Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1853-09-30
City Life.

In speech recently delivered by Francis P Blair
before the Agricultural Association of Montgomery
county, Md, occur remarks upon the superior advaD
tages OF country life, which in the main, are true
and worthy of very consideration In reference
to the effects of city life upon the human constitution
he remarks
1.-The common guide book of Paris, which is put
into every travellers hand, has this note under the
head of population " Families constantly residing an
Paris become ertinct The effects of this MORTAL
lty are Observed to be active upon males than e-
m teS What is true of Paris is true of every city
the world. There is not probably man in London
Paris. New York, or Philadelphia who can say that
his great grand father, his grand father. and his fa-
her, successIvey, lived and died in the city of his
dence There is no such thing as survivor of three
generations that have undergone the decomposlug
power OF city atmosphere, assisted by city pursuits
A city, then, may be said 10 die out one in hun
dred and fifty years, so far regards those rooted
generations that live, and move, and have their being
only within city's precnts. Whoever, then, would
have succession in his famly-that desires TO trans.
nit his name and wealth by perpetuating his race
should at some period of his life take his leave OF
walls, an3 pavements, and crowded lhoroughares and
fix his abode in the midst of rustIing foliage green
fields, clear ST. cams. and sweet air, untanted by stag
nation In the walled Streets and alleys and sewers
In reference TO its effects upon the development OF
individual ability, his remarks no less worthy OF
mature consideration. Men and mothers may obstin.
atey persevere in disregarding the truths of human
hlsory-In cnglng TO the hope that their cherished
objects of affection may be excepted from the common
rule, and may possess ability without the exposure
nessary to its Development But is to be feared that
they will be mistaken, as have been the generations
that have gone before u.s. and that trial is still the
thorny way to triumph, and suffering the inseparabe
condition to success. Upon this sGject he proceeds
There is another observation in regard 10 cities
which induce thoughtful men, who take pride in their
posterity, TO remove from them when they have ac-
complishel the object. for which they were sought,
the utmost care have passed away without reaching
distinction among their countrymen. 1t is remarka-
Bile that children born and bred in cities generally
hibt prococous talents they have the easiest access
every species of learning they stimulated to exer-
ton in the schools by the number of competitors. and
by that parental pride, vigilance and soctude which
is spirited up by the stirring society around; hey
have the advantage of imbibing early knowledge
of the world, and have almost in infancy the manners
the ideas, and self possession OF polished society. But
although the great cities of the Old World and OF the
New World send forth probably one hundred of these
fully educated youths to test their strength in the high
pursuits of life. for country advenurer yet it is
found that almos all the distinguished men who shine
in the service of the country in the liberal profess
sons are countryborn and bred. The hotbeds of ci-
ties bring forward their plants more rapidly but those
springng from the native soil, and braving the rude
seasons and rough culture of the country, found
to have the best stamina.