Loudon free press. (Loudon, Tenn.) 1852-1855, 1854-05-23
HOW IT CAN BE DONE.

HOW IT CAN BE DONE.
In the last number of the Farmer q few
hints were thrown out concerning the requisite
qualifications for the right kind of 'HELP" for
the intelligent cultivation of the soil. And af
ter showing that degree of regular training,
and considerable practical knowledge of the
business are essential, if not indispensable, it
was intimated that at some future time some
additional thoughts on the subject would be
laid before our readers. We know not how to
render them better service, than by directing
their attention to it now.
Minds differently constituted, admitting the
necessity of a movement in this direction, will
doubtless be inclined to favor different plans,
for fitting young men for the practice of agri-
culture. And certainly We can have no con-
troversy with any one, on subject like this
When the importance of the qualifications re-
ferred to is admitted, we may be sure that, in
due time, some plan for securing them viii he
devised. What We most need, according to
our view of the matter, is an Institution-s
College, if that is the name for it-possesed Of
ample means, with the requisite number of
PrOfessorships, adapted to the business and the
end in view. The plan suggested by Dr. Towns
HEND and others, of having at OBERLIN Course
of Lectures for the accommodation of North
Ohio, adjacent regions, at leas. for the pres
ent, strikes US very fayorably. A measure like
that would secure the measure with the least
possible delay; and we know not what serious
objection could be urged against it. But that,
supposing that the people become fairly awake
to their own best interest, would hardly suffice,
for any great length of time, TO accommodate
the thousands of young men who would wish
to avail themselves of its benefits. 1t would.
however, serve as a beginning-and a very
promising one-but more of the same sort,
with more ample accommodations would soon
be wanted. This would be the case lust as
soon as one in ten of the young men of the
State could be brought TO realize the true dig
nifty Of labor, and the ennobling tendency of
agricultural pursuits, when connected as they
should be, with the interesting veriiies of Sci
ence and the Arts. But, all things considered,
it would seem that if the Institution at 0berln
will consent to make the experiment, an intel
ligent public should at once accept of the Of
fer and set about the work Of rendering it prac-
tically available. And it hardly admits of
doubt that young men who'will improve such
an opportunity to increase their knowledge of
the business would soon re imburse themselves
for their time and money thus expended, by
the increasing wages they would be sure to
IL, Ill Al,
tanned would be valuable investment for the
whole Of lfetime--a treasure laid up, not to
speak irreveren:ly-where neither moth nor
rust can corrupt and where thieves cannot
break through nor steal.
Next to plan like that, and as substitute
for it, for the time being, thorough course Of
reading should be resorted to by those who as
pire to something above the nero drudgery
Of labor.
Here we are exposing ourself to the liability
of being suspected of selfshness, but shall
speak our convictions, notwithstanding. When
we say that great good will result from a
thorough course Of reading, we mean something
more than that the perusal of one or two we'll
conducted periodicals will answer the porpose
These may be necessary--indispensiblc. No
sensible person, young or old, will be without
them. Ten, fifteen, or twenty dollars year,
expended for agricultural papers, especially
those adapted to the wants Of family circle,
is no more than the actual interest of each ag-
riculturalist require and demand. For it is no
vague assumption of ours, to say, that no far.
mer can, in these days, keep up with the times,
without the aid dervable from the press. Nor
shall we be thought presuming when we add,
as we do in all good conscience, that the amount
of talent now employed by the agricultural
press is fully equal to that devoted to any other
calling or interest. But we go further, and say
that young men desirous of fitting themselves
for usefulness, must improve every opportunity,
and every spare hour and moment, in perusing
and studying valuable books on those subjects
most Immediately connected with the soil and
its productions. A well-selected and well-read
library, with .he disposition and determination
to improve, will enable the young man to pre-.
pare himself quite we'll for usefulsess and sue
cess 1t is IN this as in other instances-the
one who aims high, with sufficient stability
of purpose, will overcome every obstacle, ana
in the rate of improvement outsirip ths indoien'
and unambitious.
Next to this, employment, under the in1en''
gent observing and. experienced farmer, a.
moderate wages If necessary, With nis instruc-