Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1858-06-11

sire to make known distinctly the ulti-
mate ends and purposes by which they
are governed.
Their scheme then is first, an Educa-
tional Institution in its most comprehen-
sivc sense. Its definition of education
is that it is the united symmetrical de-
velopment and instruction Of the religi.
Gus, the intellectual and the physical
qualities of the man. II recognizes the
whole man in all the departments of his
being as the object Of its care. Its aim
is not to instruct merely, not to impart
knowledge merely, but to awaken, to de-
velop, to train and discipline all the Ia
lent Unborn powers and faculties of the
man, that he may command them for the
high and noble uses of which they may
be capable, or for which they were de-
signed
1t is not to be supposed then that what
we designate an Agricultural College
aims merely at professional instruction
in agriculture. The plan undoubtedly
embraces such instruction, but it is far
more comprehensive. 1t claims for the
farmer or mechanic, or for whomso-
soever its care may be sought, first, his
development as man, trained and fitted
to the full extent of his capacity for all
the duties of man and citizen. To
this end, it offers him the advantage of
the most approved systems of moral and
intellectual culture; and superadds to
these, for his physical training, mode
rate and systematic exercises in the field
and the workshop, as the best means of
laying the foundation of future health
and energy in well developed, robust,
physical constitution.
Thus incidentally, if not primarily,
the scheme embraces the best practical
training in agriculture and mechanic
arts. The student learns the various
useful details of agriculture and horti-
culture and the mechanic arts; he ac-
quires skill and handicraft in the use of
tools and implements, from the hammer
to the hoe, to the scythe or the plow
he learns the construction and manage
ment of all such machinery as he may
probably have the future use of. These
practical exercises are learned simulta-
ncously with his scientific instruction, in
the lecture room, and the valuable men
tai habit is acquired of referring prac-
tees to their principles, and of watching
and noting the facts and circumstances
which in practice modify the application
Of purely scientific theories. The well
informed mind, and the cunning right
hand will learn to work together, and
labor will be enlightened and dighifed
by its association with science.
As regards moral and intellectual cul-
ture and instruction, we propose nothing
more, yet nothing less, than the system
which has approved itself to the wise and
learned of many generations The reli-
gious training is more especially the duty
Of the parent and the church. 1t begins
at the mothers knee, and its best and
most effective lessons are learned before
the period of college life. With strict
impartiality as to the various shades of
Christian belief, the moral character shall
here be guarded by vigilance and disci-
pine from corrupting and immoral innu-
ences; and by diligent instructions be
confirmed aad strengthened in the great
principles of faith and well living, which
rise above all UNCONVENTIONAL differences
and discussions.
In mental culture we adopt the course
Of studies of the most approved institu-
lion for training and disciplining the in
,ellect and cultivating the taste embra-
,ing the study of languages spoken and
the mathematics in its several
departments and applications; moral and
philosophy; the physical sci
'nces, those especially more Immediately
associated with agriculture; also, the
cience of government, political economy
md political ethics.
In connection with such studies, pa
riotism which shall embrace his whole
and devotion to the republican
principles of the government will be
instilled. Its teachings will
Use above section and party; will know
10 difference of class, and acknowledge |
10 personal superiority but what is due
o worth and excellence Of character.
The scheme of the Agricultural Col
eye, in connection with an educational
Institution such as is here sketched, en-
braces an experimental and model farm,
with plan for the advancement of Ag-
'icultural Science, based upon practice
Science in its applications to agriculture
$ in its infancy. Its promises and pro-
LESSONS are many, but they are as vet
lnfulilled. 1t proposes theories without
number, which want the substantial basis
Of facts. 1t is proposed to institute here
a system of experiment made under the
most intelligent observation of facts, with
an accurate and careful record of all the
attending and bearing up
on them. These experiments will be
made in the full light of all that science
now processes to teach, but with absolute
as to theories already in
vogue, and the strictest reserve in adopt
ing conclusions. Their design will be
to contribute in some degree to building
up an agricultural science on the sure
foundation of well ascertained facts.
Tho farm in its general management
it is proposed to make model and an
example of the best modes of culture in
the several departments Of Agriculture.
1t will be stocked with the best breeds
of cattle, sheep, hogs, &C., and the most
tools, implements and machines.
TO complete the arrangements which
a system so comprehensive demands, a
commodious workshop, with motive pow