Muscatine journal. [volume] (Bloomington, Iowa) 1849-185?, 1853-10-21

ress and boundsess apabilities--ignorant or tn
past and present condition of the world, thew
plod on through life, unprogressive, unsuccess-
full and unhappy farmers, leaving their children
often as Ignorant as themselves, their farms de-
prived OF the most productive elements, and
the world made no better by their lives. These
may be considered extreme cases, but stll is it
not lamentably true, that such are not uncom-
monty found in the ranks Of agriculture? Had
those instances not been so common, the pur-
suit of agriculture would now be much more
elevated, prosperous and popular.
Although these instances are too numerous,
still it is gratifying to know that a large class
Of farmers are far from being ignorant and in
active. From their ranks have sprung many
of the most illustrious names that adorn the an
mails OF glory. From those very ranks, too,
lave arisen some OF our most successful BUSH
ness and professional men, and the agricultural
class stand beyond rivalry in the pure enjoy
ments OF domestic life, in honesty of purpose,
and in exalted patriotism. These admirable
traits are especially observable among those
who have enjoyed at least some Of the benefits
OF education. The ease and contentment of
farming life, are doubtless the leading cause of
their inactivity in the cause Of general educa-
ton and Improvement. There 10 with them a
want OF association, want Of attrition Of mind
which occasions more thorough research, and
life. The result of most other pursuits is far
more contingent and uncertain, ard in them,
those only are likely to succeed, who are in q
measure educated, and thus rendered discrimi-
mating and discreet. This may account for the
fact that the followers of nearly every other
calling In life, give more attention to education
and the improvements Of the day, than do far
mers and still it is obvious that no other class
of men are more benefited, elevated aud i'm.
nvad NV al. raft .,, g.
in the fruitful soil and Free air, in remnnerative
occupation and cheerful exercise, IN freedom
from luxury and the concentrating IHfnence of
vice, in wholesome food and contentment of
mind, there is, | say, in these, an invigorating
influence, which imparts those full developments
of body and mind, which were designed by our
creator in framing man after his own image. 1t
is not surprising, then, that the well-educated
sons OF farmers, so often become Pre-eminent in
political, professional and literary life.
We have soon that the contented and retired
position OF farmers is not calculated TO encour-
age intercourse and association, and in their
limited sphere they see but few of the necessi-
ties and benefits Of education, and hence too
commonly neglect the subject altogether. As
this is the cause Of so great an evil, the ques-
ton arises, Is there remedy? We have all
ready assumed that more extended. liberal
and free system OF school laws will contribute
but little, unless the farmers can be in
drced TO take hold of the work themselves.
Theirs Is the fearsul responsibility of suffering
their sons and daughters to grow up in igno-
rance and comparative worthiessness. While
theirs is the responsibility, there IS also duty
dew diving upon those of US who, engaged in the
same laudable pursuits, have experienced some
OF the unsurpassed benefits Of education. We
should not despise our brother because he is
Al II. Il. l. he
hand, and point to him the benefits, the bless
ings and the beauty Of intelligence and ex-
plain to him his unqualified duty 10 have the
benefits of education conferred upon his de-
scendents. But there are other means more
powerful and effectual, by which this indiffer-
ence 10 education and to agricultural progress
can be overcome.
q A State Agricultural Society should be spec
Oily organized, and should be well sustained,
not only by individual enterprise, bun also by
legislative appropriation. This society could
not DO heller than to adopt as model the New
York State Agricultural Society. Co-opera-
tive with this, every county in the State should
have society like yours, and should manifest
like commenda5le spirit of earnestne,s. zeal
aud emulation. A leading object with these
societies should be to impress every farmer,
with the importance of securing TO his chill
dren q good elementary education. convince
'neu tHdt tOis WoutQ place ttcth upon hc uiost
reliable road to prosperity and happiness.
4 These societies should regard the general
education of farmers as ali object commanding
their most jealous concurrence. II should he
CONSIDERED the great starting pont--the alpha
bet Of agricultural Improvement. If they viii!
make this leading object OF their association
If they will act with concert throughout the
State, wonderful change, more correct and
elevated turn of public sentiment, will soon
take place. We only need association and
concert Of action among those who already be-
ieve in schools and books, in agricultural pa
pers and great progress in rural pursuits, 10
unite the combined farming influence of our
State; and then, not till then. will the inhu-
ence of agriculture be felt and respected. We
may then confidently look for The necessary
to secure that general and pervad-
ing system of education, which shall extend
IFS benefits alike to city and country, alike to
the jealous and Indifferent, alike 10 the
rich and the poor, to the strong ard the weak.
The utility and practice of agricultural studies
would then be more generally appreciated, and
the science of agriculture could soon be ripen-
ed into regular system to be taught as an inn
portant, elevating and attractive branch OF
study IN our common and Normal schools, ard
in our academies and colleges. Do this, and
Iowa, now in natural resources the richest, will
som become the first agricultural State in the
Union. She will soon become in wealth, en-
terprise, intelligence and influence. as peerless
as she is now in productive elements and
beauty.