Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1860-01-12
Letters From a Farm

from following the tlmC-honOred occupation
Of the husbandman, he must necessarily go
to swell the already overlooking numbers of
the Professions.
However inconsistent this may appear at
first sight upon closer examination, we
shall find this supposition is not without
foundation.
Perhaps some will deem this rather bold
assertion, and the originators of such an idea
ignorant of the first principles Of an enlight-
ened community. This is not necessarily SO.
Ignorance may have something to do in the
matter, prejudice more, bnt to judge correct
ly, we must trace the effect to the cause and
it may not, perhaps, be thing to be wonder
cd at, in the end. The system of education,
as pursued generally at the present day, has
not mush direct tendency to the future occu
patton of the agriculturist. The farmers
son that has the advantage Of an academic
or collegiate education, may become familiar.
ly acquainted with the sciences, classics, &c,
but these, however necessary for general
education, have but limited bearing on his
future occupation, and it will be strange, if
before the period of graduation, he has not
turned his attention to another calling, where
he can bring into action his various acquire
ments
Another reason, that, perhaps, has more
direct tendency in this direction is, the false
notions, resulting from fashionable opinion in
relation to the farmer and tends to make
many look down upon the occupation, as of
very humble nature, and unworthy the atten-
ton of high-minded individuals. Such are
the dictates of fashion; such is public opin-
ion, and the young man that is thrown more
or less within this influence, finds himself
contrary to previous expectations, borne in
an opposite direction.
To find these ideas are not exaggerated,
please look at the Catalogues Of the different
Universities in our State, and note how large
portion of their numbers become farmers
] have been looking over the Catalogue of
Burlington College, and out Of Give hun
dred and Seventy-three members, that have
graduated at that institution, for fifty years,
ending 1854, only Fourteen" are "farmers,"
and of this number, nine reside in the State.
This is rather feeble comparison, but if it
docs not look better fifty years hence, why
there will not be SO many tarmers.-that's
all Having shown that the present system
of education is not essentially beneficial to
the farming community, because it does not
meet the necessity at home, but rather enfee-
bes instead in drawing the most promising
young men into other calings. We will
proceed to say a few words upon an educa-
ton of a more practical nature, which is cal
culated to remove the objections we have
spoken Of and to prove of incalculable bene-
fit to the agricultural community generally.
The kind of education to which we allude, is
that disseminated in Agricultural Schools and
Calleges.
The professional man would not think
moment of commencing in business until he
had made himself thoroughly conversant
with abe same, neither would a preparation
fereign to his professionprovc of itself of &C
tuaI benefit to hint must be practical
right-to-the-point education. The farmer has
in the back ground in this matter. He could
fit himself for lawyer, or a clergyman but
not on the same plan for his legitimate calling
However, this need not be the case many
years longer
If the people exert themselves to support
the bill of our State Senator, there will have
been good beginning in the matter. The
statement made by the Freeman that an ad-
dition be made to the colleges of our State,
for agricultural education, with the endow-
ment as provided in the bill, seems well
adapted to our CASE Lei Mr.. Morrill, DO
nobly sustained in his efforts for the general
welfare of the farming community, and |
think we should have something allied to
pride that this measure originated in the
Green Mountain State. Michigan has COL
lege of her own that promises to do well in
this direction, and other States are doing
likewise.
A few words in relation to the utility of
these colleges The education there obtained
is of an entirely practical nature, exactly
adapted to the wants of the farmer. Instead
of diverting the attention of the student
from the object had in view, the effect will
be quite to the contrary. Theory and prAc-
tice will 60 hand in hand, thus making it a
perfect school of principle and illustration.
1t will also serve to create an interest for the
occupation that might not otherwise be at
tanned. 1t will ennoble the occupation, and
the high-minded need not be ashamed of en-
gaging in the pursuit for want of dignity
But we would not limit man to this system
of education; but let him prepare himself as
Thoroughly as means or inclination dictate in