The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1856-04-24
HORTICULTURE AND AGRICULTURE.
BY L. DURAND.

Betwix: the terms, Horticulture and Ag-
riculture, there is generally supposed to be
wide division Of interest and meaning,
and they arc invariably treated. as separate
sciences. This, iii my opinion, lie an eyre
gious error. The two terms are so init
mately connected together that it is diff
| cult to tell where one begins and the other
leaves off. Many farmers seem TO have an
idea that Agriculture and Horticulture have
no particular or special connection together,
This idea is great mistake on their part,
for the two have a very special and close
interest with each other. Agriculture,
proper, means the improvement and cult
walton of the soil, on the f;.rm at large, in
tho various kinds Of crops grown, worthy
of cultivation. Horticulture may be called
farming more refined; that is, garden cul,
turo, or the cultivation of all classes of vee.
etabes, fruits, flowers, frui: trees, &c. So
that the farmer should not only learn to 10
good farmer or agliculturst, but should
also aspire to: be good horticuturist by
,, practice. When the two are combined to-
gether with skill and practice, science, &C.,
the farmer may then stand at the head of
his profession.
Few Of us can or do have just appre-
citation of what an improved agriculture and
horticulture will lave on the community at
large, i'll rcfnemcnts and civilization. In
fact, it is one Of the motive powers of pro-
gress towards refining and civilzing man,
i'll which all may partake and be benefited.
lhe Improvement of the soil has peculiar
elect, or will have, on all who will engage
in its cultivation in the right spirit, to soften
down the rough nature of man, and make
Inn creature of patience, hope, and good
works. True, this may not lie the case
when tic business is simply followed as
means to get living and make money.
but when the mind and heart is engaged
with the hand labor to carry forward this
business, then it is that the cutivator be-
comes real mrrover of himself and his
race. For instance, who ever saw or heard
OF an improved agriculture or horticulture
growing up and flourislling in land of
"Hcathenism and Idolatry!" No one.
What does this fact prove then /? 1t SAYS,
Iii plain words, that where the cultivation
OF the soil is neglected, from generation to
generation, that misrule, bal Larsm. ant
uealhcni,m will take the place of ciyiEiza-
ton and the arts. This fact can he abun-.
dainty proved hy past ages and, of courses,
the same rule and practice would again
bring about the same results in time
Again the Improvement of the soil brinos
with it all the various kinds of rural en-
'ell'slments of the day, which 60 to make.
up the happiness Of civilized society. In.
fact, it would be difficult to name anv spe-
clal improvement of the age which does
not have its foundation from this source as
starting point. If these points are true,.
then should not all feel an interest in pro-
noting these objects, which all are 50 init
m"te'y connected with? Then, as we have.
shown that not only farmers and gardeners
are interested in this development of the:
resources Of the soil, but the whole COM
mun'ty at large are brought in deb. 10 this.
source, OF course we expect that those
directly interested in soil cultivation as a
means of obtaining living, will feel more.
interest in this subject than those not direct
Iy in connection with it. But still there is
principle beyond the nero dollar" idea
and view of the subject which is worthy Of
attention and consideration. In this grasp.
ing age We know the first question is, how
much money can we bring out of it az
business? Our question now is, what is
this business worth to us as an improver of
morals, health, happiness, long life, &c. z
Let every individual answer this question
for hims.lf at leisure.