Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1857-10-01
farnter's department
TRAINING OF AGRIcULTURIsTs.
BY,A. G. SUMMER.

By "A. Vi. SUMMEh.
We have often been asked the question
Why should the agriculturists know more
than other people They certainly should,
for in our country they have more to do than
other classes; greater multiplicity OF pur-
suits are here crowded into the planters
calling than in any other occupation. They
have to make more use of the powers or laws
of nature than others. They are forced to
use the elements as tools. They are prac-
tical chemists, whether aware of it or not
for they make use of the various substances
which nature gives them, which they com
bind, separate, modify and change, to SIM
pies and compounds. The plantation is at
one and the same time, labratory and
workshop; and in proportion as they operate
in such way as to afford the several ele-
ments of which the substances are composed,
ard upon which they are operating, to dis
unite or combine, so will be the measure OF
their success. They depend upon the vege;
table world for subsistence-their labor is
among and upon the plants of the earth, and
they should know the proper name and ma
ture Of every tree, herb and plant. They
have to contend with insects and animals
they should know the habits and nature OF
these more intimately than any other class OF
pcople-they have to till the earth, and put
its soil into proper condition to produce
good crop. They have to change its natural
state to adapt it to the various purposes and
crops-then, why should they not know more
and better respecting theingredients of their
soils, and the various mineral and fossil sub
stances which they may wish to appropriate
to their uses? They have to "discern the
face of the sky" watch the changes of the
atmosphere, and regulate their movements
in accordance with those changes, tempera-
lures and all the climatic fluctuations
Why, then, should they not know as much,
or more, of the composition of the air, or at
mosphere, and the science of mcteorology,
than any other people? They must use all
the various tools and implements Of labor
they must take advantage Of the principles
of mechanics, and the application of mathe-
matics to practical life. Is there any good
reason why they should not know as much,
or even more, than others, respecting me-
chanical science or natural philosophy? In
this country they have to contribute largely
to the support and formation of the Govern
ment, and upon them depends the selection
of the rulers and lawmakers. Why, then,
should they not understand the fundamental
principles of national law, political science
and political economy? They have to ad-
minister to the sickness of animals under
their charge, heal wounds and restore health.
Why, then, should they not perfectly under
stand comparative anatomy, at least-and,
also, physiology, as we'll as the symptoms
and treatment of diseases? Indeed, so wide
is field of the agriculturist, so extensive his
labors, so numerous the objects with which
he is connected, so various the operations he
has to perform, that We verify believe ho
should be the best educated and best in
formed man upon the earth. Can man
conquer, or make himself perfectly familiar
with every science, and any thing? By no
means yet, nevertheless, he should have his
mind so well stored with the general prin-
ciples of all the sciences, that he can be
guided by them when it becomes necessary
to learn more minutely, and to know when
he employs a man devoted particularly to
any one branch, whether he is competent to
the task, and will discharge his duty to him
with fidelity and precision.