The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 184?-1851, 1845-02-12
NUMBER a..
THE H~UsBANDMAN.

1
lhere is one prevailing error among this class
OF society which ought to be eradicated and de-
stroyed-it is more fatal 10 the business of agri-
culture than the growth of Canada thistles. or
Inc destruction OF May frosts--we mean the ne
glected education of the farmers children. Il
IS frequently remarked that education is of little
use TO the farmer; a very little science will do
him. Great knowledge is only beneficial in the
professional man. Expressions Of this sort are
rounded upon a false estimate of one of the
most useful and elevated professions of life.
1t the habitual business of the cuItivator does
not afford the mental powers a field for their most
extended exercise, we know not where to look
tor such a field. The study of agriculture mites
10 the theory OF science the very essential ma
terlal OF its practical parts. 1t makes the stu.
dent experimentally and truly learned,
Nearly every thing that is useful in our pill
grlmage through life is drawn from the earth.-
The main use of science is TO explore the min
utiB of nature, to fathom IFS secret caverns, and
to bring forth the hidden possessions of The earth
into comprehensive identity.-Where then is
the occupation that so richly furnishes a perpet.
ual supply of mental food as that of agriculture.
In the constant exercises and every day labor of
the farmer the business of his science is progress
sing, if his intellect has been set right in the ed
ucation of his youth. The theory is all essen
tial, for this constitutes the implement by which
he is TO prosecute the study of nature to its prac-
teal utility.
A man cannot 60 forth upon the land with
any good degree of promise in scientific expert.
ment, without the light of past experience upon
his pathway, and this he can only obtain by a
passage through the literary Institutions of the
country, where the results of the labor of the
learned for ages are collected together and made
accessible 10 the student. To attempt a prose-
cution of the sciences Independent of the past
experience, as we sometimes incline to consider
ourselves, would be vain.-There is scarcely a
valuable discovery of modern times but has Dor
rowed something of its proportions or utility from
the mind of antiquity.
That the farmer by a scientific cultivation OF
his land, can increase to a very great extent its
productions, there does not exist a rational
doubt. And that the time is coming when there
will be actual necessity for this increase of pro-
d%uctlon, there is every appearance. 1t is there
fore not only wise and expedient to
or rather carry on now, BIT. it is a high duty
which is owed already TO posterity, in considera-
ton OF all the blessings which past ages have be-
queathed to us.
Permit US, therefore, in our humble way, to inn
press upon the minds of the farmers the very
great usefulness of education to their children.
Give your sons and daughters not the less edu-
cation because you design them for rural life and
agricultural pursuit. If you are able, educate
them--they will find abundant employment for
all their science though their farms be located
in the deep wilderness of the west; though they
be cast amid barren rocks and sterile sand plains,
science will aid them there.
Not a blade of grass nor spear of grain but
will grow better under the cultivation of i~nteIlec-
care. Not a flower but will show beauties
10 the eye of science, which the vulgar world
knows not oE.-NOta vine but rears finer and pro.
duces more where educated hands superintend
lis growth. In short, all nature is beauti6ed,
improved and bettered, where the c~ultivator is
no stranger to its properties and the science of
its Development.
farmers, give your children an education. It
is the only earthly inheritance you can bequeath
them that is beyond the reach Of accident. All
Other human property is constantly changing and
transitory. Science is not transferable--not like
the mutability of other good, negotiable; it is
firm and mistaken by human vicissitude. 1t will
be the enduring companion of your children
through lite--it will support them IN al. the Attic
lions of Provideutial chastisement, and prepare
them for an inheritance in that undiscovered
country beyond the land Of death.-Troy Wing