The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-03-21
MARCUS WATSON. Printer.
asritultural.
Agricultural Education.


friends earnestly dcsire, it will be accom-
plishcd by other means than those which
have prevailed generally. There is a spirit
about amongst the yeomanry Of our land,
whose teachings tend IN a decided reiorma-
tion in our system of agricultural education
but its preccpts are uttered in mere whis-
pcrs yet, compared with the thunder tones
in which they should and will eventually be
proclaimed. We have the singular aud Ia
ment,blc fact TO recor,i, that while the vast
majority Of the millions Of American youths
(now receiving the education intended to tit
them for the various pursuits Of lilc,) are
destined 10 become eultiyators Of the soil,
there Is scarcely single instance in which
the elements of their future calling are
taught either Theoretically or practically.-|
Lectures ON Agricultural Chemistry FORM
il is true, part Of the regular course OF
study in q rcry fec of our colleges; but
how meagrc place in tbis great vacancy
do they ill, when it is remembered that
those who have the privilege of attending
them, do not form one fity-'hOusandth part
Of the mighty mass who require these teach
ings most. Success in any pursuit of life is
made 10 depend mainly upon the degree Of
iuowlcdgc Of its leading principles which is
possessed by those pursuing it. II this
knowl,ice is vitality essential To the sue
c,ss of the lawyer, physician or divine, why
is il not equally essential TO the tiller Of the
soil? Who ever heard Of distinguished
LAWYER whose cmiucnec in his profession
was not the rcsult OF patient, methodical
investigation OF the elements upon which
the science Of law is founded? And who Of
thos, whose attention has in the slightest
degrcs been given to the subject, is willing
to admit that agriculture in its details, is
not as complicated and intricate profession
az the Law. requiring as thorough inyestiga- |
ton. and as extended range Of scientific I
knowledge? And yet. in the face of this .
uulcniablc truth, we find multitudcs Of
farmers who conceive that being born ON
farm is o sufficient qualification for the sons
who are destined to become their SUCCESSORS
in the cultivation Of the soil. There ap-
pears to BE- an impression abroad that
farmers son has peculiar instinct for the
duties Of the farm, and that he will take to
them as naturally and successfully as a new
" hatchcd ducklins takes TO tn the water.
There are those who entertain still narrower
IDEAS. and conceive that all the essentials Of
successful farming are comprised in the pur-
chase Of fine farm and improved stock,
and that all that is necessary to secure pre-
MUM crops is to plow their grounds and
cow their seed.
We once read communication in the
Boston Cultivator. in which the writer at
tempted to show that steady reliance on
Providence was the most eaectual cure for
the potato rot. Although we fully agreed
with him, that our reliance upon the SUI
prcme Ruler Of the Universe should bo
strong and stcadGls,, wecould not but think
the man either fool or mailman for
Providence alwas helps those most, who
strive to help themselves. IL il questiona-
bic, however, whether that writer was more
silly than many of tho class TO which we
have alrcady referred. The majority of
these do not even consider it at all important
to exercise spirit Of confidence in Proyi-
dcncc in regard to ther operations. They
are willing, to use u popular phrase, "to
90 it blind" Is il necessary to point out
thc result? One word will express It as
fullyas yolume-FArLURE.
Admitting then, (what may not be de-
nied,) that a full understanding of agri-
culture requires that research as deep and
pcrsovering as that Of any Of the learned
professions, and that those who combine
scientific knowledge with sufficient practica
skill 70 apply it, are always more successful
in the end than thoo who rely mainly upon
mere physical ability to discharge tie hbors
of the farm, how immcnsaly important ag-
ricultural education becomcs. Who is pre-
p,rrd % estimate the results that would in
eyitably COW from the earri,l training Of
the rising generation Of American husband.
men. BY this no disrsP'ct is intended tc
.he farmers Of the present day. To the
contrary, no class of the community il
more deserving OF sincere respcct and esteem
Their economy, skill and perseverance, an,
all worthy Of universal imitation, while ir
p,int of natural intelligence they arc info
rior 70 no Others; but it w)uld 10 folly 70
assert that in gencrl sense, our farmer
arc educated men. 1t would be equally un
wise 20 assert tho absolute necessity on th,
mart of those intended for the profession oI
Agriculture, to f.lmiliarize then,solvcs with
the ruLL dsails Of all the branches OF sci
encc with which il stands connected. Tn,
compile mastery Of either Of the grcai
branches of knowledge, light from which
has poured 80 prOfusely upon the pathwa!
of the husbandman, were, in itself, tho worl
of a lifetime. Fortunately, such devotion
20 science is not required at the hands o
the young farmer. Invaluable as its pos
s,ssion would be, its acquisition would in
volve such an expenditure Of time anC
money. thai the lifetime Of Methuselah
and the wealth Of a Crrsus would scarcely
.uss;ce for its accomplishments. lie may b
sc;susific tiller Of the soil, and yet not de
vote more time to study than every farmer