Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1859-05-13
agricultural.
For the Waterman.
AGRICULTURAL AND LITERARY
ASSOCIATIONS.

aAA''N va 4 AC+''F
Mr. EDITOR Il desire, in this article, TO
present additional considerations relative TO
the Importance of forming these associations
in the various communities of our State. IL
is the iarthest possible from my design to adj
vocate what is not in the strictest sense prac-
teal ! have no sympathy or patience with
mere theories. however finely wrought, if UNI
founded in facts, and unadvised by the wants
and best interests of the people. Too much
time has been spent in specializing on this
subject. The times demanded something
practical some plan that is adapted to the
existing state Of things, and calculated to pro-
duoe results; and it is due the subject, than
which none is more intimately connected with
practical life; it is due the intelligence and
common sense Of the "solid men" of Yer
mont that such measures be recommended as
are consistent with facts, and therefore cal
culated 20 promote rather than hinder adj
vancement in this great mother-art of civil
cation Such convictions as these have in
duced me TO seek, first the real wants, and
secondly the best means of satisfying these
wants of the people.
1t is not the physical strength and endur-
auce of the Pioneer that is needed; for e.
nough of the forest has been levelled already.
1t is not gold merely that is needed, for, as
Shakespeare has it, "for this the overcareful
fathers have broke their sleep with thought,
their brain with care, their bones with indus
try, and enough OF wealth is the reward OF
their labors.
The parent and child. alike, need most OF
all the substantial benefits of intellectual and
moral culture. The practical farmer needs
some scientific knowledge. He must know
the composition of the soil he tills, and what
it needs in order to produce the most and
best of such and such grains He must know
the practical application of scientific facts, il
he would be a successful farmer at the present
day for our soil, unlike the rich alluvial OF
the western and southern States, needs en-
riching and judicious cultivation, before il
will yield an equivalent to the labor expend-
ed on it. 1t is labor guided and controlled
by intelligence and such alone, that is de-
manded in he rigorous climate and on the
peculiar soil Of Vermont.
The youth of the State whatever the bus
mess or profession they design to engage in,
need greater intellectual advantages, more OF
moral restraint. The powers of the mind
as well as the body, get strength and proper
development by action. Practical exercise
gives efficiency in whatever sphere of life, il
whatever calling or profession
What existing means is there at all ade-
quate to the demands of the case We have
no agricultural college, nor is agriculture
taught in our institutions to any considerable
extent. Few schools, and fewer towns hay,
associations which furnish opportunity, anC
st;,nulo,o tho rrac,;col exnrciea of tho intol
lect. We find in some places debating clubs
during the winter months. These are alway'
to be encouraged, but at present are generally
too indefinite in purpose, and not sufficiently
permanent in organization to answer the de
mand. Our State and County Agricultural
Associations are, at present. little else thar
public spectacles. If they serve TO stimulate
effort. they fail to furnish information and in
telligence to guide it into proper chanuels.-
We need some more available means, some
thing that will come home to the bushes
and bosoms of men, something that they vii
feel to be their own, and will be interested II
promoting. What. ! ask, under present cir
cumstancos. can better satisfy the immedat
necessity than associations uniting the effort
of both sexes of all ages and professions, i
the double object of mutual aud individual
improvement in and preparation for the dutic
of practical life We have the co-operatio
of age, with its wisdom and counsel, with tn
elastic yigor and hopeful enthusiasm of you'll
the Christening and stimulating influence
female society, the results of the experenc,
observation, reading aud thinking of thos
who engage in the intellectual contest of di,
cussion. What combination OF elements ca
be more happy, or more prophetic Of success
Shall not every town have such an associs
tom Each community needs one, and ough
not to do without it,
As to the exercises Of such an association
few general remarks will suffice for m
present purpose. A permanent organization
being effected, by adopting constitution an
bylaws suited to the circumstances, the assc
citation should then hold regular meeting
throughout the yeat-weekly during the wiz
ter, and monthly during the summer month";
The exercises should consist chiefly of di,
cussions, readings and declarations. Di,
erection in choosing the subjects of debate
of much importance. Whilst variety shoul
be sought, certain subjects should be avoide,
especially such as would lead to too warm
discussion of the differences Of party and sec
religious and political subjects can be discu
sed profitably if properly stated and right
conducted; agricultural topics should be FRI
quently discussed exercises in vocal and il
strumental music, essays, and other forms
composition, and other similar exercises shoul
be introduced at every regular meeting. lie,
lures, social interviews, and agricultural fail
would be among the occasional, but no LEI
important exercises of the association.
A sufficiently commodious hall, in son
convenient location, should be secured f
the meetings Of tho association. The san
room might serve also for reading-room an
library, IL circumstances advised il. BY a
means library should be commenced, an
some periodical literature secured as early
possible; and a reading-room, well supple
with good literature would be profitable
and very soon a iayoritc resort Of young mel
The exercises. then, may be divided into IL
neral divisions Of reading, writing an