The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1854-07-15
Aaritu!turnl.

BOOK FARMING; lTS Uses AND ABUsES.-
One Of the most ridiculous books we ever
saw. certainly the most absurd in our posses
sion, i large octave Of iuore than 800 pa
gcs, illustrated with expensive cngravings,
and no doubt was extensively circulated in
the class for which it was designed. I'VE say
circulated for it was the purchaser and not
the book that was sold! 1t is entitled mich
oiaon's Mechanics Companion. All the
valuable information contained in the $50 pa
,s.s might readily be embodied in six penny
tract, willie the few useful figures might as
cl,taply be produced on wood, and as well.
The text consists chiefly in descriptions Of
the common tools and operations Of the prn-
cipal trades, but given in such an awtully
icntiiic phraseology that one might mistake
the description ola common chlsel for prob
lon in Euclid Tn short the book was dear
at any price, for it was not worth the time
required to turn over its pages in search for
something valuable or useful.
We mention this book to show TO farmers
that theirs is not the only class inflicted with
worthless books and to caution writer's on ag-
ri:ul;ure against falling into the same pre-
rosterOns error. Some Of the papers pref a
iyd for agricultural publications are filled
with polnpous phrase ology, and huge at!ec-
tation Of learning that is positively offensive.
Such things do no COED. They do harm.
for they disgust the class Tor which they were
intended.
Scientific knowledge is truly desirable
Since the days Of Lord Bacon TIE world has
made wonderful progress, and much Of that
progress is due TO natural science. Truly
wondtlful; We have not yet ceased wondering
at the locomotive on the rails with its double
force Of power and velocity, nor at the telc-
graphic wires which with the fccblest MT
chanical force outstrip not only the winds
but the measurements Oft time.
Silence has done great things not only for
commerce but for the manufactures and the
arts. The calico of the dairy maid is superb
or to the dresses of Queen Elizabeth, who's
first pair Of silk stockings is a matter of his,
tory.
Science has done much for agriculture. In
Vulnerable suggestions, the foundation of
most of the real improvements in the culture
and care Of stock, have emanatcd from the
students Of science. The chemist has unfold
ed the theory of the food of plants, directing
the experience of farmers into channels of
practical Improvement. The botanist has
taught him the nature of their growth, their
habits Of feeling and the distinction between
one species Of variety and another. The stu
deaf of geometry has been busy at tie plough;
at the implements of e4Fery day use.
We cannot dwell upon this point. Our
object is 10 mark some of the boundaries be.
tween the scientific and the practical, which
are not properly regarded in many instances.
Scien"c does not lcad it follows in the
wake of practical experience. New sugges-
tons flow from the trial ,f each successive
suggestion. Theories are abandoned, modi-
fed Or confirmed BY practice. Still the pro-
rress is apparent amidst much that is unccr-
tain and much that is erroneous,
Farming is an art, not q science. II re-
Qi,ircs rules Of practice, not theories. Sci
cnce has established many valuable rules.
and so much knowledge as will enable the
farmer to understand these rules i S desirable
II. however, the farmer proposes to himself
to study one or more of the natural sciences
he should do so as the lawyer or the divine
would study tl,cm,-as separate and dis
III. ,,1,;oI b,,
introduce in the practice of his proper art.
Chemistry may he read in single treatise,
h'tt its study is the business of 4 life. The
nlrSeryman may become profoundly learned
III thc physiology of plants, but he will Lot
b. the better in his art, and unless of uncom-
mon business qualities will be the worse.
The first rule of the farmer is to practice
thoroughly what he knows. How few there
are who do this, we leave farmers to judge
The next rule is to make himself acquant-
ed with the best modes adopted by those a.
rcund him.
Having then brought himself up to the full
standard offarming in his own neighborhood
lie may with propriety look beyond. He
cannot either properly or safely do so with
out this knowledge and experience.
Intimately connected with the practice of
farming is the consideration of the markets
upon which his sales and consequent profits
depend. Too little attention is paid to this
important part of his business. At this time
it is a question whether the prices Of wheat,
corn, oats, potatoes, beef and various articles
will be maintained. They are now very
high, and need TO be so, for the farmer is pay
ing very high wages and very high prices for
everything he buys. How soon prices may
fall is a question of great interest, and it is
to be determined, Undetermined at all, before
land, by asccrtaining the various causes in
operation and by weighing the effects they
must produce. - Exchange.