The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-02-02

a. mere matter Of interest, q matter Of dol
lars and cents, he would not be vastly the gamer
BY an association with such society! As
matter OF pleasure and personal qualification, he
must also seek come xon, unless Indeed he would
prefer to make his life solitude and his avocations
. nonotony in which one day would describe the
cycle. R
The agricultural interest of the country REQUIRES
| concentrated and well-directed public opinion.
u the absence Of any organization to create and
give expression and direction 70 such opinion lite
rally nofhing has been done by the Government for
agriculture. Is at the end Of sixty years with
Out II: department or bureau, or hardly records
enough existing among its archives at Washing
ton--n we except q few huddled away In one cor
ner of the Patent Ofice-to show that such an in
terest as agriculture has existence among US. Yet
agriculture Is the basis and support Of all other I'M
commerce, and starts the shuttle Of the manufac-
turer II feeds all and clothes all; like the heart,
gives vitality, life and motion TO the whole body
pohtic; and let its mighty quotations once be
lows 80 sS''s' p'''A'''" -
II is time the agricultural community appre-
ciated more fully their numerical strength and
In country is the landed interest or the indc-
pendcnce and position Of the frecholder 30 little
valued and appreciated as in our own. Placed ON
his own independent domain away from the infu-
encc OF those Injuries that enervate the body and
those associations that may corrupt the mind; with
no bargaining, chaffering occupations TO whct the
soul for svnricc and dry up the sources Of gener-
Gus hospitaty the firm friend of the State that he
supports by unequal taxes levied upon his lands;
always conservative. loving liberty and fostering
and sustaining those institutions Of education and
although associated with majority AZ strong as
five to one if he does not himself actually defer
this minority in all things, he is often looked
upon az occupying 2 position neither enviabe for
crs For all this, II is true, he has generally most
himself to blame. The honors of the senate or the
bar, the responsibility Of professional and political
life, or the wealth created by trade, are objects
often proclaimed those most to be coveted. Yet
how uncertain are these in the pursuit and often
how unsatisfactory in the enjoyment
The difficulty heretofore has been TO render agri-
culture attractive to the young and ardent aspirer
after distincti0n in some form; and hence the mis-
application and almost total waste of talent and
energy 70 the country, as exhibited in our over
crowded professions the thronged arena of politi-
cal life, and the stock -jobbing associations Of
! largo commercial cities.
But through these societies. and the eclat and dis
tnction they will contribute TO give to agrculture
with the aid of literature by which this profession
as well as others may be studed--the esprit de
corps which is likely to bind the freehoders of the
soil in closer ties-our young men of talents and
education are likely many of them to be attracted
to the pursuit Of agriculture and to prefer its
sure rewards, its calm philosophy, It's tranquil
| joymcnts, that "peacc within and harmony to all
around" to any uncertain honors the professions
can offer, or to any mere sordid pursuit of Nam
mon. Wsfs
| But, like the Grecian father, who annually took
bis sons 70 witass; the olympic games to inspire
test, they should never fail TO be in attendance at
these anniversary shows in honor and promotion of
agriculture. As school, then, for his sons, the
American planter and farmer should encourage
these associations, always attending them himself
as an active participating party and not as an idle
spectator.
an agricultural; he realized and fully appreciated
the dignity of the calling, his great mind
above giving attention ~ all its details. The world
| has generally known him but hero and states
man, but we, his grateful countrymen, should also
cherish his memory as the ardent friend and great
patron of agriculture. Amidst the councils Of cab
| inets, and from the head of armies he actually
found time (such was his love of agriculture) to
direct in general way, through correspondence
with his overseer, the illage of his fields at Mount
Vernon, and also to conduct an able correspond
| ence with Sir John Sinclair agricultural sub
jects, the fruits of which his countrymen are now
enjoying.
On the very subject of these agricultural assoca-
tons and institutions, Washington thus forciby
expressed himself in his last message to Congress-
"This species Of establishment contributes douby
| to the increase Of improvement, by stimulating
| to enterprise and experiment, and by drawing 70
| common centre the results every where Of indi-
yidual skill and observation, and spreading them
thence over the whole nation. Experience accord
ingly has shown that they are very cheap instru
ments Of immense national benefit"
/ Can the rural population Of these old Atlantic
States, with 90 many thronging memories con-
nected with the past, better testify their gratitude
TO the Father Of his Country, or better that
beloved country ITSELF than by emulating the zeal
| OF this great and good man in the cause Of agri-
culture! Washington would have been one of the
first IN times Of peace 70 join an agricultural
ciety, as he was in war 10 join the standard of his
country, One Of his humblest virtues we might at
least seek to initiate.
But not only interest and patriotism, and the
love OF our calling, should induce to come for
ward and join and support this association, but rest
md tim tfo <~l. I..,
biee. The planter and farmer are not without
their cares, tolls, and anxiety. Now the seasons
are unproptious; the insects attack his crops;
but skill, energy, and perseverance, may do much
here, and these are exerted to the last degree
Again, the harvest has 70 be safely secured, the
earnings of the year depending upon it, making
the season one Of watchfulness and toll.
cts now he bears the burden most
Till sweat is on his brow"
II Is hard indeed IL he may not rest a few days
| from his labor, and strange II he should grudge
himself a few dollars, though hardly earned, TO be
expended In rational and social intercourse and
| joyment with those of his brethren engaged in a
common calling, and with view at the same time
| TO great Interior good. A parsimony that would
| grudge a small annual contribution towards the
support OF an Agricultural Society, would justly
cast reflection public spirit, and bring a
| scandal such ilhberal use or withholding OF
our means. Even the humble mechanic, the day
laborer, in his connexion with Mechanics Instf-
tute, or an 0dd-Fellows Lodge. is subjected to
twice the tax of the landed proprietor ia his con
nexion with an Agricultural Society; 20 that, on
the ground OF expense, he cannot fairly him
self Tor foregoing the advantages he would receive
| and the good he would confer.
Whatever Is done should be done promptly and
at once, Let all who friendly 10 the objects in
view at once lend their corporation; in other
| words, forward their names and address 10 Sanue
Sands, esq, Secretuy, Baifimovs, with request "a
be enrolled as members, and also volunteer 10 pro-
cure iisfs Of Signatures from among their riends Az
the next autumn exhibition they will pay TO the
treasurer the small sum Of three dollars each and
enjoy the full privileges OF Membership. Editors
Of papers who publish this appeal, and forward q
copy Of their paper TO Mr. Sands, will be enrolled
ms free members for one year. Again we say tc
our brother Agriculturists, Go TO srok-intcresi
yourselves in this important matter, and cndeavor te
swell the numbers Of this society, that they ma
equal those OF any other existing, and fairly
represent this large minority Of "the old thirteen
Early action is necessary in reference 10 the for.
nation Of committees and other important arrange
ments.
CHAUNCEy p. HoLCOMB, ofDelaware,
A. BOWIE DAVIS, Of Maryland,
BERNARD PEYTON, of Virginia,