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

In Europe, the soil is naturally no better
than our own, and yet it produces twice as
much as ours and, if we visit some parts OF
our own country, we shall find the products
of the field twice as great, as those raised in
other parts. Now to what shall we attribute
this difference. This disparity doubtless
originates in the manner of cultivating the
soil. Where it produces the most luXurant-
y in the New England States, the science OF
agriculture has begun to shed its Light
Even in our own part of the country, where
this light has dawned upon point here and
there, we see the same fields loaded with
twice their accustomed products. With the
aid of scientific culture, believe that every
acre which produces 40 bushels of corn, may
be made to produce 100; and the acre that
produces 20 bushels of wheat, may be rem
dercd capable of producing 40 bushels, and
that the same may be said of all other crops.
Indeed it is discouraging to see the puny
crops of grain and grass that cover many OF
the fields of this county. The fact is we
have regarded the soil as kind mother, and
have looked constantly for her benefits, re-
CARELESS of her ability to bcstow them. We
have expected her bountes to flow upon us,
while we have been regardless of her admonl-
tons. We have conducted the business of
farming asif physical power alone is to be en-
ploycd as if the mental powers could have no
important agency in the matter. But | rejoice
that reforming spirit is abroad. " Science
is pouring her light upon the Agricultural
world, and scattering the clouds of supcrsti-
tous ignorance which have so long envelop-
cd it in darknessw Those causes that have
contributed to improve the cultivation OF the
other arts and to elevate the character of
those engaged in them are eXcrting their
benign influence upon the cultivators Of the
soil.
am pledged to notice some of the means
by which knowledge Of the science of Agrl-
culture may be promoted. Among the varl-
Gus means of improving and increasing agrl,
cultural education, is associated effort The
power and efficiency of this principle is dis
plaved in various and illustrious examples at
the present day. The world has long since
learned that what is unattainable by individu-
al effort, may be easily accomplished by COM
bined exertion. This great element Of power
may be welded for good or evil. 1t has
sometimes been made an engine OF tyranny
and oppression, and has wrested from man
those inalienable rights with which God has
of the day have been originated and carried
forward by combined effort. The missionary
enterprise and the temperance reformation,
whose brilliant achievements have astonlshed
the world, whose influence has changed the
moral sentiments of nations, and whose high
and holy aims encompass the whole family OF
man, have been originated and carried for
ward by the compacted might of associated
mind; this simple element has conferred
blessings upon mankind which neither gov
eminent, law, armed force, nor q despots
sccptre could bestow. This principle of asso
citation may have similar power and salutary
influence, under wise direction, in the promo
ton OF Agricultural knowledge. TO the ope
ration of this power most OF the great I'M
provemcnts in the science Of husbandry may
be attributed. Mach indeed may be learned
by the inquisitive mind, in solitary commu
MON with Natures laws and phenomena, bu
the mass of mind can be melted and awaken
ed to the acquisition of knowledge, only where
intellects are associated where differen
views are expressed and subjected to the scru
tiny of the public mind. There is no EN-
ploymcnt in which man is so often compelled
to observe and examine Natures laws as in tn
practice of Agriculture. Every farmer shoul'
be faithful student of nature, and shou
studiously learn her lessons Of wisdom, ant
thus be prepared TO attend Agricultural les
rivals, and give an account OF his eXperlenc
in agricultural pursuits.
Our Society has not convened to-day slmF
w to award premiums to the successful con
petitors-to those who have raised the tine
animal, or cultivated the best crops. Thes
are only the means by which we hope to az
colnplsh noble objects" We have convene
! to Interchange our views TO excite each oth'
to generous emulation, and to ditfuSe anon
ourselves and the mass of agricultural con
| munity, the results Of experience. BY ayal
inc ourselves of united effort, we may illu
trate the dignity and importance OF HUSBAND
nv, and annihilate the prejudice, that the Gu
5 tiyator of the field is the drudge of the worl
t Another efficient means of increasing A
q ricultural knowledge, is a thorough course
. instruction on the subject in our Commo
, Academcal, and Collegiate schools. 1t
e not enough that Professorship i'll this dcpai
. ment of science should be established in son
# of our colleges. The means Of instructl(
o must be brought nearer home. They mu
II be found in our academies and CONNIE
l. schools 1t is in the family and comm
+ school that the foundation of general educ
e ton is laid 1t is said that the science of hl
l. bandry is too difficult to be apprehended
'e the common school boy Sure it is no mo
u abstruse than the science of mathematics,
. the classics. The mind that can grapI
d with and master either of these branches,
$, adequate to learn the elementary princip
II, a of Agriculture. Were some elementary tr'
Io tise on this subject prepared with reterer
lis to the capacity of youth; were our comm
X school teachers qualified to give instruct
a in this department, every obstacle would
NJ ut removed The mass of community would
able to begin that study which is of such VI
IT, Importance to every citizen, and especially
he the cultivator of the soil. Unless this depa
ne ment Of knowledge can be pursued in
of common school, large class of husbandu
ne who have not means of attending higl
~ school. must forego the advantages VIII