American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1855-11-24
NTOWN M0N0NGALA COUNTY, VA SATURDAY NOVEMBER "a 1856

>o 'ie'iN Va nv SouSVNioI, Va lltttl Sdll
properly or pro6tably prosecute his
pursuits without science or sense
No, gentlemen knowledge is power"
in agriculture as it is in other things.
Science is as indispensable to success
full and profitable tillage and husband
ry, as it is to the successful prosecu-
ton of any of the learned professions.
And as yenturing to fix pret-
ty high standard here permit me to be
little more specific. i can not with
in the limits of time appropriated to the
occasion, go much into details, / may
however make few suggestions not
unworthy of consideration.
And here simple Classification of some
of the principal topics which address
themselves to the farmer, demonstrate
at onco that his duties involve matters
of great comprehensivencss and intri-
cacy requiring no inconsidcrable know
ledge of the natural sciences, of the
principles Of agricultural physiology, of
mechanics, of natural history, and even
of general literature. For instance:
The best mode of enclosing lands.
The best mode of draining lands
where draining is necessary.
The culture of the grasscs-the best
varieties thercof-the adaptations of
the different qualities of soil to their
growth, &c.
The implements of husbandry in all
their almost infinite varieties, from the
plough to the spade.
The culture of the various species
of grain, n,-ofr roots--of the best kind
soils-se seasons nature and habits -
modes and management of crops, &c.
The proper succession Of crops, the
great item of manures, the means of
preserving the soil from impoverish-
ment, and of increasing its fertility.
The orchard with all its interesting
catalogue of fruits, grating, planting,
&c.
Reaping, garnishing, threshing, &c.
The subject of stock in all its depart
ments, the blood, the breeds, the mode
ofrearing, &c, &c.
The dairy and its interesting econo-
my. r,,.
And may even mention the poul-
try yard.
All these things with numerous other
important matters, are constantly .enga.
ging the attention. and connecting them
selves with the business welfare of the
ag'iculturists. Tosay that he can com
prehend and manage all these intelli-
gently, aud advantageonsly, without in
tellectual culture, and some cousdera-
BILE degree ofscientifc knowledge. would
in my opinion, manifest gross ignorance
in bin who should make the assertion.
There is geology, for instance. II is n
mistake |" suppose that The principles
J of This science arc fit only To- amuse the
curious Tho farmer may not, indeed.
bc interested in tho philosophical spoc.
ulat"ns as To how many thousand years
old the earth is bot h" is Interested in
being able understand ibc nature and
qualities of the soil in The fields which
he cullivatcs. Geology will afford him
that information. Nui should The far
mer suppose that the crucible "f the
chemist is useful only in tho apolheca.
rvs shop. 1t chemistry we're allowed
To abaly4e our soils, and farmers were
thus made acquainted with the proper
ties Of the land they cnllyate-wiih it's
deficiencies and sufficiencics, and all its
! peculiar ahaptalions-w with The means
of supplying those deficiencies by the
appropriate rcmedies--and Of develop.
! ing the resources Of the soil in the bes,
manner, it would contribute immensely
to a healthy, prosperous and remunera.
| tive agrculture. 1t would save labor
aud capital often uselessy expended
and it would render labor aud capital
uDskiiully appropriated in the right
direction, more avaiable pnd profitable
| by giving them a skilfnl direction.
On this subject one OF the best agri.
culturists Of the present age says, the
object of the faimer.is 10 raise from
given extent Of land the largest qnauti.
ty of the most valuable produce at The
least cost, with the least permanent IN.
jury to tho soil and tile sciences Of
chemistry and geology throw light oD
every step he takes, or ought To- lake in
order TO affect his main Object. Who
ever reasons on agriculture is Obliged
continually to recur To these sciences.
He feels that without such kgowledpe
i, is scarcely possible to advance one
step"
But gentlemen. do wo all know the
properties Of The soil we cultivate -
Can we tell for instance how much ann
,nonia, or potash, or sods, or pbosphor.
ic gas, or chlorine, or magnesia. il is ne.
CesSoty tho soil sb,ulI ,,,t.;,, g., ,..I
to produce the different kinds of grain
we grow IN the greatest perfection Do
"e understand how much Of these es.
sentiol elements Of production is alb
stroocted from the soil by each crop ?
and what Kind and what quantity Of ma.
Durc or fortilizing materials are mecca.