Loudon free press. (Loudon, Tenn.) 1852-1855, 1852-12-11

true follower of patient, earnest, truth.seeklng
research-grows not holder, but more modest,
ne he wines his way: he knows that the highest
reach of knowledge is, and ever must be, limi-
ted; he feels each day so many wants yet unsat-
isfed, sees so many problems yet partially solv-
ed, or totally inexpicable, that he leans con-
stantly toward Caution rather than rashness,
and is disposed to qualify his strongest convic-
tons ON all theoretical points.
OF those who are not thus impressed by the
advance of years, and the increase Of expert
ence, it must be said that their opinions cannot
be entitled to great confidence. Ore who can
promptly and confidently settle every question
proposed who has no doubt as to his own abili-
tv of decision on the most intricate and cOmpli-
Gated problems, must be either man who has
advanced very far beyond the range of the
other votaries Of science in his own day, or one
who is not able to appreciate the difficulties
which surround him, and who is not, therefore,
a.safe guide There is a third supposition in
the above case-which is to consider such a
man designing and Inscriptions; but this is,
let us hope, the rare alternative.
might go on at great length, but these hints
will, think, be sufficient to show that farmers
must not only have instruction, but that they
mus. have it of the right character. 1t is obvi-
Gus that every person who comes along, claim
ing to be highly scientific, should not be taken
upon trust, but should be tested in some way, as
to the soundness Of his pretensions Let the
evidence of other scientific men be brought in,
and let satisfactory proofs be required Of his
ability to do what he processes. This is not
said with view of recommending any particu-
lar person or persons, as to be followed implic-
lily, but with the desire of arousing more eau,
ton than has hitherto been exercised in these
matters. "All is not gold that glitters' AID all
is not true science, that is high sounding.
It is for such reasons that l have said we
have not at present sufficient number Of the
proper men to found and continue our agricul-
tural schools, in manner that viii satisfy the
expectations Of the community. The training
of such men, then, is work Of great import
ance, and even urgency. Ii is a work that can
not be accomplished at short notice; one Or two
years viii not do it; We want those who have
had extensive experience, who have availed
themselves of every advantage, and who have
learned to know what the necessities Of the
farmer are.
Among the wants of the farmer, l consider
this lack of first rate instructors one of the
most pressing and urgent; it is useless for him
to establish schools, unless he can find proper
teachers, and he ought not to be driven, by their
premature establishment, into any dependence
on those who can only mislead and disappoint
him.
Here is a most promising field for enterprise
and energy; here are many openings that with
in few years must be filed Those who now
enter on the study of science as applied to agri-
culture, viii find their acquisitions in inmedi
ligent young men would, for the coming few
years devote their efforts to the acquisition OF
the various branches of science connected with
agriculture, they would control the whole field,
! anu DC aDle u sweep away Ihe SldIlhS eIiolS
which are now SO prevalent. We could then
commence with schools in all directions; quack-
ury and ignorance would decrease, and great
and rapid advance would be visible in every
quarter.
Let US, then, while we are agitating the sub
ject Of instruction, not forget to urge upon our
young men of ability, the advantages of fitting
themselves as instructors; there cannot be too
many of them for years to come, and they,
therefore, need not fear that the profession Will
be oyerstocked.
Yours, respectfully
JOHN P. NORTON.