The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1857-12-25
asritulturul.
Agriculture Study for eur Common
Schools.

That knowledge Of Agriculture Chemis.
try is important to the tiller of the soil, that
he may prosecute his calling understan.
dinghy and with the highest success, is
very apparent, but whether it may be
profitable and successfully taught in our
common schools. and whether It should he
branch Of study in them, is an inquiry that
may startle some Of the friends Of these good
old institutions; who would look upon such
proposal as an innovation upon these time
hOnored studies of Reading, Spelling, Writ
ing, Arithmetic, Grammar and Geography.
AS a general rule. we do not approve Of the
higher branches in our district schools,
believing that il would have tendency to
divert attention from these primary studies
which appropriately belong TO them. But
when we consider that 50 large n population
gain I'll their education in these schools, and
that 50 many oi the pupils become tllers of
the soil shall not u brief space be allotted
for this instruction in the principles of their
future calling? The disinelination which
Is ielt among the farmers TO reading articles
IN our journals which relate to agriculture
chemistry arises from their ignorance Of its
first principles. lr they do not understand
the terms and laws Of the science. re .sonin:
founded upon them will always appear loose
and confused, and il is only implanting them
early in the mind with the other rudiments
of knowledge, that they may become ftmil.
lar Us the ALPHABET, and may be ready for
use when needed.
Ii is true that our teachers rs class are
now preparing to instruct in this department
and unacquainted as they are with il. they
cannot bring fCrward those ready and COM
mon illustrations which not only assist the
pupil, but secure his attention. and interest
him IN the study. Though teachers may
not be required to pass an examination in
this branch, yet let il he known that in win.
ter schools, in 9u. rual districts at least, il
may be desired rs n branch Of study, and
the supply will answer to the demand !:
teachers well qualified IN other respects, will
not hesitate 20 devote sufficient time to ac-
quirc u knowledge OF this study. The great.
er ease Of managing a school kept busy by
some interesting study v i'll fully eompen-
safe for all the extra trouble.
Happily We have not to wait for the prep
aration OF book adapted to the capacity of
this class Of scholars, and at the same time
strictly correct and complete in its scientific
detail. The "Cateehism of Agricultural
Chemistry and Geoiogy," by the late Prof
Johnston, OF Edlnburg, was delicated to
"the schoOl.masters and teachers Of Grea,
Britain and lreland,' and has been extern
sively introduced into the schools Of the Uni
ted Kingdom. To the late Prof. Norton. OF
Yale Coll, sc, we are indebted Tor an Amer
lean edition, with an introduction prepared
by hun The Superintendent Of common
schools in the State Of New York recon-
mends it highly Tor the use in all their
schools From long acquaintance with the
work and from the interest we know Is excl.
ted by its study. we must cordially advise
ali to form cl sses in IL and give il u trial.
being well assured Of the result. As il is a
small SOok, the Gust is triaing, and the time
required Of little moment, but rs the author
here exhibits the happy faculty both Of con.
densing and simplifying without weakening
or detraeung from the subject, the treatise
is very complete. The FIRST three questions
and answers will give an idea Of the whole
Q.-Whai IS Agrieniiurs
-Agriculture is the art Of cul,iyating
the soil.
Q-WAa is the object Of the farmer IL
eufiroiia9 the soii?
A.-The object Of the farmer in cultirat-
ing the soii Is To raise the largest crOps. AT
the smallest cost, and with the least injury
TO the land.
Q-What ought The farmer esp edily 10
knor, an order that he may ATTAIN this o6-
jset.
A.-The farmer ought especially to know
the nature Of the crops be rAisss, Of the