Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1851-10-09
the Aleghany mountains in Virginia. North Carolina and

Georgia. I.,,
One great peculiarty of the mining regions OF Amer
ca and especially those Of coal and lead consists
IN the remarkable fact that the mineral found large
Quantities, beneath the richest and productive soil
promising at the time, rich harvest to both the
miner and the husbandman. We not only produce the
minerals necessary to the construction of TOOLS agcul
ural implements machinery in an advanced state
industrial Development but also the precious metals in
such abundance will eventually enable 10 regulate
the standard Of values, and to control the Of
the world IL is maintained by writers the sub
lec that mining, If not branch Of agriculture, is al
least kindred pursuit The agriculurist draws from
the earth the organic power which susains vegetable
fe-ihe miner delivers her of the long accumu-
lated IN her lap. Mining like the pursuit Of agriculture
nerves the arm hardens the body and renders
OF great physical exertion. knowledge Of mneralo-
gy, geology and chemistry,s indispensable the
cessu pursuit of both branches of industry and will
able the farmer TO look for Of wealth be-
meath the soil he cultvates while il will induce the mi
ner occasionally to turn his attention very protaby
the external surface Of the vault that his mining
operations. The division Of labor has doubt its ad
vantages regards the cheapness of production
but Is less conducive the development OF the mind
and Is rarely applicable TO sparsey settled country
In thus cursorily reviewing of the chief articles
oil Agricultural and Mineral production, which form
basis oil our foreign exchanges, and regulate in great
measure also the domestic exchanges o the different
States of our confederacy, the question may arise
how far the establishment Of proper Institutions the
Improvement and better admnst alton of those already
in existence may aid in the dissemination of knowledge
among the great body Of industrious and independent
cultivators OF the SOIL The subject is important one
and appears thus far to have excited but little public
attention.
1t would seem, too, as if our diplomatic and consular
systems were organized simply in regard to the great
interests of commerce and manufacturers but could they
not be made equally subseryent TO the mother interest
ol agriculture and its coordinate branchesl While
Consuls report the commerce and manufactures Of
foreign countries would it not be well require them
report also the different agricultural productions Of
those countries, and the improvements which from time
to time may be introduced in their cuure7 Might they
not be made to furnish detailed Of the different
modes OF cultivation, the Of preserving crops
the agricultural implements In use, and the various
kinds OF msnures resorted Of preserving or
restoring sois2 Could they be induced to report
all the variety OF fruit shade and ornamental trees and
forward specimens OF seeds plants roots and bcbs for
gratutous Distribution accompanied by proper direc-
tons for their use? An occasional paper the domes-
tic animals of different countries and the mode Of breed
ing them and improving the breed would be particularly
acceptable should the official business of the Consul ad
init OF such useful and interesting digressions.
These reports would not be expected to be made quar-
terly are those commerce and manufactures. An
annual paper would comprehend all that is desirable,
and would certainly be the Consus time
and patience In many instances all the materials for
his report would be readily furnished him by the official
poteness Of the Government TO which he is accredited
and in others he would find all the required information
already collected in some printed lorm
BY such simple means vast amount OF Information
from all parts Of the globe, could be collected. which in
your hands, and in the hands Of other corresponding
sociatons, woud be a most powerful auxiliary in the
dissemination Of agricultural knowledge. And would,
in connection with this subject respectfully suggest the
Proprety oi establishing great National Agricultural
Society, which, in immediate communication with the
Agricultural Societies in the different States and Terri
tories of the Union, and with the ntofce,
other appropriate Governmental Bureau. might easily
possess itself of all the necessary information, TO pre-
sent IN ats annual report elaborate and comprehen
siye view of the agricultural condition OF whole
country. That society would also be the proper
dunn for receiving specimens of seeds, plants, bulbs
etc., forwarded from foreign countries by Consuls
together with the collections which, under existing reg
ulations navy in the habit of making, and oC dis
r'butins the same among the different States and Ter
ritores.
The National Agricultural Society would also be the
proper channel Of communication and Of eectng agr
cultural exchanges between the several local societies
Of the United States and the varions agricultural and
learned associations in foreign countries Ii would in
fact, be the great centre Of agricultural information
which would dIfiuse knowledge thousand different
directions, the whole length and breadth OF
land and to which every farmer could confidently apply
for advice and instruction any subject connected with
his profession.
And here may pause inquire whether the Smith
sonian Institutes at the seat of the National Govern
mt at might not, erQtci0 become co-leborator ana
efficient assistant OF the National Agricultural Society
in ali its literary and scientific branchesl Might not the
Institute aid the Society in its periodical publications,
and in conjunction with it, duse the greatest amount
of 9 useful knowledge among menl" Surely, the phi
anthropc intention Of the worthy founder OF that inst
tuition, could not be carried ont in more suitable and
effective manner, than by making it thus subserve the
great interests Of agriculture in all its branches What
its present usefulness may be, It can perform no
higher duty than to contribute in the most efficient man.
the perfection OF that species ef human industry
which is the parent and promoter OF all Others and on
which the safety and permanence Of institutions rest
their broadest foundations. -eH
Mr.. President and Gentlemen. IN bringing this dis
conclusion, am not insensble 10 the mag
nnde and Importance of my theme. have approached
it with didence, before auditory critically observant
of its great practical and philosophical truths, and have
obeyed your atferng request with consciousness that
the noblest Of Man demands broader and high
er reach of thought than have found time and opPor
tuniy bring its calculation have sought at least
show only the dignity and value of your calling,
in its influence the destiny and elevation OF our
country but to enforce the great TRUTH that common
interest links together throughout all the dgersltes OF
so Of climate and Of production the noble fabric OF
American Industry. .ifr'.HI lrll.f
In taking leave of such theme let me say that you
MAXWELL rejoice in your pursuit. You may well rejoice
in its friumphs-the peaceful trumphs Of Labor OF Art,
and of Science You may recall with pride that Illus
trious of cutvators, who, from Cincnnatus to
which in turn graced and ennobled them. fou may
congratulate yourselves upon the condition ans attitude
your Society. II in the rank Of American States,
New York holds lofty position, the abors OF its State
Society will be the more widely productive OF benign
results only in promoting and advancing ITS own
husbandry, but its bright example will be felt IN all
quarters of the Repablc. Let then urge you TO re-
newed and unremitted cforto continued zeal and EN-
nlaon in the discharge of duties TO your State and
Country which bring with them the blessing Of God
and the gratitude Of Men. As the dews from Heaven
refresh and ertze the earh and gladden. the heart OF
the husbandman will your Labors steadily pursued,
wisely directed and literally disseminating the seeds OF
intelligent observation and experience, bring forth rich
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