The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-03-17
An Appeal fer Agriculture.
ST.. CLOUD, March 4, 1859.

ST.. CLOUD, March 4, 1859.
Ts the Editors Of The Pioneer and Democrat
At time when agriculture had been
greatly neglected in Italy, on account Of
civil war, and new troubles were growing
up from want, the Emperor AUGUSTUS
encouraged VIRGIL to write his great epic
Of the Georges, or precepts on agriculture.
That act Of the illustrious ruler was . mark
OF his wise craftsmanship for the effect Of
VIRGL's charming delineation Of the COM
forts and advantages Of cultivsting the soil
turned the Romans with enthusiasm to en-.
gage in that noble employment. Italy soon
began to revive. Fruitful harvests clothed
the fields the hills were crowned with the
foliage Of the olive and the vine; and beau.
~ and plenty cheersd the whole land.
Every one who has seen the splendid
farming country, now almost entirely va
cant. from the Blue Earth valley to Otter
Tail Lake, must lament that there is not a
VIRGIL to inspire the people with greater
fondbess for agricultural pursuits, and to
point out the true happiness there is for
those who will choose a rustic home amid the
lake scenery Of our frontier.
There is such Q variety Of seenery-the
land is so finely divided with water, prairie
and hard wood timber, that il is hardly pos,
sible for art, however lavishly applied, to
add to its beauty. The lakes are clear and
deep, the prairies smooth as a lawn and
ready for the pillow, and the belt Of timber
and groves are generally free from under
brush. II We could imagine great estate
of an English nobleman, which has been un-
der liberal cultivation for more than cen
tury..; here for instance, a luxuriant field,
there vast park, we could not imagine q
picture more inviting and cheerful to behold
than the succession Of prairie, lake, and
grove, which in their natural condition,
make up that vast expanse of country.
The occupation Of these unoccupied lands
BY practical farmers, would contribute very
much TO the general wealth and prosperity
Of the State. believe there are great
many people in our large towns and villages,
whose interests would be best promoted by
their settlement upon the public lands ;
and it is to be hoped they WILL before sum.
mer comes, carefully consider the opportu-
mites before them, and make choice of ru-
raj home, while the chances are so favorable.
A thousand considerations might be urged
in favor Of the farmers life labor saving
inventions have changed his toll almost to
pastime. Connected with his business is the
profitable and interesting occupation Of
stock raising. The care Of his aocks affords
constant joy. He is more exempt than other
men from the evil effects of those revulsions
which periodically bring disaster upon mer-
camille and manufacturing communities. In
fact his security and independence, are pro-
verbal. More than this, agricultural busi-
ness should be encouraged, because 1t tends
to foster those virtues in men, upon which
the integrity and permanency Of our civil
institutions rest. Farming communities
are, generally, the most obedient TO law, the
most conservative, and the most INTEL gent.
"Of the Egyptians" says HERoDOrs, the
father Of History, chose who iDhabit that
part OF Egypt, rhioh rs sucn U,th torn, 10
that they cultivate the memory Of past
events more than any Other men, are the
best ,atormed OF ali with whom ! have had
intercourse" AGMcoLA.
Tue SLAVE TRADE-TBK USiTED STATES