Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1845-08-27
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AGRICULTURAL IMPROVEMENT.

Rejecting in both the great political parties, arc
aroused to the necessity Of making vigorous exefons 10
elevate State the scale OF moral social and infsec-
tual improvement; and especially docs angur we 10
the metropolitan at issue on 90 many o'nei Po
zeaously haternring upon this by combined effort anu
unrnr industry they may in the fulncss Of ume sue
coed in bringing that heahfu OF public opn-
ion when the highest achievements become practicable
Undoubtedly education and intellectual enlightenment
constitute the ground work which the cdhee Vi human
society rises farest aud most perfect proportions
knowledge is power and when the power OF progression
and advancement 10 felt, the human mind VIII not
long remain inactive. lmay be checked in its movements
by adverse circumstances; may encounter obstacles
which only be by long and patient exeruon
but the end will rise superior to every insumoanee
We can no longer disguise ourselves that Virginia
in n VI extreme dcpression-almost OF ptosuanon
paralysis. The that have produced this decay
require be Investigated those who have bestowed up
them consideration and that they Will be
fully discussed indicated by ssas that cannot have e'ea'
ped the OF those who have carefully looked n-
to the columns OF the public press.
At no uneturc could this discussion be entered uPon IN.
der circumstances suspicious than the pfcsent.
There comparative calm IN the political world.
victorious party has gained possession OF the Govern
men whose hands the rens OF power can be wres'od
by possible effort; and years will espse be-
fore the counIry will sgan become involved in the excite
ment Presidential election. This then, is the most
favorable direct the public attention To DOR inter
nal concerns; TO advocate the cause Of Education
and general Improvement and To consider those great
questions which must be forced upon al no distant day
even the modification III need he) Of our organic la"
and social Institutions.
When compare Virginia with other States enjoying
fever natural advantages, and zee how they have ousp
ped US IN Improvement It cannot but be moru
tying and Illuminating TO pride With water power at
the falls OF streams almost incacusble extent;
with mineral treasures subseve all the purposes Of the
arts. and OF the highest degree OF Agricultural improve
with mild and saubrious climate, and SOIL once
least, Of gres, natural eruly-we sl far from be-
ing condition OF prosperity: Instead OF haurishing
cies and villages rising il by magic the banks OF
every fall present the mournfu spectacle OF d.
lapdston and deserted towns-o exhausted helds-snd
population without energy.
Ii is them as have already stated the duty OF the Pho
sopher and the Statesman investigate the of this
premature decay which has extended itself the whole
maritime portion the Southern States and it pareu-
larry incumbent Virginia, which was formerly aecus
toned take the lead in all great national measures to set
the example in the work of regeneration She has vets
host Of Patriots stout hearts aud comprehensive INTEL
ec who fully competentto the task, and who will
themselves in the with the energy which the
gency requires
To this work. in other OF its branches,
there perhaps citizen who is not capable of contr
bung something II is with the desire OF adding my mite
however humble it may be-of becoming a common
aborer ii were, in the held-that propose to offer
Of bref upon the Agricultural Improvement
OF Virginia
Agriculture in its highest is no less Science than
Art. 1t is enough that the husbandman should pos
the perfect impements-hat his crops should be
committed the earth in due and kept in neat
der by the sssiduous culture is enough that he
should grow large crops land naturally fertile, and with
ample his command. Any other person, similar
situated might do the His duty Is IMPROVE the
soil. Ii poor he should make IT rich If IT Is rich, he
should increase producveness He should be able
ascertain and every defect in its constitution
Every succeeding rotation should find his fields pro-
ducve than the last In Short the mind not less than the
muscles and sinews should be exercised and every i'm
should be ;he result OF Judgment and intelligence.
Man has right, either accountable being
member of the social community to take every thing from
the soil, and nothing by way Of equivalent 10 IT,
Such Is mar Gods work instead OF improving
ii: 1t destroy the OF country, and i'm
pOverish pUstcriiy. How expect children to
occupy the land which their fathers have exhausted OF its
fertility P.