Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-10-24
Intelligent Agriculture.

pTlue, WHICH is no less natural IMAM lcslti-
mate, in rccitinS the peculiar advantages and
distinctions of the county of Albcmarle,
from which he writes, calls our attention to
the fact, that from the enlightened popua-
ton of that single county. three distinguish
ed gentlemen and practical agriculturists
have been recently selected by Societies, in
different parts Of the country, 10 deliver dis
courses on the subject of Scientific Agrlcul-
turc. The gentlemen designated. are the
Hon. William &. Rives, Alexander RiyeS,
esq, and DIR. John H. Woods, well known for
the intelligent interest they have taken III the
art of husbandry, and for the distinction
some of them have won in other walks OF
life. i is to be regretted that each of these
eminent farmers was constrained by other
engagements 10 decline the compliment paid
to them, and through them to the county IN
which they reside: but the fact of their
choice remains none the less tribute to the
agricultural zeal and intelligence Of that
thriving community.
And we presume our youthful correspon-
dent is quite correct when he traces TINS
intelligent interest in the cause OF scientific
agriculture, not only to the natural advanta-
gcS and fertility of that wealthy and pctur-
e>que region of the Old Dominion. but also
to the general cultivation and refinement of
its enlightened population: for he states il
rs II fact worthy of note. that the l"nded
proprietorS in the country around Charlottes-
vile, the seat Of the University Of Virginia,
a well as the county seat OF Albcmarle, are,
with few exceptions. gentlemen who have
brought to the practice of agriculture the
discipline and information derived from
liberal learning. Ii is thus shown that AGA
dcmic studies, besides dittusing grace over
the social life of the entire community that
share in their advantages, are hardly less
marked in the impress they make on the
practical pursuits connected with temporal
thrift and prosperity. The county Of Abe
MARIE by virtue of the educational iacill-
ties brought to its doors. and by the peculiar
felicity of its natural situation and resources,
may, perhaps claim in these respects u pre-
eminence over most other counties in Nlr-
giniu; but we are glad to know that in all
parts of the State there are encouraging -
kens of an agricultural REFORM which IL
much more productive and profitable Ill It's
working than any of the political reforms
that have heretofore too much engaged the
attention Of the people. To this effect, the
Richmond Enquirer, III a recent article de-
plor;ng the former want Of thrift and intel
ligence in Virginia hushandry. concludes its
remarks with some lust Fluctuations Oh the
signs of prosperity which now everywhere
greet the eye. We quote from the Enquirer,
of the 4th instant. as follows: MAI. im.
Virginia. when first trodden by the white
man, presented scenes of natural beauty
rarely surpassed i'll other regions Her
many noble rivers; her grand. picturesque,
beautiful mountain ranges her fertile soil.
and her luxurlant and magnificent forests,
emhroidcring the shores Of her bays and her
rivers, and clothing in beauty her fields and
her hills, and her mountains, presented Il
spectacle that filled the beholder with joy
and gladness, and lifted his soul in alteration
and gratitude to God, who had prepared this
residence for man.
But his gratitude was short-ived. or at
best exhibited itself in acts Of wanton waste
and spoiation. The fine forests were soon
tclled, frail and temporary dwellings and
enclosures erected, and the land subjected to
unskillful and eXhausting culture. Soon,
very soon. the over fertile soil was exhaust
ed, the dwellings and the enclosures diapi-
dated and docayed. and the roads impnSsa-
BILE from neglect Man had mnrred and dcs-
troycd all the beauties III nature, and erected
no useful or ornamental works of art. Home
had lost its charms, for it had become hide
Gus to contemplate. Emigration tended
from tidc-watcr Ia the mountain rcGlun.-
That exhausted, it pursued lis course further
wcst-to the Ohio. to the Mississippi to the
far Western prairirS, and finally to the PacI-
iic, improving nothing i'll lis course, but moy-
ing, consuming, and cxhaustin. everything
before it, like an army of locusts.
"A Migratory people may mistake the
love Of conquest, and the thirst for acqui>i-
ton Of territory. for patriotism but patriot
ism means love OF country, and they who
have little attachment I" home, have less to
country. for the former is the stronger feel
ing and hegets the latter
THE destructive and migratory habits II
Snit!iernrrS. were br,ottcn hy two causes.
The one. the chcapness and abundance ni
new lands: the other, and Tar more potent
cause, - false philosophy in politics and IN
social and political economy, whose lending
aud distinctive maxImS are, /" let alone.
every man for himself, the world Is too
much governed no Interference with, con
troll. direction, or protection OF private pur-
suits of industry by the State. This PHI
loSnphy having well nigh ruined the South,
within the last thirty years Il new school III
politics, under the lead Of Il new philosophy.
has arisen We call it q political school, be
cause it belongs especially IL neither p"Iltl-
cal party. but is composed Of much the lar
ger portions Of either The po.Nuthings,
the Ahstractionists, or ultra State.klShts
men. tof old, are now 50 few in number that
they are serious Y proposing I" throw N2"th-
s,m States rights and distractions to the
winds.
They had almost So Impoverished the
South, as to have left her no rights worth
fighting for. and so eufcebIed her Is to have
left her no strength with which to carry on
the contest
But all that is now changed, for the new
school of politics, under the lead Of Gov.
Wise. and thousands with like opinions,
have been successfully urging forward the
cause Of internal improvement, and Of Sou
thern development. physical and lnteilec-
tual, for the last twenty years. lnd'vld-
uals and State governments nave Wed with
each other in the various new directions
given 10 skill, industry, and enterprise
The WORKOUT fields are restored Il their pri-
lnitiyc fertility, durable enclosures and fine
dwellings adurn the country, whilst our
many growing towns and villages rcsounl