The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-07-13
AGRICULTURAL.
Farming as a Pursuit.
From the Dollar Newspaper

Every rational and rejecting man must
appreciate the digni6ed and honorable
avocation OF the farmer. None such can
underrate the profession Of the tiller OF the
soil. He who would look with contempt
upon the farmers pursuit is not worthy the
name of a man. Agriculture is receiving
more attention, perhaps, at the present
time than at any former period. Societies
for its promotion are found in all parts Of
our coun,ry. Science is being called into
aid in the development ofthis great pursuit
Men OF talent and great practical knowl-
edge are using their time and influence in
spreading Information in regard to the cul-
tlvation of the soil. The necessity offarm-
ers having an education is also beginning
to be felt to considerable extent through
out our land. This important point num-
bers have written upon but it is Of so much
interest that there is need of much more
being said.
How many men both farmers and 9th
ers) live long life and 60 to their graves
with very little more knowledge than they
had when they came into the world. The
exhaustless field OF knowledge surrounds
tuCuI utt StNCSs Jul tuCy uCVCt toStC WI
its delicious feast. The pleasures which
the cultivation of the mind confers they
know nothing of. They behold our NIGH
ty republic stretching from the Atlantic to
the Pacific, and look. with wonder and ad-
miration upon our institutions and the
workings OF our government. but Of its his
tory they may be entirely ignorant, or, at
most, have but an imperfect knowledge
This should not be. The immortal mind
was not framed for naught. The .noblest
work of God" was certainly not designed
to live as the beasts of the field, to eat and
sleep only, but for higher and more ex.
alied sphere.
The mind, as well as the body. was de.
signed to be exercised and to be cultivated.
Itis every mans duty to do this. We owe
it not only TO our Creator, but to our coun
try. In land like ours. where every man
is freeman. and has his part to perform
in making the laws by which his country
is governed. how important it is that hr
should possess the requisite amount OF
knowledge Tor the faithful performance ot
such an important duty. How vastly i'm
portant is it that the farmers who compose
the mass OF our people. should more gen
orally possess this knowledge? And what
opportunities and advantages they have
forintellec,ual improvement. Their occu
patton necessarily tends to the develop
nent OF the physical powers. and the men
tai faculties should be exercised and cult
waited in connection. None can plead a
want of time. Who does not know tina
many OF our most learned and illustrion,
men might have excused themselves in tn
same manner. for they were farmers and
abor-men the same as US. Much time i,
wasted during the year. which might b.
employed in storing the mind with usefu
information. Besides, that which is o
most Importance should be attended I,
first. This subject should receive the at
tention Of every. reformer and friend of hi:
country. 1t seems that the existence o
our fe1 Institutions is dependent upon tn.
ability Of each citizen to discharge faithful
ly his duty. We hope that much NOR,
may be said and written on this subject
until every man will feel it his duty 10 Fl
himself for the responsible position which
he occupies as freeman and accountable
being. NJ.
Bucks County. May. 1853.