One OF the chief causes of the languishing con-
'dition OF agriculture in Virginia at this time, is
the want OF union and concert among those inter-
esied in ii; in consequence of which the spirit of
Improvement is confined to particular localities,
while in much the larger portion of the State the
same eXhausting and improvident systems Of
husbandry still pursued, which have convert
ed some ofthe richest regions Of the State into a
wilderness. The formation of State Society
will tend to engender general and universal
spirit OF Improvement, and TO bring its influence
10 bear not only on the peculiar interests of the
farmers, but on all the great and vital interests Of
the Commonwealth.
Some Of the most exhausted lands in the State
have been restored 10 their pristine fertility BY
judicious management. The object of our asso-
citation is to bring those who have wrought this
happy change into the councils of a State Society,
that they may reveal the secrets of their success,
that the inexperienced and improvident may both
learn how TO improve, and that it is profitable
to do go. That 1t is TO the interest of The far
to admit of reasoning yet are there are some
whose practice, whatever their opinions may be,
would seem to demand further proof Of the propo-
sition. Let them look at the increased value of
the lands, the quadrupled crops, the comfort,
wealth and happiness of the farmers where the
spirit OF Improvement has gone abroad, and then
laying their scepticsm aside, Join i'm this effort TO
promote the cause of agricultural improvement.
The interchange of opinions and collection of
useful experience which must grow from the suc-
cessfu operation of State Agricultural Society
will tend gradually but certainly TO the correction
OF defective systems of husbandry, the introduce
ton Of improved breeds of cattle and of the best
and cheapest implements of agriculture, and the
general diffusion of valuable, Interesting and pro-
htable information, where ignorance, indifference
or obstinacy now relard the progress of improve
ment.
Experience has demonstrated that self-inierest
alone, strong as it is, is not sufficient 10 make
men change even from bad 10 good systems of
husbandry, and that other aids are necessary to
call forth the full development of energy, skill
and ingenuity. The bestowal of premiums and
other honorable distinctions have been found to
be most valuable and indispensable auxi!iaries.
a State Agricultural Society can put these aux
lllaTies into operation on the most extensive and
beneficial scale, by offering premiums for new in
veniions In machinery, valuable experiments in
the theoretic branches Of agriculture, the improve
ment of the different breeds of stock, useful es-
says on various agricultural and scientific sub
Jects, and the general encouragement of prudence,
economy, thrift, and skill in practical husbandry.
The formation of such an Association by c-ea-
ting spirit OF inquiry and desire of agricultu-
raj information among the farmers will elevate
them, as class, in the estimation of the commu-
nifty. Atpresent, husbandry is regarded by ma
ny as laborious and pebeian occupation, and
unfit for The scientific and well educated man.
we must remove this erroneous impression and
IN hn ip-
serves TO hold in public estimation.
The establishment Of State Agricultural So
clety Will bring together into consultation the cat
tie raiser OF the West, and the grazer of the VAL
ley, with the tobacco planter and grain grower Of
the East, and teach them that their interests, in
stead of being antagonistcal, are dependent on
each other; and, while their united efforts and
combined influence cannot fail to give weighty
impulse to the welfare Of both, Virginia will see
her people bound together by The strong ligament
OF mutual wants and mutual efIoris-a conside.
ration which addresses itself not TO the farmer
alone, but to every patriotic son of the Old Do
minion.
Nor is the farmer alone concerned i'm the inn
Proyement OF agriculture. The merchant, the
tradesman, the professional man. the statesman,
Will all find their interests promoted by the adj
vance OF Improvement and intelligence among the
farmers. They depend on us for their food, their
clothing, their very livelihood. What we have
we share with them-what promotes our welfare
promotes thelrs-aDd what Injuries us will ruin
them. We, therefore, appeal to all classes of the
community TO lend helping hand to the improve
ment OF agriculture.
Farmers OF Virginia, ask the benefit of
your cooperation in this scheme in three ways.
In Inc hrst place, we ask you to join The Society,
anu 10 solicit your neighbors Join, and by your
Pecuniary contributions enable the Society TO ef.
feet The objects proposed We ask you to pay
the treasurer the inconsiderable sum Of one dollar
annually, that you may receive i'm return hum
tred 1old oil compound interest in an increase Of
knowledge and all the other benefits likely to
flow from the successful operation of the Society.
We hope The wealthy farmers will do more than
this. IL the tller of few acres with his own
hands bring his annual contribution Of dollar to
the treasury in proof of his zeal in this good
cause, how will the owner Of thousands of acres
manifest his! Will ne not become life MEM
Der OF the Society, and thereby show that his zeal
is equal TO his means! Will he not make liber-
al donations TO the fund Of $4,000, which it is
proposed to raise, the principal Of which is to re-
main forever untouched, perennial source of en-
coursgement TO agriculture We cannot doubt
it. Such donations have been made i'm other
States, and we are Ioath 10 believe that the farmers
Of Virginia can I've so forgetul of the most Wanted
trait Of our character, to resign to any the palm
Of generous literally and noble public spirit.
We invite you 10 cooperate with us i'm the at
tanment Of the objects proposed, by the forma-
ton Of county Societies and neighborhood Clubs,
which shall be auxiliary to the State Society, by
obtaining subscribers 30 our agricultural journals
and by peTseveTing efforts, both individual and
10 disseminate agricultural knowledge,
and kIndle the flame Of agricultural improvement
throughout our borders.