Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1852-1852, 1852-02-10
and Agricufturists.

Agriculture is the body, while the other pro-
fessions are the members; and although the bo-
dy and members are mutually dependent, and re-
ciprocally useful to each other, the body can
exist without the members. The farmer can
supply his necessities, and most of his reasonable
wants within the circle Of his family, he can feed
and cothe himself: but his wants are enlarged,
and his ability to CRAFTY them increased, in pro-
portion to the profits of his labor If, through
ignorance or sloth, he produces only what is nee
cessarv for the srstcnancc of his household, he
can buy neither of the merchant, the manufac-
turer nor the mechanic-nor contribute to the
Support of the learned professions or, if he buys,
he cannot pay. But, if his produce is double
what is required for the consumption of the taml-
ly, the surplus halfway be employed for the BEN
eft of the other classes-in purchasing from
them the comforts and clegancics Of life. The
other classes, on contrariwise, cannot thrive, as
such, without the aid of the farmer: he furnish
es the raw materials for the manufacturer; he
feeds the mechanic. and frcights the bark of
commerce: : and is, besides, the principal custo-
mcr to them all.
The head can do more than the hands. The
animal strength of the OK and the horse would
effect no useful purpose, without the contrivance
and direction Of man. In many countries on
the old continent where the cultivator is debased
by ignorance and dcspotism, the awkward, i'll
contrivcd implements Of the primitive ages are
still in use. There is not manufacturing en-
plovncnt, nor mechanical art, but has been
abridged in its manipulations, and had its fab
RIGS improved in quality, and reduced in price
by the aid of modern science. We say modern
science because some branches are but beginning
to dcvelopc their practical advantages to Hstful
labor We verify believe that science can do
more, and will do more, in the coming thirty
years to improve the condition Of agriculture
than has been effected in the last three centuries.
An intelligent head is deemed Of more impor-
tance, and commands higher compensation in
many of our large establishments, than half
dozen mere sincwy arms. Mind is the great le-
yer that moves the material world-thc master
spirit that civilizcs man, and multiples his COM
forts and cnjoymentS. We acquire knowledge
in our business mechanically, but slowly. The
acquisition may be accelerated and augmented to
an amazing extent, BY the experience and teach
ines of men who have made natural and chemical
scince their study and employment forlife. There
is another consideration which renders the i'm
provcment of the mind, Of public benefit; igno-
rance bcgcts indolencc, and Incidence b"gcts vice.
If we would, therefore, inculcate virtue, we must
foster industry: and if we would make industry
respectable and desirable. we musAthrow light
upon its paths. and secure for it, merited reward.
1t results as a consequence, that the improve
mcnt of our agriculture is of the first Importance
to every class Of our population; and that this
improvement can in no wise receive such efficient
aid, as by instrncting the youth who are here
after to manage its concerns. as we'll in the sci
cncc rs in the practice Of their business.