Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1846-10-27
ADDRESS
OF WILLIAM q. OvERToN, Esq,
BEFORE THE HENRIC0 AGRICULTURAL AMI
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

OF WILLIAM Il. OVERTON, ESQ,
BEFORE THE nENRIco AGRICULTURAL AND
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Gentlemen Of The Society: was no, induced
10 accept the kind invitation Of the Society 10 ap-
pear before il al this time, for the pul pose of
bringing myself into notice, nor because | be-
lived that could instruct and Intern II on agri-
cultural operations as well as many OF its mem.
bers. II is only for the purpose Of complying
with the request Of some of my friends, whom
hope it will always be my pleasure 10 obey, thai
am now before you for the purpose OF addressing
10 your judgments, and for your consideration
some of my views aud opinions in relation 10 lha
employment which this association was intended
to advance and promote. In doing this, shall
no, enter into the details Of agricultural opera.
lions. llwould be folly 10 attempt il al this lime
were qualified Tor lis performance under any
circumstances.
Agriculture is that avocalion which is the ba
sis OF all Others and by which all olhers are
nourished and sustained-lhe only employment
that is the guardian of liberty aud The origin OF
wealth.
| Since the expulsion of Adam from Eden the
curse, 'lhou shalt eat thy bread in The sweal Of thy
brow" has chung 10 his descendants through all
time and every generation. Many wants beset
him on every side, and follow hin, from The era
die TO the sravs-his hunger craving for food
his vanity eager for display. While The earth no
longer yields her fruits spontaneously, and no tree
OF Tile bears lis rich stores for all 10 pluck and
cal; yet the appetite Of man must be graliled, his
wants supplied, and his weakness projected
All that he has, all that he needs, and all that he
enjoys does come, and must ever come, mediatey
or Immediately, from the cultivation OF The earth
With truth has il been said, that the wealth Of
individuals and Of nations lies buried in the soil
and can only be extracted by the plough-share and
the spade.
| Agriculture is the true foundation Of all trade
and all industry. Towns flourish and enlarge in
proportion 10 he extent and fertility OF the sur.
rounding country. The wealth and influence o.
the merchant is Increased; he receives more
produce; he sells more goods. The mechanic
finds reader and better sale for the products oil
his skill and industry. The manufacturer OK
lends his operations 10 finer and better eommodi.
ties. Science, learning and plenty, are made 10
take The place Of ignorance and poverty.
OF all The pursuits 10 which mankind, from ne.
cessily or inclination, have devoted themselves
there is none more honorable. certainly none
more necessary and useful than that oil agricul.
Iure, whose pursuits are SO conducive 10 the
health OF the body and the mind, So calcula-
ted TO render man useful, virtuous and happy.
Deeply seated in agriculture, are the moral ele-
ments that bind society together. These arc in
,eresling and exciting topics, which have attract
ed the attention, and employed the pens of the
best speakers and writers for centuries past.
They have never wanted advocates, they have
found them with the best and mos, enlightened
OF all ages, with every friend OF his country,
and of the whole human race. They are truths
that strike The mind SO forcibly, and are so ge-
nerally admitted, that ii is mol necessary TO tres
pass on your time and attention 10 illustrate them
now.
II is the province Of Agriculture to raise from a
given extent OF land The largest quantity OF the
most valuable produce al The least cost, with the