The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1848-02-24

this to be so I! L know the path OF the nus
bandman, from the origin of his race, has
been clouded in darkness and doubt. But
must it always be so? No. The march of
improvement in every department in labor
answers, No. Next to our common schools,
academies are nearest the farmers home, for
these are found in almost every town, while
colleges are more remote from the scenes Of
husbandry. In these the subject of Agricul-
ture may be studied more Systematically and
profoundly. Here, chemistry, botany, zoolo-
gy, geology, and mineralogy, whose princi-
pies are the basis Of Agricultural science, may
be pursued to any extent, and here this sci
ence should form distinct department, and
the instruction given in the lecture room
should be explained and Illustrated in the cul
tivation of the soil. If those youth who in
tend to become farmers should imbue their
minds with the knowledge of their future
profession, while connected with their schools,
they would return to their homes with fund
Of practical knowledge, which, when applied
to the cultivation Of the soil, would amply
compensate for the pecuniary expense of their
education, by more abundant productions with
less cost, and, in their turn they might become
| the instructors Of those who have passed the
period of academic life, and from whom they
may have received lessons of wisdom, and
parental care and protection. Our colleges
should furnish the most ample means Of in
struction in the department of Agricultural
Chemistry. Already a number OF them have
established Protcssorships in this department,
and we may reasonably expect that, ere long,
similar facilities will be afforded to the stu
dents in the most of them. In these seats
of learning the student should commune with
natures laws, ana not only acquire knowl-
edge of the principles of the natural sciences,
but aim to acquire knowledge Of their prac-
teal use. Furnished with competent instruc-
tors, libraries and apparatus, they should be-
come the great fountains Of knowledge 10
these we can look for scientific men, and for
improvement in all the departments Of edu-
cation. Indeed they should be regarded as
the great ccntre-points of science and moral
influence in any educational system not only
shedding a benign influence upon all subordl-
nate schools but scattering the blessings Of
knowledge along every pursuit of life. l re-
mark again, the Aericulturist should have his
LIBRARY. While the. student in other pro
fcssions may be supplied to almost any eX
tent with books to throw light on the subjects
they are called to investigate, the farmer is
generally without q text book. Books and
periodicals, as a medium Of communicating
knowledge, are among the richest blessings
that kind Providence has bestowed upon
us. 1t is through this medium that we COM
mune with the giant minds of other days. and
through this, they transmit to us their lessons
of knowledge and wisdom, In the produc-
tons of an author we read his thoughts and
emotions, the process of his reasoning, and
the decisions of his judgment They become
to us sources of information and knowledge,
and may constitute u valuable substitute for
a living teacher.
In closing, shall dwell moment on the
Importance of general intelligence, to that
large and valuable class of community who
are engaged in the business of husbandry
, knowledge is always blessing; when used
for a noble purpose, its tendency is to elevate
refine, and invigorate the mind. Where the
: understanding is cultivated and enlightened
! the affections flourish with sweetet and richer
, luxuriance. How unlike this is the baletd
effect of ignorance. 1t closes the ten thou
/ sand avenues to happiness, which God ant
nature have opened before US. 1t gives
. kind of eternity to prejudice, and perpetult.
c to error 1t bars the mind against the lntiu
ence of truth. When a baletul superstition
gains an ascendency over ignorant minds
truth with its ethereal temper falls powerlcs
:. upon them. Here is the soil where erro
u vegetables in rank eXuberance. But unde
y the expanding influence of moral and intel
=, lectual training, reason and conscience ar
- more likely to gain the ascendency, and tn
i passions and appetites are more subject t.
: their control Now, if this be true, too grea
= importance cannot be attched to the diff.
! sion of knowledge and mental improvement
, throughout the great mass of our population
! Add to the means of knowledge already a
! forled to the laboring classes, instruction
'' the science of their appropriate profession
9 and you lay broader and deeper basis tc
Of intellectual elevation, you give an impulse
n, inquiry, and convert labor which has bee
is considered with the highest injustice, the al
t. propriate business of serfS and drudges, I'M
lie an employment delightful, because i'll its e.
IN ccution, the head, as well as the hands al
st engaged. In rural scenes, there are source
IN of enjoyment and pleasure, to which tho'
IN who experience the cares and anxiety OF pu
a. lie life are strangers. The objects OF col
IS temptation are presented in rich and endle
by variety. There is ample room and profit II
re the husbandman to unite his intellectual vii
or his agricultural pursuits. His taste for lit
lie nature will induce him to spend his leisu
is moments in the acquisition OF useful know
es edge, and thus to possess sources OF pleasu
"a which cannot be annihilated 10y the storr
ce and tempests of life There is, in every We
on educated mind, an intellectual spring alwa
or impelling him to seek some rational satisa
be ton, and through the social and domestic CT
be ces in which he moves, he dittuses intellect
tai al pleasure and enjoyment. 1t is IN the p1
to ,,ota walks of life that virtue and religion iii
TT a congenial soil, and produce the choice
he fruits. Here we find some Of the most ill
EN- trious examples of piety. Here we look
Ter that stern integrity, and love of truth a
ich righteousness, for that disinterested patri
uc- ism upon which successful republican &C
zen eminent is based. The most skeptical as
Idy the fitness of man for selfgovernment ha
YER admitted if the experiment of Republican,
thn Ill ....e,n s1ccnssiill II will be i'm q nation